A call for more city architects  

City architects could help generate millions of pounds of extra funds for local authorities and add hundreds of new homes, according to the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA).

The organisation has published a new report calling for the introduction of city architects across England.

A city architect is a chartered architect who plays a strategic role in shaping the built environment within the region they cover.

Their role is to guide and oversee the architectural and urban quality of developments, with a focus on quality, sustainability and the creation of places that contribute positively to the lives of current and future generations.

RIBA’s research highlights the potential of city architects to significantly improve the quality and sustainability of homes, places and infrastructure, speed up delivery and unlock associated gains to the nation’s health and economy.

And the report proposes a three-year pilot programme to embed design expertise and leadership in existing combined authorities.

The report uses the example of the Greater Manchester Combined Authority (GMCA) to model the impact of the policy.

Results showed a city architect could generate £47.6 million in total additional value to the GMCA over a three-year period.

This estimate is based on a conservative projection of a one per cent increase in housebuilding capacity – resulting in an additional 42 homes over three years, nearly £1 million in extra tax revenue, and £4.4 million in additional Gross Value Added (GVA) for the Greater Manchester area.

Extrapolated across the country, this could amount to hundreds of new homes and millions in local revenue generated in areas across England.

This echoes research by British Land and WPI Economics, which estimated that better designed cities could save the UK economy £15.3 billion by 2050.

In this country, city architects have historically played a significant part in creating high-quality homes and places that provide substantial public benefit.

From spacious, well-lit social housing to inclusive and innovative approaches to public space, we still experience the results that come from investment in the design of our cities, towns and villages.

Through optimising characteristics such as connectivity and walkability, mixed-use design, proximity to amenities and access to communal spaces, a new generation of city architects is well-placed to proactively improve the places we live in.

Chris Williamson, RIBA president, said: “At a time of ambitious housebuilding, we’re at severe risk of pushing for quantity at the expense of quality.

“Instituting strong design leadership offers a way to ensure our built environment positively impacts our day-to-day lives.

“Well-designed places are not a luxury but a public good. They shape health and well-being and generate growth.

“If we are serious about delivering new places, new homes, and thriving communities, we must take significant steps to reverse the slow, avoidable decline of our cities and towns.

“With evidence showing that, across Europe and beyond, city architects improve the quality of the built environment, embedding city architects at the heart of decision-making across England is clearly a key part of the solution.

“We look forward to working with the government and local leaders to help to deliver city architects and support all of England’s regions to thrive.”