The noble city: how do we shape future London?

As Mayor Sir Sadiq Khan works on his next London Plan - a strategic document - is City Hall thinking hard enough about the physical form of the metropolis?
When Sir Denys Lasdun gave the 1982 RIBA Annual discourse, he quoted W R Lethaby: “Every noble city has been a crystallization of the contentment, pride and order of the community” and he added Alberti’s quote that “a house is nothing other than a small city.”.

Benedict Zucchi has adapted Alberti for the title of his new book “Big House Little City - architectural design through an urban lens” which discusses how architecture can bridge the gap between the scale of the city and the human experience.

Patrick Lynch's work prioritizes materiality, craftsmanship, and spatial experience, creating buildings that resonate with their surroundings. Founder of Lynch Architects, he studied under Rykwert at Cambridge and was influenced by his ideas on architectural meaning, history, and symbolism.

Matthew Lloyd is founder of Matthew Lloyd Architects. His architecture embraces community impact, thoughtful materiality, and a deep respect for place. Benedict Zucchi is Architect and Principal at BDP and the author of Big House, Small City.

Joseph Rykwert CBE was one of the most - perhaps the most - influential writers and teachers of his generation. He was an Honorary Liveryman of the Worshipful Company of Chartered Architects and died at the end of last year.