Elite Core of Architects Should Make Planning Decisions

Amanda Levete argues that the planning process in the U.K. should be taken out of the hands of government and public process and handed to a panel of qualified architects.

1 minute read

January 25, 2010, 9:00 AM PST

By Tim Halbur

Britain's planning process is broken, says Levete, and 'experience, talent and intellect' should be allowed to decide over democratic process when it comes to what gets built.

Levete writes, "As it stands, planning officers make a recommendation to councillors who are certainly not elected on the basis of their knowledge, education or experience in the field of design. The councillors have the power to overturn the considered opinion of their officers. You can call this local democracy and power to the people, but democracy is not an end in itself, particularly when it is used for party advantage, and in doing so misses the big picture and bigger opportunities."

FULL STORY: Amanda Levete: why architects know best

Friday, January 22, 2010 in Building

Architecture Government / Politics United Kingdom Planning Process

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching. Mary G., Urban Planner

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching.

Mary G., Urban Planner

Get top-rated, practical training

Start Learning

Advertise with us

Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools

This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.