Missing Guardrails and Signposts
There has been a lot of talk about the missing guardrails that would keep government in check and democracy intact. However, there is less discussion about the suddenly missing guideposts and milestones that disappeared overnight. Professionals who are guided not only by rules, codes, and regulations but also by societal values.
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| Firm in the center of turmoil: The North Star (Image: NASA) |
Developers rely on these frameworks to prioritize and direct their projects. Uncertainty, confusion, and ambiguity caused by the current blitzkrieg on the status quo are the enemies of a safe environment for investment.
The tectonic shifts in Washington have removed many markers that design professionals also use to ensure they are on the right path. If objectives such as sustainability, carbon footprint, diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) are suddenly declared undesirable and obsolete, it is as disorienting as disappearing highway signs, malfunctioning GPS. Withdrawing funding for certain work is like the gas stations along a planned journey have been removed.
Just soldiering on isn't an option.
The last time climate change and "woke" policies appeared in the crosshairs of the federal administration, local and state governments doubled down on implementing these policies. This time, with the funding sledgehammer and edicts
that reach down to the local level and even to private projects which are dependent on grants, subsidies it will be more difficult. Regardless of where we operate, a wide range of our projects will be deeply affected....(
READ FULL ARTICLE) Archplan Inc. Philipsen Architects