The Surface Design Show (Business Design Centre, London, 10-12 February 2009) is pleased to announce that RIBA President Sunand Prasad will feature in a controversial live debate which will look at whether there is a place for professional ethics in the new global economy. The debate will be held during the Surface Design Show’s renowned VIP Preview Evening (10th February 2009, 6-9pm).

The VIP Preview Evening has proven to be extremely popular over the years by offering visitors the chance to hear from some of the architecture and design industry’s leading voices while getting a sneak preview of some of the most innovative and inspiring surface materials available for the built environment.

The debate is part of the RIBA Building Futures programme which has been established to promote public and political debate on the future of the built environment and its socio-economic and environmental impact over a twenty-year horizon.

At the 2009 Surface Design Show, the house will take the stance that concepts of professional ethics are outdated.

Professional ethics in a global economy are viewed with an increasing level of opaqueness. At the close of 2008, the opportunities afforded to an architect by overseas projects are more appealing than ever with the UK having just entered a recession. The scarce availability of finance at home will inevitably lead to ever growing numbers of architects heading not just to China, but other focused areas of wealth - Moscow and Dubai, most notably. These areas are also an increasing source of funding for projects at home. London especially has boomed on the back of investment from abroad. Should an architect care or indeed take responsibility for the source of his income?

Sunand commented: “A clear separation from commerce and labour is at the root of professional ethics in architecture formulated 175 years ago. Does that linger unreconstructed, unhealthily influencing education and emasculating practice? Or have 19th century ethics evolved into pragmatic principles for the 21st century; the true guide to a sustainable future?”

Joining Sunand in the debate will be Nicholas Ray, the architect and author of 'Architecture and its Ethical Dilemas', as well as Irena Bauman of Bauman Lyons Architects, a practice which has recently published its first handbook ‘How to be a Happy Architect’.

The evening aims to discuss whether an architect should take on new ethical considerations for the 21st Century economic reality or indeed if they need to. Are architects ready to accept professional nilhilism? I.e. Architecture for financial gain?

The Surface Design Show is the UK’s only event to focus exclusively on surface solutions, and has established itself as a must-see event for architects, designers and specifiers, by offering them the opportunity to touch and feel some of the most vibrant products from around the world.

Email: anita.gorny@eme-uk.com