Video highlights from the RIBA Conference 2008 in Barcelona|. QuickTime required: download here |

This year’s RIBA International Conference, in association with Emap, will focus on the theme of architectural identity. It will examine the ways in which architecture can both give and take away identity from places; at best adding character to the non-descript, at worst suppressing the local vernacular in favour of a global style. It will propose that increasing environmental concerns might lead to a return to the vernacular, while questioning whether globalised architecture can be truly sustainable.

The conference will also look at the issue of architecture as branding and the ways in which cities such as Barcelona and Bilbao have benefited, not only in terms of profile but also identity. And it will examine heritage issues in this context, asking what the impact of globalisation will be on our historic buildings and cities. Other speakers will address the emergence of European and International identities and examine the ways in which international architects can stimulate the organic growth of cities. Finally it will look at the ways in which signature architecture can lead to the regeneration of cities across the world.

Our line-up of speakers will include architects and writers, including Robert Adam, Alison Brooks, Foreign Office Architects, Herman Hertzberger, Louisa Hutton, David Mackay, Jürgen Mayer, Benedetta Tagliabue  and Ken Yeang.