For many years architects have claimed to be engineers of social change. They argue that a well designed school will result in children getting better examination results, and that a good hospital will help patients recover more quickly. On the grand scale they claim that good urban design can improve the quality of life for whole cities, resulting in less crime, and healthier lifestyles for everyone.

But Is It True?
Is all the ‘evidence’ anecdotal, or is there real data that proves that good design makes a difference? This conference will examine the impact architects can make. And it will debate some of the new ideas that are emerging to make towns and cities safer, greener and more attractive places to live and work.

The speakers include many leading international architects, and social and political leaders addressing real design challenges. There are also experts on social change, sustainability and diversity issues.

The whole programme has been designed to encourage networking between delegates and speakers, and there will be plenty of opportunities to ask questions.

The theme of the conference ties in with the theme of the 10th International Architecture Biennale, which will be taking place in Venice at the same time. Indeed, as part of the fee for attending the RIBA conference all delegates will receive a complimentary ticket to the Biennale exhibition.

Speakers
Massimiliano Fuksas, Norman Foster, Shigeru Ban, Zaha Hadid, Jon Snow, Richard Burdett, Paolo Costa, Joseph Rykwert, Trevor Phillips OBE, Sophie Body-Gendrot, Mark Lawson, Sunand Prasad, Ben Page, Richard Murphy, Deborah Saunt, Clare Wright, Jack Pringle, Dermot Finch, Richard Simmons, Aubrey Meyer, Anthony Williams

In addition to the conference there will be a comprehensive programme of special architectural tours covering all the best buildings of Venice itself – old and new – and many of the finest buildings in the wider Veneto region.

Tour 1 - An introduction to Venice (2 hours)
Tour 2 - An introduction to Venice (3 hours)
Tour 3 - The early Renaissance Architecture of Venice (2 hours)
Tour 4 - The early Renaissance Architecture of Venice (3 hours)
Tour 5 - Palladio in Venice (3 hours)
Tour 6 - Contemporary architecture in Venice (2 hours)
Tour 7 - Contemporary architecture in Venice (3 hours)
Tour 8 - Palladio’s villas near Venice (8 hours)
Tour 9 - Palladio and Vicenza (8 hours)
Tour 10 - Contemporary architecture near Venice (8 hours)

Tour costs and booking information can be found on the conference registration form.