Learn/ RIBA Research Symposium 2010: Does beauty matter?/ 23 September 2010

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General Information

Does beauty matter?

The fifth annual RIBA Research Symposium will address one of the basic principles of architecture: beauty. It is both a universal good and an enduring source of controversy, but what does it really mean?

Architecture is often judged on its success in creating beauty, yet beauty can also be a slippery, uncomfortable and divisive subject. As a society we are uneasy about discussing beauty, both on an individual and a professional level. The word rarely features in modern political discourse, and the concept can be dismissed as arbitrary, subjective, unnecessary, unaffordable, or elitist. Debates purporting to be about the beauty of the built
environment often turn out, on closer inspection, to be about style, taste or political symbolism.

So how can beauty be both understood and applied? Do beauty and wealth go hand in hand, and if so why? Do we need our places to be more beautiful, and what would happen if they were? Can we value beauty, measure it or define its role in policy? Can anyone hoping to be taken seriously argue in favour of beauty? And what is the responsibility of the architect?

The symposium will tackle the significance and function of beauty today. Delegates will debate with architects, developers, community activists and politicians, informed by new research. High profile contributors will bring their varied perspectives to bear on the future of beauty, and the implications of beauty in our society.

Keynote speaker
John Gummer

Chairs
Phillip Blond
Albert Taylor

Speakers
John Andrews
Irena Bauman
Tom Bolton
John Calcutt
Sue Clifford
Sarah Featherstone
Eric Parry
Pam Warhurst

You can find out more about the RIBA here

Ticketing Information

Ticket prices (VAT, lunch included)
Non-RIBA members £120
RIBA members £100
Students £30

Contact Information

Bethany Winning

email research@inst.riba.org or call 020 7307 3714