Water Row, Govan, by Collective Architecture Source:&nbsp Keith HunterIn 2025 our aim is to bang the drum for the profession, spelling out how architects can be pivotal to solving the housing crisis in a sustainable way, says Emily Booth Housing (or the lack of it) is one of the defining national issues of our time. The AJ is kicking off the new year with a focus on what architects can bring to help solve the housing crisis: design quality, sustainable approaches, an understanding of the importance of place, delivery expertise and drive, to name a few.Whether the governments target to build 1.5 million new homes within the next five years is achievable is up for debate. There is also a massive climate challenge here you cant build 1.5 million brand new homes and stay within critical carbon budgets. Yet homes are desperately needed; theres a moral imperative to provide them and they should be decent, well-built and supported by proper, sustainable infrastructure.Perfection should not be the enemy of the good when facing a challenge of this magnitude. While shoddy, cheap, gas-guzzling homes are a short-term sticking-plaster, what is key is an environmentally-sensitive build quality that is also deliverable. There is a need and an opportunity for good architecture here, prioritising retrofit and reuse techniques and sustainable M&E wherever possible.AdvertisementOver the following pages youll see examples of where architects have played crucial roles in successful schemes. Its interesting to see common themes emerge often using historical precedent for practical inspiration. If something has worked well before, why not riff off the theme? Everything that has worked before, weve done again, says Maes Alex Ely, commenting on the latest phase of the ambitious regeneration with Hawkins\Brown of the Agar Grove Estate for Camden Council. And Pitman Tozers Bulrush Court for The Guinness Partnership, the latest addition to the Leaside Lock development in Tower Hamlets, uses the 1930s mid-rise mansion block as a tried-and-tested model. Were very interested in how it provides density but on a relatively human scale, says Luke Tozer. Previous examples by the practice include two schemes for Peabody which, each in its own way, reclaimed notably difficult sites for dwellings on a relatable scale.There isnt time to waste in squaring up to the housing and climate challengeWhile pattern books of architectural designs evoke mixed feelings and mindful of the many specific challenges facing individual sites there is surely something in the notion of sharing learning and maximising efficiency where possible. There isnt time to waste in squaring up to the housing and climate challenge, and streamlining best practice makes sense.Good housing, then, will be a topic we put our editorial energies into through 2025 and beyond. Our aim is to bang the drum for the profession, spelling out how architects can be pivotal to solving this national crisis in a sustainable way.AdvertisementWere keen to spotlight the challenges of designing and delivering quality housing, celebrate proven successes and promote positive case studies to decision-makers and influencers beyond the immediate architectural community. Were pleased to be working with the Architects Action for Affordable Housing campaign in this endeavour and we look forward to hearing more about your stand-out schemes.The January edition of the AJ is out now. Subscribers can read the digital edition here, or copies of the printed magazine can be purchasedhere. An AJ subscription is better value click here to view our packages.2025-01-23Emily Boothcomment and share