Mayor Of London Identifies New Faces To Help Diversify Architecture In City

As part of plans to diversify architecture and design in London, Mayor Sadiq Khan recently unveiled a panel of architects that will enact the Architecture and Urbanism (A+U) framework for future public sector projects that are to be built. 

The new framework will take over from the Architecture Design and Urbanism Panel 2 (ADUP2) formed in 2018. 65 new suppliers have been added to the list, wherein more than half belong to ‘diverse-led’ enterprises.

This means 57% of the businesses that will provide high-quality architecture and urban planning design have at least half of its leadership identify as female, Black, Asian, Minority Ethnic, disabled, and/or members of the LGBTQIA+ community.

Furthermore, all successful applicants to the framework were found to be able to support an equitable recovery since the pandemic, design for net zero, boost the economy, and come up with inclusive designs that helped the community.

In total, the A+U Framework is segmented into 10 lots, ranging from spatial policy and research to sustainable cities, landscape and public realm, cultural and social infrastructure, and even transport design—covering all facets of modern life.

“The launch of the new Architecture and Urbanism Framework is an important step towards London’s recovery from the pandemic and the creation of a better, greener, more sustainable London for all,” said Jules Pipe, Deputy Mayor for Planning, Regeneration, and Skills.

“It’s crucial that those involved in the transformation of London are representative of all who live here, which is why the Mayor and I are pleased to see such a diverse range of practitioners with high-quality skills.”

Head here for the full list of successful applicants.

[via Architects’ Journal and Mayor of London, cover image via Tomas1111 | Dreamstime.com]