In conversation with Simon Allford

Photograph by Tom Mesquitta

“The trend towards green cities has been apparent for some time. Coronavirus has accelerated that trend.”

In the latest edition of our acclaimed Planted Unearthed series we spoke to the founding partner of one of Europe’s leading architectural practices Allford Hall Monaghan Morris (AHMM); a Stirling Prize winning practice which has consistently placed sustainability at the heart of its work.

The coronavirus pandemic and subsequent lockdown has given multi award-winning architect Simon Allford time to reimagine what our future cities could and should look like. He’s also decided to run for RIBA President.

In a wide-ranging exclusive interview, Allford explains to Planted’s co-founder Sam Peters the importance of building “cleaner, greener, happier” cities which take advantage of existing infrastructure and spaces through sophisticated and smarter working and design practices.

He gives his response to the UK government’s call to “build, build, build”, arguing he supports the principle as long as it does not compromise standards and involves making the most of disused buildings and the drop in demand for retail space in city centres.

Allford highlights the transformative and restorative effect one of AHMM’s latest projects – the Post Building – has had on a former derelict postal warehouse on New Oxford Street.

www.ahmm.co.uk

The Post Building - Photographer Timothy Soar

The Post Building - Photographer Timothy Soar

Alconbury Weald KP1 Primary School

University of Amsterdam