Thomas Heatherwick: Dull Architecture Harms Health, Humanise Research Launched

Designer Thomas Heatherwick contends that uninspired architecture is as detrimental as highly processed foods, offering no emotional sustenance. He established Humanise, a non-profit aimed at equipping developers and architects with insights on the dangers of inadequate design. These remarks were shared during his appearance on The Urbanist podcast at Monocle, timed with the Olympia redevelopment in west London, where he designed an elevated street. Among his notable works is the Azabudai Hills retail development in Tokyo. Heatherwick criticized the architectural sector for neglecting the social consequences of buildings and stressed the importance of cultural confidence. He calls for a definitive manifesto to uphold values, exemplified by the Olympia project, which features a CitizenM hotel and a glass canopy.