STEPHEN WILLIAMS ASSOCIATES

Creating the built environment involves very complex relationships, with commercial, financial, social and cultural issues all playing a part.
Is it possible that architecture and design can achieve success in all of these aspects?

THE SHAPE OF THE WORK // What is so special? Moving between scales from urbanism to product design, creating meaningful places, places of cultural and social relevance. The combination of financial, cultural and social aims, brought together to achieve a sustainable environment. How can an office building be rented out before it is built? How can a hotel achieve the highest occupancy rates possible? What are exhibition spaces like that enlighten the visitor and generate new ideas. Landmarks are created through dialogue, exchange and a critical process translated into space, function and form. Landmarks set new standards, benchmarks, whereby others can be judged. It is not dependent on aesthetics but rather the creation of meaningful places to which people can relate and belong. An inspirational architecture combined with social responsibility to create better places as a “win” for the economy, for the city and for its people.

EXCLUSIVITY  //  A society can be based on status, ownership and exclusivity. Exclusive means to exclude. What is the advantage of a society that wants to exclude?

INCLUSIVITY  //  A society that is based on equality and shared values. Architecture and design have a fundamental influence on human behaviour. The built environment is the backdrop for all our activities in cities, public spaces and private spaces. When well concieved: spatial situations that enable interaction and provide inspiration are essential to the development of our culture today. Therefore: Welcome to ‘Inclusive Places’.