University News Last updated 31 July
More than 50 years after arriving at Birmingham City University (BCU) through Clearing, former Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) President Benjamin Derbyshire has returned to receive an honorary doctorate.
The distinguished architect, who credits the University's School of Architecture for helping him flourish academically and professionally, thanked BCU as he was recognised for his outstanding contribution to the profession.
“The vocational learning restored my relationship with formal education,” said Benjamin (pictured).
“Being at the School of Architecture let me thrive. I was at last both enjoying myself and getting the grades!
“It gave me a foundation of self-confidence to push myself beyond safe limits.”
After graduating in 1971, Benjamin joined the award-winning architecture practice Hunt Thompson Associates in 1976, becoming its Chair in 2016.
He has also played a leading role in shaping the profession, serving as a Commissioner for Historic England and as RIBA President from 2017 to 2019.
Reflecting on the future of architecture, Benjamin said it has a vital role to play in creating sustainable places and adapting the built environment for future generations.
“A new dawn awaits the profession as architects deploy their unique mix of expertise and creativity to repurpose existing fabric for contemporary uses,” he said.
“When we do make new buildings, we are learning to do so in ways that minimise the carbon consumed over their whole life.
“That means using advanced manufacturing techniques so that we are increasingly becoming designers embedded in the means of construction.”
Benjamin was recognised for his outstanding contribution to architecture at a BCU graduation ceremony at Birmingham's Symphony Hall on Friday 31 July.