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Yasmeen Lari RIBA Gold Medal winner 2023

Dezeen In Depth features Yasmeen Lari on why "an architect's role should be more of an activist"

This month's Dezeen In Depth newsletter features an exclusive interview with the 2023 RIBA Royal Gold Medal winner and reflections from Max Fraser on Milan design weekSubscribe to Dezeen In Depth now.

Architects must stop waiting for commissions from wealthy clients and prioritise designing for the planet, says RIBA Royal Gold Medal winner Yasmeen Lari in this exclusive interview.

Speaking to Dezeen from her home in Pakistan, Lari said she hopes her Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) Royal Gold Medal win can encourage other architects to use their skills to alleviate crises such as climate change.

"I feel that an architect's role should be more of an activist now," Lari told Dezeen.

"If you want to change the world, then you've got to fight it out. Otherwise, you are just driven by what other people want," she continued.

Read the full interview ›

Aerial view of a bamboo pavilion in Makli by Lari, who specialises in creating low-cost and low-carbon buildings for disadvantaged communities

April's Dezeen in Depth also features an opinion piece from Fraser, Dezeen's new editorial director, reflecting on Milan design week 2023 and an exploration of how different architecture and design studios with famous founders are handling the sensitive issue of succession.

The photography is courtesy of Yasmeen Lari.

Dezeen In Depth

Dezeen In Depth is sent on the last Friday of every month and delves deeper into the major stories shaping architecture and design. Each edition includes an original feature article on a key topic or trend, an interview with a prominent industry figure and an opinion piece from a leading critic. Read the latest edition of Dezeen In Depth or subscribe here.

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