Description
Book SynopsisThe climate and biodiversity emergency, the Grenfell Tower tragedy, and rising inequality all serve as reminders of the ethical responsibilities of the architect, and the importance of ethical decision-making. Ethical practice is a core competence for architects, which means it is vital that students and professionals develop a fundamental awareness and understanding of ethics.
This guide is designed to improve the industry’s grasp of ethical practice as it relates to the wider world, society, clients, the workplace, the profession, and the individual.
Aimed at architects, but relevant to built environment practitioners more generally, 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.
Also delving into issues such as equity, diversity and inclusion, social value, wellbeing, and integrity, it does not seek out ‘right’ or ‘wrong’ answers. Rather it encourages reflection on core values and possible consequences to encourage 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 the attraction and retention of high-quality staff. Contributing positively to the avoidance of disputes, it can also provide a level of accountability that is beneficial both to the industry and wider society.
Including contributions from: Neal Shasore, Farhana Yamin, Justin Bere, Jan Kattein, Darius Jenner Pullinger, Virginia Newman, Dhruv Sookhoo and Ben Channon.
Table of ContentsIntro: Ethics in practice
- History & definitions
- Ethics not morals
- Ethics and culture
- Virtue Ethics / Social Contract Ethics / Duty Ethics / Utilitarian Ethics
- Defining behaviours - Codes, Regulations, Sanctions and Best Practice
- The Public Interest - How it is defined and who is responsible
- Professional ethics
- Recognising an ethical issue
- Ethical processes and techniques
- Whistleblowing
- The 6 duties
Chapter 1 – Duty to the Wider World
- Legal obligations
- The Codes of Conduct and Practice
- The Climate and Biodiversity emergency
- Sustainable and Regenerative design (mitigation / adaptation)
- Supply Chains and Resource Use
- Rights of Nature
- Whole life performance
- Net Zero
- Openness & transparency
- Tools & techniques
- Dilemma – Challenging the brief
Chapter 2 – Duty to Society and the End User
- Legal obligations (tort & company law)
- Building Regs, Housing Standards and Planning Policy
- The Codes of Conduct and Practice
- Specification
- Health and safety
- Bribery & corruption
- Equity, Diversity and Inclusion (including bias & discrimination)
- Stakeholder Identification and Engagement
- Social Value and Social Responsibility (including link to sustainable development and including embedding throughout organisation)
- Regeneration
- Evidence-informed design
- Inclusive design and inclusive environments
- Wellbeing
- Accuracy & truthfulness
- Rights of Future Generations
- Tools & techniques
- Dilemma - Affordable housing provision
Chapter 3 – Duty to those Commissioning Services
- Legal obligations
- The Codes of Conduct and Practice
- The client relationship
- Conflicts of interest
- Competence and diligence
- Lay clients
- Experienced private clients
- Public Sector clients
- Confidentiality
- Time, cost, quality
- Communication and complaints
- Stewardship and aftercare
- Learning and improvement
- Tools & techniques
- Dilemma - Client’s best interest
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Chapter 4 – Duty to those in the workplace
- Legal obligations
- The Codes of Conduct and Practice
- Company culture
- Respecting colleagues
- Managing practice and work environment
- Training and development
- Health, safety and wellbeing
- Equity, Diversity and Inclusion (including the RIBA EDI Policy Guide)
- Modern Slavery
- Tools & techniques
- Dilemma – Workplace
Chapter 5 – Duty to the Profession
- The Codes of Conduct and Practice
- Reputation & Value
- Respecting previous appointments
- Copyright & Credit
- Whistleblowing and disclosure
- Knowledge sharing
- Research, Data Ethics, POE & Building Performance
- Contributing to and representing the profession
- Equity, Diversity and Inclusion (including the RIBA Inclusion Charter)
- Tools & techniques
- Dilemma - A competition
Chapter 6 – Duty to Oneself
- The Codes of Conduct and Practice
- Principles and values
- Competence
- Accountability
- Continuing Professional Development
- Evaluation, reflection and positionality
- Pro Bono work
- Bribery & corruption
- Tools & techniques
- Dilemma - A conflict of interest
Conclusion – Resolving Ethical Issues
- Core values
- Decision making
- Lifelong learning
- Independence
- Leadership
- Advocacy
- Resources and toolkits
- Reviews and feedback
