RIBA Ethical Practice Guide

The ethical responsibilities of architects are highlighted, with a focus on the climate and biodiversity emergency, the Grenfell Tower tragedy, and rising inequality. This guide aims to improve the industry's grasp of ethical practice, encouraging reflection on core values and possible consequences to encourage balanced and reasoned positions. Ethical practice is essential for establishing trust with clients, improving transparency and enhancing reputation, and contributing positively to the avoidance of disputes.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 184 pages
Publication date: 01 June 2023
Publisher: RIBA Publishing

The climate and biodiversity emergency, the Grenfell Tower tragedy, and rising inequality all serve as stark reminders of the ethical responsibilities of architects and the critical importance of ethical decision-making. Ethical practice is a fundamental competency for architects, and it is essential that students and professionals develop a deep understanding and awareness of ethics. This guide is designed to enhance the industry's grasp of ethical practice as it relates to the broader world, society, clients, the workplace, the profession, and the individual. Aimed at architects but relevant to built environment practitioners more broadly, each chapter introduces an ethical duty, setting out the relevant legal, regulatory, and professional context before exploring the detailed subject matter and key principles. It includes an ethical dilemma for each duty and views and experiences from across the profession.

Furthermore, the guide delves into issues such as equity, diversity and inclusion, social value, wellbeing, and integrity, encouraging reflection on core values and possible consequences to promote balanced and reasoned positions. While ethical practice is invaluable in itself, it is also critical for establishing trust with clients, improving transparency, and enhancing reputation. It can act as a magnet for attracting and retaining high-quality staff, contributing positively to the avoidance of disputes, and providing a level of accountability that benefits both the industry and wider society.

Contributions to this guide have been made by a diverse range of experts, including Neal Shasore, Farhana Yamin, Justin Bere, Jan Kattein, Darius Jenner Pullinger, Virginia Newman, Dhruv Sookhoo, and Ben Channon. Their insights and perspectives provide valuable contributions to the understanding and practice of ethical architecture.

Dimension: 210 x 170 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781914124723