Records of Architects for Peace

Archive reference: Cwl AP

Architects for Peace

In 1981, Architects for Peace (A4P) was formed, to work for the abolition of nuclear arms and other weapons of mass destruction, awaken the profession and public to the effects of nuclear war, and encourage contacts to build world peace. The chairperson was Kate Macintosh, the secretary Ian Abbott and later Peter Kirkham.

The group organised meetings and seminars on subjects such as nuclear shelters and the financial impact of defence spending on the built environment. "Places for peace" by John McKean (1989) was a significant publication. A4P linked with other professional groups via Professions for World Disarmament and Development. These included groups of architects in other countries, and medical professionals in the UK.

In 1992, in response to falling membership, the group amalgamated with Engineers for Social Responsibility under the title Architects and Engineers for Social Responsibility. This became part of Scientists for Global Responsibility in 2005.

The Archive

One of the Commonweal Archives, this material was donated to Commonweal Collection in 1995 by Ian Abbott. It includes correspondence, committee meeting minutes, newsletters, members, publicity material and press cuttings.

The Archive was catalogued as part of the PaxCat Project, with support from the National Cataloguing Grants Programme for Archives.