Jim Saker opens this session, with his presentation “Adaptable Futures - Is it the Future?”. Starting with an apology on behalf of the motor industry, Saker explains his background and as an architectural outsider provides an interesting take on the parallels between the two fields. Quotes from a Jeremy Till book, replacing the word architecture with the motor industry, and the similarities become obvious and show that architecture can learn from other industries. Examples of how the motor industry builds in adaptability, production techniques that allow a range of design options from one chassis. He points out the current relatively short relationship between architect and building - build, photograph, leave. Certainly is an interesting parallel, customers of the motor trade expect maintenance and an ongoing relationship - how many clients stay in contact with their architect after the signing off of a build?
http://www.lboro.ac.uk/departments/bs/staff/msjms.html

Keith Bradley of FCBS presents a history of their studio culture. There is such a thing as a free lunch. Emphasis on the studio culture and social development of the practice, from office lunches to away days. Encouragement of individual studios within the practice to develop their own manifestos, ideas and working strategies, but then bringing that together in the publication of research and the completion of projects. “Every man or no man”
http://www.fcbstudios.com/

Harriet Harriss discusses her fledgling doctoral research project “The Taxonomy & Transposition of Architectural Knowledge”. Examining the DNA of architecture and comparing its evolution to cell mutations. She suggests architects are at their most creative at the brief formation stage - this is where new ideas are generated and architects can most influence the design. Raises the question of the commercial value of architecture and where architects can best apply their skills to give maximum value. Invited feedback, may form basis for the world’s first architectural MBA.
http://www.harrietharriss.com/

The Panel

In the following Q&A session, Keith Bradley answered the difficult question of how to recession proof a practice, suggesting the creation of work through becoming involved in development, brief writing (linking to Harriss’ presentation), and looking at where architects can exercise more influence over the built environment. Also commented on the need to respond flexibly to the huge shifts in workload that come with the economic cycle. In response to another question, Bradley calls on the RIBA, CABE etc to look at the enormous amount of work that is done on a speculative basis for competition submissions. Jim Saker reemphasises the need to add value, those who don’t add value, don’t survive.

Break for lunch. RIBA sandwiches.