This module seeks to explore the topic of constructing sustainable communities in a broad and practical way. It applies an ethical lens, looking at the role of the architect and their duty to society. The module takes a broad definition of sustainability, considering finances, society and the environment. The module aims to provide some context and background before then seeking to establish some working definitions and a common language for meaningfully exploring the practical considerations for constructing sustainable communities. With some coverage of the legal, regulatory and deontological context, the module then dives into real world case studies – discussing possible barriers and obstacles to constructing sustainable communities, and also exploring successful examples in practice. The case studies highlight key aspects of the role of the architect, but also the role of the client and the role of the community in such projects. The module aims to provoke thought and discussion, while providing some useful insight and resources to help facilitate and support others in their own practice.

Alasdair Ben Dixon 

Alasdair is a founding partner of Collective Works, coordinator of the Architects Climate Action Network, and member of the Architects Declare steering group. Alasdair has a long-held commitment to finding a better way for architects to balance the needs of the wider community with the needs of their clients & stakeholders. During his career he has balanced ethical demands within an established practice, an architectural charity and whilst running a small practice.
Alasdair was a member of RIBA Ethics and Sustainable Development Commission, which offered recommendations on how the built environment can best reflect and engage with the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals. Since the Commission he has delivered CPD on Ethical Practice both through RIBA and independently for universities across the country. Notable projects that he’s completed include the Brixton Remakery and the RISE Temporary Theatre in Waterloo. 

Carys Rowlands  

Carys Rowlands is a barrister (unregistered) and Head of Registration & CPD at RICS. She is former Head of Professional Standards at RIBA. Carys’ work for RIBA involved professional conduct issues, dispute resolution services, specialist accreditation, conservation and heritage, and ethics in architectural practice. Carys has written publications in collaboration with the UN Global Compact titled ‘The UN Sustainable Development Goals in Practice’, ‘Ethics in Architectural Practice’ and ‘A Decade of Action’ and has worked closely with other professional bodies and external stakeholders to raise standards of practice and behaviour across the built environment sector. She was also the staff lead for RIBA Ethics and Sustainable Development Commission.  Carys is passionate about raising standards of professionalism and driving forward ethical decision-making and practice through debate and discussion. She has delivered CPD on ethical practice for RIBA and independently for universities and schools of architecture.

Elisa Engel  

Elisa is a co-founder of London based practice Citizen Architects, a member of consulting collective Open Eyes, and a Trustee of Architecture for Humanity UK. In addition to being a fully qualified Architect with decades of experience, she holds a Graduate Diploma in Development Practices. She has lectured at universities in the UK and abroad and is currently a visiting lecturer at the University of the Arts in Linz, Austria. In her teaching, she has a particular interest in sensitising emerging architects to the ethical responsibilities of their profession. She runs a module on Social Entrepreneurship at Postgraduate level as well as leading a design studio navigating the complexities of low-income housing delivery in Botswana. Elisa ‘s work with Citizen Architects specialises in community interest projects both in London and in sub-Saharan Africa.

Core Curriculum

•  Architecture for social purpose