Some of the Capital’s most esteemed architects attended Wienerberger’s ‘Brick is Back’ lecture at RIBA.

Hailed a resounding success, the event attracted architects from leading practices such as RMJM, BDP, Dixon Jones, GMW and Edward Cullinan – headed up by RIBA Royal Gold Medallist namesake, Edward Cullinan.

The lecture followed hot on the heels of RIBA Gold Medalists and Stirling Prize winners Herzog and de Meuron’s declaration that brick is ‘the new cool’ and their decision to change their material for the planned extension of the Tate Modern from glass to brick.

Former RIBA president and co-founder of Acanthus and Ferguson Mann Architects, George Ferguson, was the keynote speaker. An avid admirer of brick and clay as a building material, George’s lecture highlighted numerous examples of the world’s greatest brick-built buildings however, he also looked beyond aesthetics and talked vital issues of environmental responsibility, longevity and maintenance.

Delighted to be guest speaker, George said: “You only have to look at some of the greatest buildings and places throughout the world, both ancient and modern, to realise that the humble brick, in the right hands, can look stunning.

“I’m delighted the lecture was such a success and I hope I’ve inspired today’s architects to consider the use of clay and brick on their projects.”

Mark Morris, Wienerberger’s sales and marketing director, added: “George quite rightly pointed out in his lecture that whilst some people may consider brick as passé, in fact, it embodies the true meaning of sustainability. It was also interesting that he touched on the popularity of rival materials such as glass and steel yet questioned whether they may still be around, looking as aesthetically pleasing as brick, in hundreds of years time.

“His lecture certainly was thought provoking and showed the audience what we have known for a long time – brick is back and it’s here to stay.”

George Ferguson was co-founder of Ferguson Mann Architects in 1978 and founded the national UK wide network of practices, Acanthus, in 1986. He has a wide variety experience in architectural, master planning and regeneration projects, commencing with regeneration and historic building work that formed the foundation of the practice. This includes his mould-breaking Tobacco Factory mixed-use project and many other award-winning schemes involving new and old buildings. He was elected RIBA President (2003-2005) when he was noted for championing the causes for education, the environment and good urbanism.

Such was the success of this event that Wienerberger will be planning more lectures for 2009.

Email: sjames@golleyslater.co.uk