Nicholas Humes awarded R.I.B.A Foster + Partners Young Architects Bursary

Focusing on the theme of ‘Architecture and Identity’ the two-day event was held at Richard Rogers’s Hesperia Tower Hotel. finishing with a receptionat Mies van der Rohe’s modernist Barcelona Pavilion.
The RIBA International Conference examined how architecture can suppress the local vernacular in favour of a global style. It proposed that increasing environmental concerns might mean a return to the vernacular, while questioning whether globalised architecture can be sustainable. Also looked at the issue of architecture as branding and the ways in which cities have benefited from landmark buildings, not only in terms of profile but also identity. It will also examine heritage issues in this context, asking what the impact of globalisation will be on our historic buildings and cities. Speakers throughout the two days will address the emergence of European and International identities, examining the ways in which international architects can stimulate the organic growth and regeneration of cities across the world.
Speakers included: Herman Hertzberger ( Architectuurstudio HH), Robert Adam (Robert Adam Architects), Alison Brooks (Alison Brooks Architects), David Chipperfield (David Chipperfield Architects), Alejandro Zaera Polo (Foreign Office Architects), Louisa Hutton (Sauerbruch Hutton Architects), David Mackay (MBM Arquitectes), Jürgen Mayer (Jürgen Mayer H. Architects), Professor Joseph Rykwert and Ken Yeang (Llewelyn Davies Yeang Architects).
Architectural students and architects aged 30 and under from the UK and overseas were given the chance to apply and 25 were selected.