Architects ought to work creatively with planning constraints somewhat than combating them with a view to protect the character of historic cities, in response to panellists exploring the legacy of Christopher Wren at a chat filmed by Dezeen for World Monuments Fund.

The discuss introduced collectively a panel of architects who’ve designed buildings within the Metropolis of London to deal with the difficulties in growing historic cities, whereas preserving their id and historical past.

“In lots of locations, there are unbelievable neighborhood establishments that haven’t really been preserved and are being erased by growth,” mentioned South African architect Sumayya Vally in the course of the discuss.

“If we aren’t capable of work with the power of a spot and take into consideration how we evolve that alongside our growth, then we’re lacking out on one thing.”

Known as Wren Conversations: Constructing Cities, the discuss was the second in a collection of conversations exploring the life and legacy of the British architect to mark 300 years since his loss of life.

The panellists explored the methods by which Wren launched a brand new architectural fashion following the Nice Hearth of London in 1666. Three days after the hearth, Wren offered King Charles II along with his plan of rebuilding the town, which by no means got here to fruition.

Wren in the end constructed 51 church buildings on current mediaeval foundations, together with the enduring St Paul’s Cathedral.

“He needed to discover a manner of rebuilding inside London, however utilizing the mediaeval foundations – or in different phrases, adjusting to what was already there,” mentioned chairman of the Millennium Bridge Belief Sir David Bell, who hosted the discuss.

“In a manner, that has been the historical past of London all through.”

The discuss, which happened at St Stephen Walbrook Church on 22 March and was filmed by Dezeen, additionally mentioned obstacles they’ve confronted with planning and the way numerous restrictions have impacted the broader planning of London, which, whereas limiting, haven’t essentially been unhealthy for the town.

“Wren’s sort of rebuilding on the mediaeval avenue sample is definitely the essence of London,” mentioned Stirling Prize-winning architect Amanda Levete. “It is made London capable of adapt and evolve in a manner that Paris hasn’t.”

“I consider very strongly that the protecting views of St Paul’s are extraordinarily essential and have to be preserved. And it is as much as us as architects to cleverly work round these somewhat than to problem them,” she continued.

Senior associate at Foster + Companions Kate Murphy, who had a significant position in designing the Stirling Prize-winning European headquarters of Bloomberg, defined the selections behind the dimensions and massing of the constructing have been knowledgeable by the idea of “being a great neighbour”.

“It really already had planning consent for a a lot taller constructing with a a lot greater, increased centre,” Murphy defined. “However in the course of the course of the mission, the viewing corridors for St Paul’s Cathedral modified.”

“We misplaced the world, however I feel all of us felt it was the fitting factor to do. So I feel that factor of being a great neighbour is the easiest way of approaching planning and actually attempting to attach with the neighborhood and the infrastructure round you,” she continued.

The venue for the discuss, Wren’s St Stephen Walbrook Church, is now used for a bunch of programmes and teams – together with Samaritans, choral music evenings and Rush Hour Jazz – serving as a neighborhood centre for various teams.

Reflecting on the venue, the panellists have been requested in regards to the position of structure in constructing bridges between folks and communities.

“One of the crucial underestimated abilities of an architect is to attempt to do buildings because the backdrop to metropolis life,” mentioned co-founder of Bennetts Associates Rab Bennetts.

“Not each constructing needs to be outstanding or to shout. Plenty of buildings have to recede into the background for my part.”

Wren Conversations: Constructing Cities happened on 22 March 2023 at St Stephen Walbrook Church. See Dezeen Occasions Information for an up-to-date record of structure and design occasions happening world wide.

Partnership content material

This competitors is a partnership between Dezeen and World Monuments Fund. Discover out extra about Dezeen partnership content material right here.