BD spoke to some of the biggest names and delved into many of the most critical issues facing architecture this year - take a closer look at the most read articles

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Architecture is an industry full of larger-than-life characters with stories to tell.

From veterans of the industry, to leaders charged with driving reform, BD spoke to many of the key players.

Tom Lowe spoke to Thomas Heatherwick about his plans for banning ‘boring’ architecture. 

Meanwhile, Ben Flatman interviewed RIBA Gold Medal winner Yasmeen Lari and took a critical look at the proposed Liverpool Street redevelopment.

Below are a handful of the top-read features and interviews from BD in 2023.

Take a look for yourself.

Pierre de Meuron on Liverpool Street station, Paris’ Triangle and dealing with criticism

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As the Royal Academy prepares to celebrate Herzog & de Meuron’s legacy, here is a rare insight into the pair’s working relationship and how they are handling the backlash on two high profile projects.

‘Who are we designing for?’ Thomas Heatherwick wonders why buildings have become so boring

Tom Campbell

In this exclusive interview, the Heatherwick Studio founder outlines the philosophy behind his new campaign to put the soul back into building design. Photography by Tom Campbell.

‘How do I open up the field for others?’ Yasmeen Lari on winning her Royal Gold Medal

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Source: Ben Flatman

Ben Flatman speaks to Yasmeen Lari about her latest award, her career of three parts and what she plans to do next.

‘Nobody believes them anymore’… HOK’s Daniel Hajjar on what is wrong with UK politics and the planning system

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Source: HOK

After 20 years in the Middle East, Daniel Hajjar moved to the UK, where, eight years on, he finds the political ‘flakiness’ of the country has made it an infuriating place to build. Thomas Lowe reports.

The proposed Liverpool Street redevelopment may be ‘bonkers’ but it’s not without precedent

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Railway companies have been selling the space above stations for decades. Ben Flatman looks at some previous air rights developments.

Malcolm Reading: making the case for architectural competitions

Hugh Brouhgton Architects

Malcolm Reading is still flying the flag for British architecture and architectural competitions, writes Ben Flatman.

What does the HS2 decision mean for Manchester and the North-west?

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Rishi Sunak last month cancelled the Manchester leg of HS2. Here Ben Flatman talks to industry leaders about what the decision means for the city.

How a team including LDA, Bell Phillips, DMA and Mae are writing a new chapter in Westminster’s council housing story

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Source: Westminster City Council

In a London borough once beset by council housing controversy, a quiet revolution is underway.

‘I don’t seek permission, I ask for forgiveness’ – Muyiwa Oki on his plans for his RIBA presidency

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Source: Tom Campbell

RIBA’s first black president - and its youngest - did not tell his bosses at Mace that he was running for the role. He is someone who wants to do things his own way, but how much will his promises to shake up the 188-year-old institute run up against its strict processes?

Chris Lee on stadium design and how he’s keeping Populous’s strategy simple

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The boss of the go-to sports and entertainment architect speaks to Dave Rogers about why business has never been better and what makes a good stadium.

 

 

The Phoenix, Lewes: ‘This is how we will have to build in the future’

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Source: Human Nature with Periscope

Can developer Human Nature and a team including Ash Sakula and Mæ help reshape UK housing? Ben Flatman reports from East Sussex.

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