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Some argue that they no longer exist, others that they are alive and well and living in China. With the decline of traditional working class institutions and at a time of political quiescence, is the idea of the working classes still a useful category? Do the working classes still exist, and, if so, how do they spend their time? An ICA series shines the spotlight back onto the workers. If the working class doesn’t exist, how do we house what’s left? asks Will Alsop, Britain’s favourite outspoken architect. In his talk, Alsop will examine the state of current regeneration policies and ask whether what we actually need is an overhaul of our understanding of community architecture and social housing, particularly at a time when traditional social categories are in flux. How can we build the most inspiring and imaginative solutions to these issues? Alsop won the prestigious Stirling Prize in 2000 for his much-praised Peckham library, south London. He has recently worked on a host of urban masterplans, from New Islington, a Millennium Village in Manchester, to projects in Barnsley, Bradford and Walsall.