In light of the recent discussions on the housing and property crisis in the UK, it is time to draw attention to the fact that there has been little mention of the architects and designers, without whose services much development and construction work would not be possible. The time has come for architects and designers take back the power which comes with their knowledge and design abilities. What type of architecture would emerge if architects were to act according to an ethical code? Would an open and transparent planning process create opportunities for architects to design ethically ? What could this alternative be?
Concrete Action is an independent network of professionals working in architecture and related industries. Concrete Action believe that it is possible for the city to undergo improvement whilst retaining the fabric of existing buildings and diverse communities and providing decent homes and public spaces. Concreteaction.net
Finn Williams is an architect-turned-planner based in London. He is the founder of public sector planning thinktank NOVUS and independent research platform Common Office. Finn is currently developing a not-for-profit agency to place entrepreneurial designers in local authority planning departments. @commonoffice
Geraldine Dening is part of Architects for Social housing. ASH has been set up to respond architecturally to London's housing crisis. It is a collective of architects, urban designers, engineers, planners, building industry consultants, academics, theatre directors, photographers, writers and housing activists.
Daniel Fernández Pascual is a spatial practitioner based out of London. Currently he is a PhD candidate at CRA, Goldsmiths University of London, investigating legal fictions, territorial circumventions, and blurry zones within the housing crisis. In 2010 he founded deconcrete and since 2013 he is one half of Cooking Sections.