We got the Olympics.
Oh my. Us design-types have a secure employment future, thanks to London's winning the 1012 Olympics. Having been involved with much of the behind-the-scenes stuff on this before I came to Alabama, I think I'm pleased...but hope desperately that we don't do another very British f***-up. But at least architects and, erm, consultants like me (how I hate that term! I'm going to do a Hilary Cottam and call myself a designer!) will have plenty of work around to divvy up or fight over...
More seriously, I hope this starts a real push for good design in the Thames Gateway - and forces us to produce a quality that might not otherwise happen. After all, it would be embarrassing to house the world's top athletes in Wimpy homes. And I hope it doesn't have the opposite effect - that of holding local authorities over a barrel, so desperate to complete everything that needs to happen in time that they accept any old crap from the housebuilders.
More seriously, I hope this starts a real push for good design in the Thames Gateway - and forces us to produce a quality that might not otherwise happen. After all, it would be embarrassing to house the world's top athletes in Wimpy homes. And I hope it doesn't have the opposite effect - that of holding local authorities over a barrel, so desperate to complete everything that needs to happen in time that they accept any old crap from the housebuilders.
Comments
Interestingly, on a recent project 'winning the olympic bid' was an item on the risk register - it was clasified as high risk, but very unlikely!!!!! Nice one!
Skills shortages I could not agree more about and inflation, well we can't do anything about that. But maybe (lets be optimistic) the increased prominence and perception of a market upturn in the building industry as a result of this will lead to more people developing skills in this area...and let's hope they do so fast!