This item was published during the term of a previous administration that ended in April 2007
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New 'champion' to stimulate good architecture and design
11/04/2005
Scotland's new 'champion' for good architecture and
design was formally launched today.
Architecture+Design Scotland (A+DS) commenced work
earlier this month when it took over the independent design
review role of the Royal Fine Art Commission for Scotland
(RFACS). It has a wide, proactive role in advocating the
benefits of good design and architecture to a range of
organisations.
A+DS aims to:
- Inspire excellence in the built environment
- Encourage high quality public buildings and public
places
- Stimulate and supporting a demand for better design
by clients and the public for improved quality
Tourism, Culture and Sport Minister Patricia Ferguson
attended the launch at the Donald Dewar Leisure Centre in
Drumchapel. This venue was chosen to reflect the
government's desire to see quality of design of the built
environment in all parts of Scotland.
She said:
"I believe it's vitally important to ensure that new
development in Scotland matches the best of our built
heritage. We want to see the talent and creativity that we
have in this country harnessed and put to good use in
shaping our built environment."
"I'm delighted that Scotland's new champion for good
architecture and design is now up and running."
Raymond Young, Chair of Architecture +Design
Scotland added:
"We are here to encourage and support communities in
thinking creatively about the environment where they live,
how it is designed and how better quality can be achieved.
We want to encourage developers, clients, public bodies and
other commissioning organisations to raise their game and
deliver the real social, economic and environmental
benefits that good design can bring."
The Donald Dewar Leisure Centre was recently designed by
Glasgow City Council Architects Department. Through careful
design, sensible use of technology and good management it
uses less energy than comparable buildings and provides a
healthier environment, demonstrating application of the
principles of sustainable development.