The most recent RIBA President’s Debate proposed the motion Robots Are Tomorrow’s Architects. Invited speakers argued both sides of a 21st century debate about the future of architecture, posing questions regarding advances in technology which have long been recognised as a threat to manual labour. But now skilled jobs, including those in architecture, are at risk. Can we adapt to this new digital age or will we face the rise of the robots?

Chaired by Professor Flora Samuel, Chair of the RIBA Research and Innovation Group.

For the motion was Dale Sinclair, RIBA’s Ambassador for Collaboration and Technical, a Director of AECOM and CIC Board member; and Alastair Parvin, ‎Co-founder at WikiHouse Foundation.

Against the motion was Edmund Fowles, Feilden Fowles and Gillian Lambert, AOC Architecture, who advocated the value traditional methods of design and the in-depth thought processes that architects contribute to every project.

Charlie Bigham’s new food production and office facilities are progressing rapidly on site at Dulcote quarry.

More on the project here.

Brief write up published in the AJ on Carlisle planning triumph – “the most significant physical intervention on the site for more than 150 years”.

More project details here.

Feilden Fowles’ self-initiated studio project has been shortlisted for the AJ Small Projects Award.

Further details on the project here.

The feature talks about Feilden Fowles emergence following the 2008 recession and how the practice has carved a niche in community minded projects.
Read the full article here.

Carlisle Cathedral Fratry project has gained planning permission and CFCE permissions. This is a great triumph for the client and design team achieving consents for a project first conceived ten years ago. This is the first new building in the precinct for over 300 years and it replaces the west range of the cloister destroyed during the reformation.

The practice has made the final shortlist of 5 for the new Homerton College Dining Hall, Cambridge. This shortlist has been reduced from an initial 150 submissions from around Europe and marks the growing recognition of the practices approach and design credentials. The interview will be in January with the successful team being announced in February.

Our largest London project to date, two new town houses in Notting Hill has gained planning permission. The pair of homes replace a semi-derelict, post war terrace and will meet the highest environmental standards. The design draws reference from the unique early Victorian setting at the heart of the Ladbroke Conservation area.

The practice has just moved into their new studio, designed and funded by the practice and co-located on London’s most central city farm at the southern end of Westminster Bridge. The studio embodies our values of efficiency, beauty and function and will facilitate the practices steady growth and ambition.