A SOCIAL & HUMANISTIC APPROACH TO UK DESIGN & ARCHITECTURE
The UK has an enviable international reputation for design which is exciting, insightful, progressive and well-principled. But what does Great British Architecture look like? And what values inform the designs of leading UK architects for the coming decade?
Feilden Clegg Bradley Studios is an architecture and urban design practice based in London, which for 40 years has taken a social and humanistic approach to design with environmental responsibility at the heart of the practice. Its work has been recognised by 50 awards from the Royal Institute of British Architects, including the coveted Stirling Prize. Indeed, in answering the question ‘What does Great British Architecture look like?’ Rory Olcayto, Editor of Architects’ Journal said “Pretty much anything by Feilden Clegg Bradley. And that’s a fact.”
FCBStudios is built on a reputation for design quality, pioneering environmental expertise and a progressive architectural approach across cultural, education, housing and heritage projects.
Their version of ‘Great British design’ is rooted in a response to the unique heritage of place and its communities – be it university and schools campuses, arts buildings or residential developments.
Having won the Europa Nostra Prize for the restoration of Middleport Pottery for the Prince’s Regeneration Trust, the practice’s reputation for sensitive cultural heritage projects is well deserved.
The cultural character of an area is often determined by its history, heritage and people. By working within existing communities and contexts, new developments can enhance or adapt the character of the places around them in an act of cultural regeneration.
The ‘arrested decay’ approach to the regeneration of London’s Alexandra Palace has breathed new life into a much-loved cultural icon, integrating a new technical infrastructure within its unique historic character and inviting a new generation to experience the building and its broad programme of events.
Heritage also includes ‘Modern’ movement buildings. FCBStudios’ masterplan and subsequent refurbishment of the Southbank Centre’s Hayward Gallery and Queen Elizabeth Hall celebrates the existing buildings and the optimism of their Brutalist designers. Their renewal enhances the experiences of visitors, performers and passers-by and celebrates the unique role of Southbank Centre in London’s contemporary cultural life.
Accordia in Cambridge is widely regarded as setting a new benchmark for large scale housing in the UK. In designing a desirable place to live that creatively blends houses with landscape in the form of private gardens and high quality public and communal spaces, FCBStudios created a neighbourhood where residents quickly developed connections, and demonstrate high levels of wellbeing and community. More urban current developments in London and Manchester are creating high density housing whose character is sustainable, social and connected.
Whilst working with the architecture of the past and the present, FCBStudios continues to have its eye firmly on the future. Since the beginning, it has been recognised as a pioneer of environmental design and was awarded the first ever Queen’s Award for Sustainable Development. In 2013 FCBStudios designed the first BRE ‘Outstanding’ rated building in China.
FCBStudios is one of the founding signatories to the ‘Architects Declare’ movement and is leading climate change initiatives within the practice and as part of the national response.
Founding Partner Peter Clegg says: “When we started the practice we were determined to do things differently. As individuals, we can all make a difference, but if we can collaborate and work together with our clients, our teams and our colleagues, sharing our knowledge and experience, that difference can be multiplied exponentially.”
