We will probably never see another building boom like the one we are in now. The last time anything happened on this scale was in the aftermath of the Blitz, a huge programme of post-War reconstruction that, in most aspects and except for a few brilliant and heroic schemes, failed.

This time, though, we are sure everything will be better. Now we are the centre of the creative world. Everyone wants to be here; the whole world would emigrate here if they could. We have the finest, most iconic architecture, the busiest, most dynamic and expensive city, the highest property prices. Manhattan quivers in the shadow of London. The finest architects from around the world are bristling to work here. Britain exports its architecture with Lords Foster and Rogers leading the way, designing the world’s airports, skyscrapers, convention centres and the new cities of the Middle East and China.