Monday 16 November 2009, 19.00–20.30

What happens to architecture during times of collective anxiety? Is good design under threat? Architecture speaks to us about who we are socially and culturally, and all the immediate pressures of an economic downturn are to abandon the perceived luxury of good design.

Sir John Sorrell, chair of CABE, reflects on previous downturns and considers the massive investment which has been needed to turnaround the fortunes of major cities. He argues that if that investment was frittered away, towns and cities would be left unable to deal with social and environmental stresses to come. Previous crises have prompted unpredicted improvements to the public realm. So now we no longer have the means for an architecture of wealth, do we have the imagination to create new kinds of places to lift our spirits?

Tate Modern  Starr Auditorium
£9 (£5 concessions), booking recommended

    

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