The architectural community is mourning the loss of Roderick "Rod" Hackney, the influential architect and pioneer of community architecture who served as president of the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) from 1987 to 1989. Hackney, who was known for his maverick personality and groundbreaking work in community-centered design, passed away at the age of 83.
Born in Liverpool in 1942, Hackney established his own architectural practice in Macclesfield, Cheshire, where he would launch what would become his most influential project. In 1974, while pursuing his PhD at Manchester University, Hackney undertook his first community architecture initiative on Black Road in Macclesfield. This project would fundamentally change how architects approached urban renewal and housing preservation.
The Black Road project represented a revolutionary approach to urban planning at the time. Instead of following the widespread trend of slum clearance that dominated the 1970s, Hackney worked directly with local residents to resist demolition and instead renovate and preserve their Victorian terraced houses. This collaborative effort between architect and community became a model for future schemes aimed at refurbishing existing Victorian housing and combating the destructive trend of mass demolition that was sweeping through British cities.
During his tenure as RIBA president, Hackney focused on building stronger connections between British architects and their European counterparts. He worked tirelessly to foster the free exchange of ideas and professionals within the European Economic Community, recognizing the importance of international collaboration in advancing architectural practice and theory.
Hackney's influence extended beyond national borders when he served as president of the Union of International Architects from 1987 to 1990. In this role, he promoted architecture as a powerful tool for social responsibility and community empowerment, advocating for architects to take active roles in addressing societal challenges and giving voice to underserved populations.
Throughout his career, Hackney maintained a close relationship with the then Prince Charles, who was a strong supporter of his community architecture initiatives. However, this relationship became controversial when Hackney allegedly revealed a private comment made by the Prince expressing concerns about a racially divided Britain. This indiscretion led to accusations that the heir to the throne was inappropriately engaging in political matters and reportedly undermined some of Hackney's later advocacy efforts.
Current RIBA president Muyiwa Oki paid tribute to Hackney's lasting impact on the profession. "Unfailingly cheerful and immensely popular, we were delighted to welcome Rod last year when he paid a visit to 66 Portland Place and his old office," Oki stated. "Rod's death is a huge loss and he will be greatly missed. We will never forget the huge contribution he has made to the RIBA and community architecture. I would like to express my sincere condolences to Rod's family and many friends at this very sad time."
Paul Hyett, who served as RIBA president from 2001 to 2003, offered a nuanced perspective on Hackney's complex personality and contributions. "Rod was a colorful but often mischievous and maverick – some would even say Machiavellian – personality who brought the community architecture agenda to the heart of Portland Place," Hyett told the Architects' Journal. "Sadly, indiscreet references to the then Prince of Wales, an otherwise great supporter of his work, revealed a weakness of judgment which no doubt undermined the effectiveness of his campaign. But Rod was courageous, passionate and had a great sense of the importance of architectural service to the underprivileged. And he was always great fun to be with."
In 1990, Hackney shared his experiences and philosophy in his autobiography "The Good the Bad and the Ugly: Cities in Crisis." The book detailed his concerns about the state of British architecture when he returned to the country in the 1970s after studying in Denmark. He wrote extensively about his efforts to combat the worst aspects of new modernist housing developments and his commitment to putting communities at the center of architectural practice.
Reflecting on his presidency, Hackney wrote about his hopes for community architecture: "I would like to think that during my term it [community architecture] came of age and became accepted as one of the normal ways of practicing rather than just a ginger group activity." This statement encapsulates his vision of transforming what was once considered alternative practice into mainstream professional methodology.
Benjamin Derbyshire, RIBA president from 2017 to 2019 and chair of HTA Design, praised Hackney's pioneering influence: "Rod Hackney inspired the pioneers of professional advocacy with his neighborhood co-designed project at Black Road Macclesfield. He helped build momentum, so that in the 80s we were able to open a Community Architecture Resource Centre on the ground floor at RIBA in Portland Place. And we hoped for more when he was elected president." However, Derbyshire also acknowledged the controversy that affected Hackney's later career, noting that "his fall from grace, quoting the heir's anxieties of a divided Britain following a meal on the Royal Train, was immediate. But he remained an indomitable proponent of grassroots professionalism to the last – a sad loss."
Angela Brady, RIBA president from 2011 to 2013 and director of Brady Mallalieu Architects, remembered Hackney as "a brilliant communicator and leader in community architecture and engaging the public in architecture and design." She emphasized his international work, noting that "he was also active in Europe on the UIA Council bringing people closer together. He promoted architecture as a tool for social responsibility and empowering the community. He was an inspiration on sustainable issues in architecture. He was a great guy, always cheerful and optimistic."
Stephan Reinke, founding president of AIA UK and director at Stephan Reinke Architects, highlighted Hackney's support for international architectural exchange. "Rod was a great supporter of the AIA UK, The First AIA International Chapter in the early 90s; more importantly he was a spirited advocate of the exchange of ideas, practices, and cultures of our International Professional – a new phenomenon at the time," Reinke recalled. "He was tireless in promoting the strength and qualities of the profession to take the lead in our communities with energy, intellect and understanding. In recent years Rod joined us on Portland Place, for several Honorary FAIA dinners following the AIA Keynote Speech. As ever, he inspired the conversation in the room and at the table, with his wit, wisdom and great laughter. He will be missed as a good friend of the AIA and International Practice."
Hackney's legacy lives on through the countless architects who have embraced community-centered design approaches and through the ongoing recognition that architecture must serve not just aesthetic or functional purposes, but social and community needs as well. His pioneering work on Black Road continues to serve as a model for how architects can work collaboratively with communities to preserve and enhance their built environment while respecting local needs and preferences.
