The Saudi slowdown has become a BIG issue, with the Bjarke Ingels Group (BIG) facing severe financial consequences due to project cancellations and job cuts. This has sparked an unprecedented demonstration against the redundancies outside BIG's London office, with employees demanding fair treatment and accountability. The protest highlights the impact of the slowdown on the architecture industry, as many projects in Saudi Arabia are being scaled down or cancelled. The AJ explores the controversy and asks: How did we get here? Is what has happened to BIG likely to occur elsewhere? And what’s around the corner? The article delves into the financial ramifications of the slowdown, with companies like AECOM and Gensler reporting significant drops in Middle East income. It also examines the impact on UK-based practices and the role of unions in advocating for workers' rights. The demonstration serves as a warning to others in the industry, with a Section of Architectural Workers (SAW) representative urging companies to reconsider their actions and prioritize employee well-being.
