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president calls for more openness to other cultures and traditions 21/02/2008 One of the UK's most eminent architects, Sunand Prasad, President of the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA), visited Birmingham on 18 February.
At an event hosted by Birmingham and London law firm Martineau Johnson, the President addressed an invited audience of developers, banks, universities, local authorities and design consultants and shared with them his views about the role of the architectural profession in a multicultural society.
In a wide ranging and incisive speech, Mr Prasad argued that society has radically and irreversibly changed. He said that the multi-cultural society is not an option but is a fact to be celebrated.
Mr Prasad also had some robust advice for the public sector, arguing that local democracy must continue its revival. "It is already on the revival path, especially in cities such as Birmingham, Manchester and London," he said.
As the first ever President of RIBA from an ethnic minority background - Mr Prasad was born in North India and moved to London at the age of 12 - he had some forthright views on race and society.
He said that social class, financial means and the world's view of one's parents are still overwhelmingly the factors which most influence a young person's life chances.
"Research has shown that more people disadvantaged through earnings or ethnicity are now entering the design and construction professions but too many find it difficult to progress.
"Openness to experience and to other cultures and traditions will help to stimulate new and attractive design solutions for the regeneration of our cities," he added.
The event was chaired by Paul Mountain, Head of Construction at Martineau Johnson and a regeneration specialist. Mr Mountain said: "The atmosphere at the event was enthusiastic and responses to Sunand's comments were overwhelmingly supportive.
"The President laid down challenges to the design professions, the construction industry, the education sector and the politicians, but he did so in a persuasive way.
"Martineau Johnson is rising to these challenges, both as a matter of business development and corporate social responsibility, particularly with the hugely varied work we do in the regeneration and education sectors."
For further information please contact Paul Mountain on
paul.mountain@martineau-uk.com |
