Reflections on Birmingham

Hi Readers,

From the number of views on this blog over the past few days it looks like there might actually be some of you that are reading it as opposed to just being scanned by robots, and I would welcome any comments about any of the subjects that I am discussing. I have just published my first book that is essentially a journey over 25 years documenting the change that has occurred and is continuing to occur in our cities and the role that architecture has in shaping them and guiding the process of change. 

Birmingham is a city that has become my adopted hometown, as I have studied, lived and worked in the city for 17 years. From arriving as a first year student in 1993 to commence the BA Hons in Architecture, to qualify RIBA part 1, studying elements of the city for the many projects that were set on specific areas that were the result of Herbert Manzoni's plan to modernise the city centre in the 1960s, through Post Graduate Diploma in Architecture that qualifies RIBA Part 2, Diploma in Professional Studies in Architecture that qualifies RIBA Part 3 to completing an MA in Architecture Design and Theory in 2003, which is where the term 'Beneath the Surface of Architecture' derives its name, then continuing to be involved in the educational process as a visiting tutor at the Birmingham School of Architecture. The studies have revealed that the city is a dynamic object, a living organism, always changing, developing, learning. There are elements of the city that are explored in the story that no longer exist, there are elements that were never built although they seemed real at the time that masterplans were being developed.  As architects we are part of the process of bringing about change whether we realise it or not, the legacy of our work is what people will live with, associate with the identity of the city, love or hate and Birmingham has had its fair share of both. 

I have not been to Birmingham for 2 years and am always excited to return whether it is for a specific event, visit friends or just experience the vibe of the constantly changing environment, the journey never ends, the learning never ends and the opportunity to learn something new is fascinating. You can read the full story here: 

Architect’s Journey of Self-Discovery Unfolds in New Memoir http://govoc.us/AAC7xX via @PRWeb