If you live in or near London you may be interested in this event.
Details are below

---------------------------------------------------------------------------The Therapy Rooms - building esteem or housing discontent

7pm - 8pm

Tuesday 27th February 2007

Tickets: £8 (£6 concessions)

Venue: Room G02, Bartlett School of Architecture, 22 Gordon Street
London WC1H 0QB

Nowadays, buildings are credited with changing our behaviour,
promoting our welfare, and addressing intractable social problems. For
instance, it has been argued that large windows in schools improve
results; natural ventilation increases productivity in offices; well-
designed homes and neighbourhoods prevent anti-social behaviour;
healthy sports stadia reduce spectator obesity; and hospitals with
soothing decor help people get better quicker.

No doubt some places do make us feel good, but how transient is this
response? Are we over-claiming for the practical benefits of design?
Should we argue for well-designed environments even if they don't
improve productivity, health or self-esteem? The question is, have we
lost the nerve to argue for decent buildings and services in their own
terms or must there always be a feel-good factor?

SPEAKERS:

Sarah Hill, head of research, British Council for School Environments

Adam Sampson, chief executive, Shelter

Ann Furedi, chief executive officer, BPAS

Matthew Carmona, head of the Bartlett School of Planning

Dave Clements, freelance journalist at Guardian Online, adviser in
children's social care

Chair: Austin Williams, director, Future Cities Project

For tickets: 07957 534909 / mail@futurecities.org.uk / visit
www.futurecities.org.uk

Please send cheques, made payable to "Transport Research Group" and
post to: Future Cities Project, 45 St Lawrence Court, De Beauvoir
Estate, London, N1 5TP