Whether or not you agree with Brexit, architects need to embrace this rare opportunity to rebuild contemporary British society, says Owen Hopkins.

Every so often there's an event that interrupts and sometimes overturns established convention. At these moments, time suddenly speeds up. Gradual incrementalism gives way to radical change. What was previously unthinkable or impossible financially or politically becomes just as viable as anything else. Everything becomes up for grabs. Britain is living through one of these moments.
Whether one is for it or against, passionate or apathetic, or simply wishes to be able to change the subject, Britain's impending exit from the European Union constitutes the single biggest rupture with the status quo for over 70 years. As one narrative ends, so the search for new ones begins. Almost instinctively many from both sides of the political divide are looking to the past for ideas and meaning, often as an opportunity to try to resurrect and put into practice policies long marginalised or discredited.
The debate urgently needs to shift to the Britain that will emerge after Brexit
Many on the left long for a new 1945, and a chance to reset the political dial towards policies of nationalisation, state intervention and higher taxes. Meanwhile those on the right see this moment as a new 1979 when the mission of privatisation, deregulation and financialisation that was started then might be brought to its radical conclusion.
Yet to look to the p...