The Urbanist
Live from Ned’s Club in London
Mar 27, 2025
Muyiwa Oki, a Nigerian-born architect and current president of the Royal Institute of British Architects, joins the conversation to explore transformative urban design. He emphasizes the significance of community-centric architecture and the need for inclusive public spaces. The discussion highlights the role of sustainable practices and the impact of political pressures on urban planning. Oki also shares innovative ideas from cities like Melbourne and how thoughtful redevelopment can revitalize underutilized areas, creating vibrant hubs for local life.
27:21
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Quick takeaways
- Architects must adapt existing buildings for future needs by prioritizing sustainable practices, aiming for net zero carbon standards.
- The importance of social value in urban development emphasizes community spaces that enhance social connectivity and require high-quality design principles.
Deep dives
Decarbonizing Existing Buildings
Most buildings that will be used in the next few decades are already constructed, with 80% of them in existence today. Architects are challenged to repurpose and decarbonize these structures to make them suitable for future needs. Standards have been established, such as the UK net zero carbon building standard, to guide architects and developers in measuring and improving the carbon footprint of various buildings. This approach emphasizes a collective responsibility across the industry to design sustainably, rather than relying on superficial fixes like tree planting.
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