How do we future-proof buildings in a world that refuses to stand still?

That was the focus of the discussion at the RIBA North West Summer Symposium in Manchester, where Howells Partner Dav Bansal joined fellow panellists to explore Future-Proofing Buildings for Culture, Climate, Technology and People.

Dav stated that the profession should be designing for change, not prediction.

As he put it, “The greatest mistake architects can make is believing we design buildings. In reality, we design the first chapter of a building's life.”

Rather than trying to predict exactly what our buildings will need in 2050, architects should create places with the flexibility, character and resilience to evolve. Communities, technologies and patterns of living will change, and our buildings should be capable of changing with them.

Another idea that resonated with the audience was designing “a long-life chassis with a loose-fit body”—robust structures that can be adapted and repurposed over time, extending their lifespan and reducing the need for demolition.

Drawing on our experience at the BBC Tea Factory in Birmingham, Dav reflected on how lasting value comes from creating places that remain culturally relevant, commercially successful and socially valued across generations.

Cultural and community uses anchor places and buildings, enabling them to serve more than a single function. Rather than living in isolated housing estates or working in segregated commercial districts, people increasingly seek mixed-use neighbourhoods where living, working, learning, and social interaction coexist.

At London City Island, the English National Ballet sits at the heart of a community of more than 1,700 homes. More than a cultural institution, it has become the defining identity of the island, fostering civic pride and serving as a focal point for the community.

Thank you to RIBA North West, Ged Couser, chair Satwinder Samra and fellow panellists Sarah Castle, Chitra Marsh and Susi le Good for an engaging discussion on the future of architecture.