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VIDEO: Amanda Levete of AL_A on the changing role of risk in architecture

Amanda Levete. Photo By Peter Guenzel.

“I guess for me the big question is, is ‘risk’ the right word to use in the context of architecture?”

MPavilion 2015 architect Amanda Levete of AL_A spoke via video at this year’s National Architecture Conference, presented by the Australian Institute of Architects. The event as a whole looked at ‘the changing role of risk in architecture’, and Amanda addressed her attitude to risk in the context of her practice:

“Risk is viewed by clients and the public as a scary prospect, to be feared rather than admired. Yet the demand for the unique, the bespoke and the context-driven hasn’t changed. So as an architect you’re almost obliged to take risks. The paradox, then, is that everyone wants the benefits of risk, but with failsafe guarantees. For me risk is exciting because it’s about progress and exploration. It involves intuition and a desire to advance the debate, as well as extreme technical commitment.” 

Press play below to hear Amanda’s thoughts on risk in relation to a range of projects, including the Lords Media Centre, Selfridges Birmingham, the Monte St Angelo subway stations, the Victoria and Albert Museum’s Exhibition Road commission, the floating Spencer Dock Bridge—and this year’s MPavilion.