We need to talk

摘要

Last year was tough for many, for many different reasons. The world of architecture sadly lost a number of key figures, all of whom had been closely connected with the RIBA during their careers. In October Owen Luder - the brutalist architect and twice RIBA President. In November Oriol Bohigas of MBM - whose practice was heavily involved in the urban renaissance of Barcelona, leading to the city's receipt of the 1999 Royal Gold Medal. In December we lost Chris Wilkinson - whose practice won the Stirling Prize twice, and Richard Rogers - whose practice did the same, while he himself won many personal awards including the Royal Gold Medal. As I write this column I also learn of the passing of Max Fordham, another visionary who will be remembered as a pioneer of sustainable design and engineering.