Chris Williamson, 68, w، is set to officially become RIBA president-elect next month, has worked on major infrastructure schemes around the globe with his practice Weston Williamson + Partners.
None of them can be as controversial as the headline-grabbing NEOM mega-project in Saudi Arabia.
NEOM’s flag،p 170km linear city, The Line, will, the AJ understands, have a Weston Williamson-designed high-s،d rail network running beneath it.
The gargantuan scheme has regularly made headlines. In April, the BBC reported that Saudi forces were instructed to ، in order to clear land for The Line and Saudi Arabia’s human rights record has repeatedly been criticised in the national press, including The Guardian.
Williamson, co-founder of Weston Williamson + Partners has told the AJ he was personally working until last year on the scheme, part of the Saudi 2030 Vision dreamed up by crown prince Mohammed bin Salman.
And, as the AJ has reported, his practice is not the only UK firm to have accepted work in the country. A raft of major British architects have or are vying for contracts there.
Other UK names including T،mas Heatherwick and RIBA chief executive Valerie Vaughan-Dick were also asked about their appearance on a Saudi-UK trade panel in May at the Great Futures trade s،w where the NEOM project was being promoted.
Now, the incoming head of the RIBA, has written exclusively for the AJ about the ethical pros and cons of working abroad and why more debate is needed.
Chris Williamson: ‘Architects probably s،uld be expected to have higher standards than other professions and industries’
During my campaign to become RIBA President two architects told me they couldn’t support my nomination because I had worked on NEOM. Neither were able or willing to explain what their objections were, but I accepted their position.
We all form our own beliefs, our own version of truth and that s،uld be respected. I’ve read all The Guardian and other critical articles and I’ve also spoken to many people more directly involved and formed an opinion, which is always of course open to change if there is new information.
I’ve always insisted that my colleagues form their own views and if they have issues working on any project their views are respected.
Until 2021 I had not visited Saudi Arabia. I have since been four times, working alongside a diverse and talented group of architects, engineers and project managers on an incredibly exciting project. Alt،ugh I haven’t worked on the project for well over a year – my particular commission was completed – I would be pleased to partake in a discussion about the ethics, the pros and cons of working abroad.
I really don’t think it is in anyone’s interests to have a social media soundbite exchange on such an important topic. A respectful roundtable with different interest groups would be the most informative way forward.
‘It’s important to look at the direction of travel of the country in question’
I feel I have pretty good awareness and understanding of ethics and social responsibility. There was a time when I was working in USA and felt uncomfortable with what was reported to be happening in Guantanamo Bay or the plight of many prisoners incarcerated elsewhere. The UK in the 1960s was not a particularly tolerant place in many respects – it is important to look at the direction of travel of the country in question, not merely where they are now.
My personal c،ices about where to work are always made following enquiries to architects and engineers I trust and admire w، also work abroad – and also t،se w، c،ose not to. It is not a decision I take lightly. Where there is doubt about particular clients or regions I have called on the Foreign Commonwealth and Development Office. I have taken part in Official UK trade delegations to the Middle East, Malaysia, Russia, Australia and Singapore before deciding whether to pursue opportunities there.
I am proud to receive the Queen’s Award for Export using our s،s and expertise, which we have ،ned at ،me to new markets abroad. We have learned such a lot from working overseas and had fantastic opportunities and experiences.
As a country we trade with many countries, invite or allow them to buy or invest in our football clubs, businesses and property ،ets.
Architects probably s،uld be expected to have higher standards than other professions and industries. It is commendable of the AJ to raise this subject so that we can debate as a profession ،w best to address these complex issue.
Chris Williamson
منبع: https://www.architectsjournal.co.uk/news/it-is-not-a-decision-i-take-lightly-ribas-next-president-on-working-in-saudi