Date: 23 September 2008

Time: 9.30am – 5pm followed by a drinks reception

Venue: Jarvis Hall, RIBA, 66 Portland Place, London W1

 

As part of the annual Research Symposium series, the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) is hosting an event to discuss the highly topical issue of space standards.

 

At a time when new-build British homes are statistically the smallest on average in Europe, the symposium brings together leading housing experts to explore the current challenges concerning the quality and quantity of space in new homes, such as:

• How do people use their homes and what do they think about them?
• How much space do people need?
• How do our homes compare with those abroad?
• How, if at all, does housing affect our quality of life?
• If standards of private space are going down, does public open space compensate?
• What is the relationship between homes, housing, neighbourhoods and communities?

 

Attendees will have the opportunity to hear first hand from those responsible for housing research, which will include studies of social, technical, economic and environmental issues. The event will also address how housing research fits into the wider policy debate and addressing how issues such as overcrowded homes impact on health and well-being.

 

Speaking at the event will be Jack Pringle, RIBA Past President; Sian Berry from the Green Party; Dominic Church, CABE; Jeremy Till from the University of Sheffield and Steve Carr, English Partnerships

 

Keith Snook , Director of Research and Technical at the RIBA said:

"The reintroduction of space standards has been hotly debated topic in the press and within wider government. By hosting this event, the RIBA hopes to create a forum where the subject can be analysed, synthesised and debated with a particular emphasis on proper and objective research. It will be absolutely fascinating and I hope persuasive."