TV architect George Clarke calls for state to start building again
Television architect and presenter George Clarke called for state intervention to solve “the biggest housing crisis the country has ever seen,” as he was made a visiting professor at Birmingham City University.
Speaking at the announcement Clarke spoke about his new television programme, The Council House Scandal. He said: “This show is the best thing I’ve made. We’re in the thick of the worst housing crisis this country has ever seen and the only way to get out of it is for the state to start building again. We’ve tried the private sector and it hasn’t worked, so it’s time for the state to step in, and we know that councils want to start building again.”
He added that removing the state from the provision of affordable housing has reduced its availability: “I was brought up on a council estate. It was a new town with 80,000 people living there. It had the best architects, builders, planners, and it was a fantastic place. Right to buy has caused council housing and affordable public housing to collapse.”
Clarke is also the founder of the Ministry of Building Innovation and Education (MOBIE) which aims to help the next generation of architects and engineers to shape the design and construction of homes. He has also been a central figure in the creation of Birmingham City University’s new course ‘Design for Future Living’, which aims to teach students the skills to solve challenges like housing shortages, sustainable housing and the use of contemporary off-site construction methods.
