Alternative Methods of Architecture.
Alternative methods of Architectural Practice have apparently been at the forefront of Architectural discussion since the publication of ‘The Future for Architects’ report by the RIBA in 2011 – 2012. The problem is however historic.
The Historical Problem
It should be noted that this problem dates back to the time of the book that established western architecture. ‘De Architectura’ contains reference to the issues the unknown author has of earning a living as an Architect.
‘Owing to this favour I need have no fear of want to the end of my life…’
‘De Architectura’. Book 1. The Ten Books on Architecture Translated by Morris Hicky Morgan, Harvard Univ. Press,
London: Humphrey Milford, Oxford University Press 1914. Date and location Rome. approx. 27 BC.
‘But for my part, Caesar, I have never been eager to make money by my art, but have gone on the principle that slender means and a good reputation are preferable to wealth and disrepute…’
‘De Architectura’. Book 6. The Ten Books on Architecture Translated by Morris Hicky Morgan, Harvard Univ. Press,
London: Humphrey Milford, Oxford University Press 1914. Date and location. Rome. approx. 27 BC.
The earliest Architects worked for patrons and in turn were patrons to other construction trades. They were, as the original translation of the term ‘Architect’ suggests, ‘Chief Builders’.
The profession of Architecture then moved into a more literate society and condensed into a role based purely on the construction of buildings.
This caused it to become introverted and specialized.
This change was also reflected in the pre-occupation with fee earning potential as consumerism established itself.
Here is a timeline of fee methods for architects.
1872 to 1982 Fixed fee scales.
1978-1990 Mandatory fee scales, then recommended fee scales then indicative fee scales.
1980-1990 Fee bidding
1990-2003 Percentage fees 0% to 11% of construction cost.
2008 A report indicated a reduction in demand for architects services of 40%.
Source: ‘The future for Architects’. RIBA
2012 A survey suggested that the majority of fees paid to architects accounted for 4%
Source: Building Design survey Architects demand return of fee scales29 November 2012 By David Rogers
The conclusion of the fee earning debate was that the profession of Architecture had to diversify, retrain, and adapt to establish new areas of employment.
There are other conclusions however from this timeline and the references in ‘De Architectura’
First that the profession has been always trying to reach economic stability.
Secondly that the profession has evolved in a retrogressive economic manner since its inception in the books of ‘De Architectura’ because it has split into separate military, marine, timepiece, construction and recently software disciplines. These have sub-divided into inception, project management, design, supervision, inspection and consultancy roles.
Third that the profession cannot obtain the work or claim the percentage of fees available to its founders by further diversification.
Finally, that in terms of knowledge the profession is equalled only in its associated sciences. It has never stopped developing its knowledge of aesthetics, people, environment, materials, machinery, and above all possibility.
Current Income Strategies
Work for another Architectural Practice on a salary and save as much as you can.
Work for another Architectural Practice part time and save as much as you can.
Work for a property company on a salary or retainer as a consultant and save as much as you can.
Work for a product company on a salary or retainer as a consultant and save as much as you can.
Obtain a teaching post and use it to supplement your work salary and save as much as you can.
Obtain grant funded research work and save as much as you can.
Write articles for a commission and save as much as you can.
Reduce the amount of Architectural Service you carry out to reduce the production costs, insurance costs, office and equipment costs as much as possible.
Carry out no Architectural Services. Produce Ideas for Architecture for others to develop.
Work for political dictators to build constantly for no fee but for food, water, shelter and prestige.
Go onto Welfare Benefits and save as much as you can. Approx. 60,000,000 people in Britain, 20,300,000 families are dependent on Welfare.
The Current Consumerist Solution
Get a bank loan to live off based on your ‘work load’ value of ongoing work. Plan a payback strategy for the bank loan based on the fee timescales.
Running a business by debt is the way in which Britain has been run since the founding of the Bank of England in 1692-1694.
Debt is regarded as money in a consumerist economy since it is a sign, a symbol, onto which other human interactions, needs, values, qualities, beauty, cultures and society can be formed. It is in that sense an Architecture.
If debt was removed then the incentives for the population would need to be re-established.
A consumer, in debt to a bank, is a ‘good customer’ since the bank are assured of receiving payments from them and so causing them to take out more loans, make repayments and so cause economic growth.
2007 and Beyond. Depletion Economics.
The consumerist philosophy is ending following the economic failures of 2007 to 2010 when the World Bank system accrued too much debt to sustain value.
This has reduced the ability of the general public to pay for Architecture.
The depletion of the world energy, resource and environments will also cause a review of the means of earning a living from the profession.
It is likely that the progression to a complete depletion - welfare economy will continue.
This will cause the amount of actual money in the economy to be established and adapted to match population increases and environmental change.
Therefore Architects must adapt to obtain a living wage from the profession.
The adaption will be through the reduction in services. Eventually Architects will only produce ideas, responses to problems facing society.
Architecture will become a repository of response solutions to the society it serves.
Ian K Whittaker
My websites:
https://sites.google.com/site/architecturearticles
Email: iankwhittaker@gmail.com
25/07/2014
14/10/2020
1018 words over 3 pages