Ethics
22nd January 2019
To most people “ethics” comes down a choice, a compromise in terms of an informed decision. In practice, it is important to constantly and regularly relate to the ethical implications of the architectural product or process.
Ethics as such is lacking clear definitions, but essentially it is revolving around values or a set of values, throughout all construction stages. It is a wide responsibility for several parties. A useful way to approach this subject would be to encourage debates in the office to offer opportunities to reflect on the topic.
Ethics is also important for Architecture as large scale branding/marketing, as values and ethos are key factors for any office which aims to express its position in the industry.
Ethics and Politics are common friends, but the question of whether Architecture should or should not be political is inherent in this debate. For example, is designing for an oppressive regime acceptable practice? Should architects always make a stand and refuse these bids?
Excerpt from Spatial Agency (book):
Spatial Agency is a project that presents a new way of looking at how buildings and space can be produced. Moving away from architecture's traditional focus on the look and making of buildings, Spatial Agency proposes a much more expansive field of opportunities in which architects and non-architects can operate. It suggests other ways of doing architecture.
In the spirit of Cedric Price the project started with the belief that a building is not necessarily the best solution to a spatial problem. The project attempts to uncover a second history of architecture, one that moves sharply away from the figure of the architect as individual hero, and replaces it with a much more collaborative approach in which agents act with, and on behalf of, others.
from: https://www.spatialagency.net/
Social or Environmental Debates:
Housing vs Climate (Planet vs Homeless) - these are guiding principles where maybe profit and commercial goals need to step aside for the benefit of a larger whole. Architects are not fully responsible for solving homelessness or climate change, but we have a key voice as construction is a major player in these urgent debates.
Codes
ARB - Code of Conduct
The ARB’s primary task is to determine the amount of risk the offender is to the public. As such ARB acts as a consumer rights agency effectively.
UPC - Unacceptable Professional Conduct
SPI - Serious Professional Incompetence
Difference between UPC and SPI?
PCC (Professional Consultant Certificate) = Architect issuing a warranty of being designed to a good standard (up to 6 years)
Seek improved competence
Mitigation, Aggrevation, Reputation of Profession
ARB Consequence Procedure
Reprimand
Fine
2 year Suspension
Erasure