BUILDING FUTURES, the think tank set up to consider the future of the built environment, is to undergo a shake up.

Up till now it has aligned itself with the architectural sector, and has been sponsored by CABE and the RIBA. Now CABE has announced that it is to drop out, the organisation wants to attract funding by broadening its appeal.

This comes as Dickon Robinson, the former development director of the Peabody Trust housing association, takes over as chairman. He replaces John Worthington, the partner in DEGW who founded the organisation in 2001.

“We are going forward with more emphasis on debates, discussions and broadcasts,” said Robinson. “We need to find a lighter touch to get the passion of the organisation to a wider group of people.”

Building Futures hopes that this approach will attract sponsorship for specific research projects rather than relying on corporate funding.