The ethics of architecture The Ethics of Architecture offers a short and approachable scholarly introduction to a timely question: in a world of increasing population density how does one construct habitable spaces that promote social goals like health happiness environmental friendliness and justice What are the special ethical obligations assumed by architects Because their work creates the basic material conditions that make all other human activity possible architects and their associates in building enjoy vast influence on how all we live work play worship and think. With this influence comes tremendous and not always examined responsibility. This book addresses the range of ethical issues that architects face with a broad understanding of ethics. Beyond strictly professional duties transparency technical competence fair trading lie more profound issues that move into aesthetic political and existential realms. Does an architect have a duty to create art if not always beautiful art Should an architect feel obliged to serve a community and not simply the client Is social justice a possible orientation for architectural practice Is there such a thing as feeling compelled to shelter being in architectural work By taking these usually abstract questions into the region of physical creation the book attempts a concrete reformulation of architectural ethics as a matter of deep reflection on the architects role as both citizen and caretaker. Thinkers and makers discussed include Le Corbusier Martin Heidegger Lewis Mumford Rem Koolhaas Jane Jacobs Arthur Danto and John Rawls. An added preface addresses architectural issues arising during and after the 2020 COVID 19 pandemic