AT: Architecture shapes our emotions and behaviour, as individuals and in our communities. Do you think it can change our planet on a more global scale? IR: We are the first animal on the planet capable of imagining and realizing new environments that, in turn, shape us and evolve as we evolve. Architecture can thus be defined as a neurodesign learning loop that affects us individually in the short term, societies in the longer term. However, the degree of evolution required to address global climate and biospheric uncertainties is unlikely to be affected by architecture. That would take too long, and the societal changes that need to happen are too profound. The best chance we have to reduce the amount of damage we do to the environment — and we have known this for decades— is to reduce the size of the human population and to consume less. But, as architects, since the beginning of the 20th century, we have been up against a well-designed wall; everything we do is measured by one simple statement: “Will it attract the consumer?” We have to break free of this if we want a more humane world. AT: What does it mean to employ “intelligent rather than stylistically driven design”? IR: I think it comes down to the difference between looking and seeing. Imagine casually looking at a shallow stream, taking a photo, posting it to Instagram, and moving on. And then imagine seeing it one afternoon while flyfishing — watching it ripple, the weeds waving in the current, the light dance upon the submerged stones. If you are seeing, not just looking, you’ll learn how the stones are channelling the water and where the trout are hiding, andwith that knowledge you’ll know just where to drop your fly to catch one to eat. Style is about presentation, identity, and marketing — a temporary fashion. Intelligent design is about better knowledge, to bring depth, meaning, and longer lasting solutions to any endeavour. Knowledge is the result of a process of continuous learning; about the client, the site, or new materials and techniques. And there are the big issues such as climate and energy, and investigating and anticipating the future. Knowledge is at the heart of my architecture, which is why our practice undertakes research on every project. My architecture is not a monologue but a dialogue, where architecture is a response and not just a statement, where ideas rather than ideology rule, and where architecture has brains as well as beauty. However, there is no universal method to accomplish this, which is why our practice is not trapped within a style. 19 ritchie’s recipe for sustainability EXCERPT
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