This letter follows the recent publication of the Howlett Brown report on the Bartlett School of Architecture (BSA). We feel that UCL and the media’s response to what is a complex and challenging situation has been single-sided and obscure. We assert it has instilled a culture of secrecy, fear and bullying among staff and students, while harming the reputation of the school and people within it. The very same community the movement aimed to protect.

This letter calls for an inclusive, safe, and respectful environment for discussion. An environment in which students, alumni and academics can come together to envision ways forward and understand how we can all improve and add to a new chapter of the school. It in no way intends to diminish the importance of the serious allegations which have been highlighted by the Howlett Brown report. Moreover, the report has brought the deplorable actions of several individuals to the forefront of architectural communities’ attention, and this is why we believe opportunities for open and free dialogue are more important than ever.

We feel the picture being portrayed of the BSA is not representative of the plurality of the stories of former and current students and feel the need to include student experiences that have been largely neglected in recent news. The BSA is and was a positive place. A school of excellence, where we have had the chance to learn, grow and to meet extraordinary colleagues and academics. It is an exciting and radical environment which was, and still is, our second home.

The variety of staff members with contagious optimism and commitment to design research has created a stimulating and a vibrant environment with infinite learning possibilities. The attitude of staff, interests and agendas are reflected in the wide range of distinguished units with strong identities built over many years, creating an ever-growing portfolio of work. Generous comments, rigorous criticism towards constantly evolving work, a guiding hand through the design process with all its failures and successes, as well as encouragement and humour, has helped us become confident architects, thinkers and designers who are adaptable and perceptive to the world around them.

The education at The Bartlett School of Architecture does not end on the day of the graduation. Alumni and academics are a leading force of the profession, forming long-lasting friendships and naturally becoming mentors for recent graduates in professional practice. This bond would not be possible without the atmosphere and culture that the school has cultivated.

The positive experiences from the school and the love and devotion of academic staff was touched upon in the Howlett Brown report, but has been largely absent in reports and debate around the BSA. Online discourse in particular resorted to little more than a digital mob; hurling one-sided, unsubstantiated accusations and muffling attempts at balanced conversation. The antithesis of academic rigour and openness.

This is a call for action, we ask that UCL creates an inclusive space for discussion, that they offer a process and a space that aligns with the values they are trying to defend, one where students and staff alike are trusted and can safely and respectfully come together and discuss the current allegations while imagining ways forward as a community. We believe this is the only way for the BSA to move forward and evolve – understanding and learning from its historic failings whilst maintaining all that was great about the institution.