Is it just Architects who are Ethically Responsible?

For many years now, there has been a question of architects political and social roles. With an increase in awareness of global warming, human population and environmental damage over the past few decades, architects have had to expand their knowledge, scope of their design values, and what they really care about.

Now a vital part of architectural education, ethics have had a huge impact in architectural practices and how the environment around us is built. With buildings and construction alone considered responsible for at least 50% of all environmental waste, it is not a surprise that architects have an ethical responsibility for the design and function of buildings.



It is difficult to define who is responsible for the built environment and it is estimated that for more than 95% of the built environment is 'not designed by professionals' but designed 'by the people for the people', therefore the ethical responsibilities may not be purely the architects responsibility and instead the owners. The owner or client determines the spaces function and need of the structure and as a result, the architect has to adapt and create an as ethical design possible.

Now days, it is not just the architect who is involved, instead a wide variety of professionals have an input into the design of structures such as engineers, archaeologists and technicians however again, the responsibility of ethical matters is down the the architects, even when it is beyond their control or beliefs. 

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