London Metropolitan University Department of Architecture and Spatial Design ADP023N Advocacy: Practice Beyond Aesthetics Alec Borrill 07027752
Community Consultation and Consideration; the ripple effects of development In this essay I aim to research and consider the role of an architect and the duty of care they had concerning community involvement and consultation in a controversial development within the east end of London. The project I will be examining is the re-development of the Spitalfields market site, on the fringe between the City of London and one of the poorest and deprived County Council’s in Britain, the borough of Tower Hamlets. The issues confronted within the 17 years of development opposition set the foundation for a strong argument against the proposals, which reached practical completed in 2005. I wish to look at the options the site had and compare the built design by Fosters + Partners and how the concerns it generated were dealt with, taking into particular consideration conforming to the RIBA Code of Professional Conduct 3.1. I am also intrigued as to the exact role of Will Alsop’s involvement on behalf of the action group Spitalfields Market Under Threat (SMUT). His choice to act on behalf of the opposition campaign to the proposed scheme implies a public architectural criticism of the Foster project; something frowned upon within the architectural profession and community. I am interested in looking at the different ideas each of the architects had, and as a realistic proposal, considering the likelihood of what the different outcomes would offer. For example, as a recognised, high profile architect whom supported the cause would Alsop’s role been better acted out on behalf of the SMUT opposition movement as an architectural ambassador to the opposition group, rather than proposing an entirely new conceptual building for the site? There is also the valid opinion that Spitalfields, as an area, is a constantly changing environment, and development follows demand; as it has done for hundreds of years in this, and most parts of London. Therefore is any development simply part of the long time-line of past and future events that has formed this region of the city?