In the present obsession with the icon and the promotion of image over substance symptomatic of a general trend in contemporary architecture? Arup Associates provides the alternative: unified design, a radical pan–disciplinary approach that focuses on people from the outset, through the united vision of architects, engineers, artists and social scientists. Arup Associates rejects the imposition of an external image: there can be no standard solutions and no predefined styles. Instead, design must evolve from fundamental research and experiential goals, to form a holistic architecture entirely driven by a ?whole life sustainability that maintains human culture – tradition, religion, the intangible components of humanity – in the face of modernity. The work is introduced by The Guardian?s architecture critic Jonathan Glancey. The Independent?s Jay Merrick examines the meaning of unified design with Declan O?Carroll of Arup Associates, while leading environmental expert and...
