There is an ever increasing emphasis on businesses in all disciplines within our country in respect of being socially responsible. This emphasis comes in the form of being aware of the fact that what each of us does impacts our communities and in respect of supporting causes which strive to shape a better society for future generations. The occasion allows us to remember a talent so cruelly lost to us, and to honour him by ensuring the important relationship between architecture and the communities it serves is preserved. In order to best explore the area of focus, this year the event moved away from the standard one keynote speaker in order to hear several different perspectives. This was an interesting dynamic, as it allowed those of us present to be informed by how differing experiences of communities and society influenced architectural approaches. With much of the audience being made up of students coming into the field, it was an unique opportunity to see how the concept of community had influenced the architecture we experience today, and what legacy that would have on the work and designs of tomorrow. We will, sadly, never know how Stephen Lawrence would have channelled his experience of community into the work of residential architecture across London. Once again we would like to thank the Stephen Lawrence Charitable Trust for the opportunity to directly support and participate in the 2016 event. It was truly a honour to be an active part of the event.
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