Briefing

‘Nobody believes them anymore’… HOK’s Daniel Hajjar on what is wrong with UK politics and the planning system

By 2023-12-11T07:00:00

Dan Hajjar, HOK (2)

After 20 years in the Middle East, Daniel Hajjar moved to the UK, where, eight years on, he finds the political ‘flakiness’ of the country has made it an infuriating place to build. Thomas Lowe reports

It’s 3pm on a Friday afternoon and HOK’s Fitzrovia office is nearly deserted. In the distance, a sole staff member taps away on a computer surrounded by empty chairs. Lights are already dimmed in many of the office rooms, a fairly typical scene in the capital these days. Building Design awkwardly surveys a model of HOK’s design for Barcelona FC’s new Palau Blaugrana Arena as a receptionist looks on.

…

This content is available to registered users | Already registered?Login here

You are not currently logged in.

To continue reading this story, sign up for free guest access

Existing Subscriber? LOGIN

REGISTER for free access on selected stories and sign up for email alerts. You get:

  • Up to the minute architecture news from around the UK
  • Breaking, daily and weekly e-newsletters

 

Subscribe to Building Design and you will benefit from:

Gated access promo

  • Unlimited news
  • Reviews of the latest buildings from all corners of the world
  • Technical studies
  • Full access to all our online archives
  • PLUS you will receive a digital copy of WA100 worth over £45

Subscribe now for unlimited access.