Panel 2: Systems Infrastructure
The way forward is in the big idea and it’s also in drawing these networks—architects are good at making maps because they have this skill in their training for the 48
synthesis of many, many different layers of information. We draw buildings from different perspectives; it’s within our disciplinary expertise. Tom Keane Do architects need to become more involved? How do architects become the people to integrate sustainable thinking and do they necessarily have to become politically involved in order to do so? Michael Jones You can do that from two perspectives: by legislation or by conscience. More and more I’m finding—and not just in Europe—that people who are becoming involved and integrating thinking see it as the right thing to do. They feel more inclined to at least try to step up to a mandate which is not just about their own individual culture. I’m quite reassured by these more recent changes in thinking. This is very high on people’s agenda. Jason Schreiber How do we as professionals start trying to enlighten when even the federal government says global services amping your roadways is good? We still go about doing it the way we’ve always done it, which is affecting the supply of buildings and the built infrastructure—but we don’t really affect the demand. There’s self-selection to ride the train, and that may be a growing trend. But, really, most people are still driving. So how do we pay them to live in the right places and ride the right infrastructure? You make them do the things that people want to do. I mean, in London, for example, driving is extremely undesirable. You are penalized for driving, you are financially penalized to get in the car. Michael Jones Perfect example. Money that really hits them does change the equation, which is great.