Star architects rally against Brexit as UK's EU referendum begins

by Kim Megson | 22 Jun 2016
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David Chipperfield has argued passionately in defence of the EU / Bruno Cordioli

A host of architects and designers from the UK and around the world have rallied behind the campaign to keep Britain in the European Union ahead of a landmark referendum today (23 June) which will decide the country’s future in the politico-economic union.

David Chipperfield, Rem Koolhaas, Richard Rogers, David Adjaye, Ron Arad and Thomas Heatherwick are among the individuals who have openly called for voters heading to the polls to vote to stay.

In a statement, Rogers Stirk Harbour + Partners said “Britain has always been at its best when we have engaged with our neighbours, embracing the exchange of people, ideas and influences. The quality of life in Britain, particularly its architecture and its cities, has greatly benefited from the personal, professional and cultural relationships we have with the rest of Europe. This interaction has made us more civilized.

“More than 40% of the staff at Rogers Stirk Harbour + Partners are non-British EU citizens. These individuals stimulate and enrich our practice through the diversity of perspectives they bring to our work, their extraordinary talent and dynamism. A significant proportion of the practice’s work is currently situated within the EU and many of our greatest projects have been built in Europe.

“As a practice we think that leaving the European Union would represent a catastrophic error of judgement in its impact on our economy, not least within the construction sector. Importantly, it would also leave us culturally, socially and environmentally impoverished. We are convinced that we are better and stronger together than apart.”