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A Policy on Architecture for Scotland
PROGRESS REPORT 2005

EDUCATION AND RESEARCH

The professions (and architecture in particular) are often seen as opaque and somewhat indifferent to the concerns of ordinary people. Architects invariably fall into a number of popular stereotypes ranging from visionary hero to pedantic dilettanti; dedicated professional to cultured aesthete. Some architects combine many of the above traits but the Policy on Architecture endeavours (in part) to recast the architect as a populist facilitator. Consequently, architecture as a Fine Art is played down in the Policy and the more expansive term Built Environment favoured as the means to engage with the general public and school children in particular.

Education is often cited as the measure of a civilized society and historically Scotland has had an enviable record in this regard. However, the rally cry of "Education, Education, Education" has been subject to intense scrutiny of late. Currently education policy is moving away from the accumulation of hard facts and knowledge to one which influences children's behaviour and promotes the concept of active citizenship. This encompasses both emotional and academic intelligence.

The potential of the built environment to stimulate children's imagination and engender an understanding of society was a key element in the development of the Policy. It was argued that its incorporation into the school's pedagogic framework would promote new learning experiences and opportunities across the curriculum, and enrich subjects as diverse as geography, technology and religious education.

In May 2002 the then Deputy Minister with responsibility for architecture Dr. Murray launched "Building Connections: the Curriculum and the Built Environment" embodied in a 22-page booklet and accompanying CD ROM. Some 4,500 copies were produced and sent to all schools in Scotland. The material was attractively produced, employed a teacher-friendly vocabulary and was augmented by an dedicated website www.buildingconnections.co.uk

HE WHO IS WITHOUT VISION WILL NEITHER BE ABLE TO
FULFIL GREAT HOPES NOR REALIZE GREAT PLANS

Thomas Woodrow Wilson

Most commentators accept the benefits of developing a deeper understanding of the built environment, but has this message found a tangible outlet in every classroom? It is self-evident that individual headmasters wield considerable influence and act as gatekeepers. Although the values and objectives enshrined in this initiative have a 5-10 year shelf life, the website needs to be up-dated regularly if it is to remain fresh. Having established this excellent resource, it would be prudent now to undertake a qualitative and quantitative assessment to gauge the success of the 'Building Connections' initiative and what improvements might be introduced to enshrine it within the school curriculum.

The Policy has instigated a number of research projects to encourage architects and other stakeholders to examine and embrace social inclusion issues. It is hoped that this will consolidate links between disparate government agencies and ensure architecture plays a greater role in the delivery of social justice and community objectives. The Policy on Architecture needs to be central to the government's drive to improve people's lives. Only then can we reflect on Thomas Woodrow Wilson's assertion that: " He who is without vision will neither be able to fulfil great hopes nor realize great plans."

SUSTAINABILITY

The dominance of our market-driven economy and the irresistible rise of a sound bite culture has spawned the curious phenomena whereby our buildings are now being 'branded' (somewhat like desirable consumer products). The implications for the built environment are potentially ruinous because the complex subtleties and infinite number of considered details (evident in the best architecture) are often expunged in favour of brand identification and the rigorous pursuit of a distinctive style. Sadly, the mere mention of certain star-architects' names can trigger instant recognition and engender a sense of predetermined quality, and the misguided belief that the building (like the imported beer) will be reassuringly expensive.

Brands and labels are invariably interchangeable and relatively disposable but our long term investment in building schools, hospitals, homes and workplaces cannot be shackled to the vagaries of fashion. Architecture is part of the continuum and should endure; it should transcend the superficial and make a dynamic contribution to the built environment. Environmental considerations have become crucial in the assessment of good buildings, and the combination of dwindling natural resources and global warming have reinforced the arguments in favour of more sustainable development.

Unfortunately, the term sustainable is much abused and over-used, but sustainability encompasses not only environment and energy issues but also social and economic factors. The development of 'green' architecture as an identifiable brand, however, remains somewhat ambiguous. It must become more mainstream and eschew out-dated associations with esoteric, hand-knitted, muesli-munching sects. The task is to convince sceptics that sustainability, once seen as a superfluity, is now a necessity.

Craiglockhart Campus, Napier University,
Edinburgh BDP Photograph: Keith Hunter

The Scottish Executive's architecture unit (who introduced the Policy on Architecture) is allied to, and reliant on, various government departments and agencies (such as the Sustainable Development Team) in order to realise particular projects and proposals. The Policy recognised the significance of partnering arrangements and therefore has targeted three specific sectors - clients, community groups and architects - with a view to pursuing a more sustainable approach.

The Policy on Architecture programme on sustainability comes under the banner heading of SUST and has been managed by The Lighthouse. A variety of initiatives have been initiated including:

• Seminars: a number of focused seminars have been organised to probe issues pertinent to the sustainable growth of Scotland's cities and an international conference: with key presenters from around Europe was held to share best practice relating to urban ecology;
• Green Directory: an online catalogue of environmentally benign building products from Scotland;
• Courses: bespoke training courses for housing association staff and elected committee members (many of whom are elderly);
• Exhibitions: the 'Re:motion' exhibition proved a provocative response to the dilemma of sustainable transportation and infrastructure shortfalls;
• Connections: the programme has evolved a good working relationship with local authority officials, politicians and other relevant bodies such as the American Institute of Architects;
• www.sust.org: the website provides on-line access to reports, documents and case studies on most of the initiatives that formed the pilot programme.

While such programmes are laudatory, they are only a start, and the real measure is whether such good intentions carry through into practice. Hopefully the new accreditation scheme (operated by SUST in conjunction with the RIAS) will act as a useful conduit for clients to consider the appointment of 'green' architects. Practices' ecological credentials will be assessed, monitored and accreditation will hopefully prove more than just another superficial label.

THE NATIONAL PROGRAMME

The Lighthouse (Scotland's National Centre for Architecture, Design and the City) is acknowledged as one of the most respected Architecture + Design Centres in Europe. The Lighthouse occupies the former Glasgow Herald building designed by Charles Rennie Mackintosh in 1895 which was extensively revamped to provide a base for Glasgow's Year of Architecture + Design in 1999. Its remit under the National Programme has been to promote excellence, encourage access, exhibit the best, develop people's skills and galvanise the Creative Industries. The Programme encompasses a variety of initiatives, exhibitions, lectures and activities all intended to realize the aims and aspirations of the Policy on Architecture.

Although instigated and funded by the Scottish Executive, the National Programme has been developed and managed by The Lighthouse, and the two organisations have evolved a mutually beneficial, symbiotic relationship. Indeed The Lighthouse was able to boast (on the occasion of its 5th birthday celebration) that the National Programme had delivered a variety of initiatives including the following:

• ten exhibitions (four of which toured, one internationally) attracting some 56,784 visitors;
• three seminars attracting 288 participants;
• twenty-two talks attracting 781 participants;
• various educational workshops and activities attracting 398 participants (with 50% being school children).

An underlying ambition of the Policy has been to connect with different communities throughout Scotland, break down prejudices and kick start a meaningful dialogue between the public and the professionals. This robust and proactive approach has spawned a number of site specific projects in Girvan, Campbeltown, Tiree and the Isle of Bute.

The Lighthouse has proved an invaluable conduit in promulgating the Policy's primary objectives, including raising public awareness and celebrating architecture's contribution to Scottish culture. Certainly the dedicated funding for the 5-year programme has strengthened the position of The Lighthouse itself and provided further economic security for the national Centre.

The exhibition programme has garnered much praise and is perhaps the most tangible outcome of the Policy. Each year a specific theme is explored such as 'Anatomy of the House' which looked at the domestic realm, illustrating historic precedents for modern forms and the sheer diversity of housing types across Scotland from the humble croft to the suburban villa. This was followed by 'Common-place' which examined the public realm and the changing relationship between ownership and space. Examples included swirling organic grassy landforms (reputed to mimic Chaos Theory) and a bespoke belvedere (intended to instil a sense of reverie and contemplation). Then 'Field Trip' examined the changing nature of Scotland's landscape through human intervention over time. Using selected routes, a variety of landscapes, marks, buildings and structures show the "unnatural" landscape as an evolving cultural and recreational facility.

Following a high profile launch at The Lighthouse each exhibition has then toured Scotland. Finding suitable venues to receive these venues is challenging, however Kirkcaldy, Portree, Fraserbrugh, Orkney, Selkirk, Aberdeen and Dundee have enjoyed an enthusiastic response from the general public. Special preview events have been organised for school teachers who can then inspire their classes.

Since its inception the Innovation Fund has facilitated a number of idiosyncratic projects submitted by a broad cross-section of the community. Awards are usually limited to £1,000-£5,000 and work has ranged from launching a regional website, curating an exhibition or subsidising promotional literature. The Lighthouse mounts a small exhibition each year but the work deserves greater public exposure.

The Lighthouse has cultivated many useful links with business and sympathetic entrepreneurs. However, it cannot become too complacent about this burgeoning synergy and must continue to challenge and confront relevant issues. It is imperative that the welter of high-minded conferences, trumpeted reports and earnest exhortations start to make a difference in the 'real' world if we are to escape nit-picking parochialism.

WEBSITE AND PUBLICATIONS

The First Minister's St Andrew's Day Speech in 2003 acknowledged that:

FOR YEARS OUR CULTURE, ALONG WITH SOME OF OUR MOST TALENTED PEOPLE, HAS BEEN SCOTLAND'S GREAT GIFT TO THE WORLD. IT'S IMPORTANT THAT TODAY, THE WORLD CONTINUES TO SEE HOW SUCCESSFUL A CONTEMPORARY COUNTRY AND CULTURE WE ARE.

Most would agree that the printed word can be a powerful ally in this task but an increasing number of people now seem to have compressed their view of the world to just three letters, www. The exponential growth of the World Wide Web has been breathtaking and the supremacy of the book may be under threat but it remains one of the most effective and accessible means to disseminate information and ideas.

In promoting the tenets of the Policy on Architecture a plethora of press releases, posters, leaflets, booklets and catalogues have been generated. Most of the major exhibitions (including 'Anatomy of the House', 'Common-place' and 'Re:motion') have been supported by an accompanying catalogue but perhaps the most significant publications have been the bi-annual reviews. 'Scottish Architecture 2000-2002' (ISBN 0-9536533-5-8) published by The Lighthouse comprises a number of challenging essays alongside twenty-six notable Scottish buildings completed during 2000-2002. Featured projects range from the ultra-modern, timber slatted Mount Stuart Visitor Centre to the turf-roofed, Nissen hut 'pods' originally seen in the BBC's popular 'Castaway' series. The recently published 2002-2004 review "Architecture in Scotland" (ISBN 1-905061-00-5) adopts a similar format but more effort is needed to ensure a wider distribution to design book stores across the globe.

The Policy's own website www.scottisharchitecture.com was launched in June 2002 and has proved remarkably successful to date. Registration is not required and access is free to all. However, the life span of such sites is often surprisingly short and it will need to be kept rigorously up-to-date, and periodically recast, if it is to keep pace with technology and avoid feeling stale.

The site has already had one major redesign (in response to users' comments) and is managed by The Lighthouse. It is up-dated weekly with breaking news stories and diary items gleaned from trawling both national sources (such as the broadsheet newspapers and the BBC's website) and professional journals (such as the Architect's Journal and Building Design).

The site has grown expansive and didactic. Dialogue and debate have been encouraged, and a series of articles have been commissioned (under the banner title 'Cranespotting') on pertinent topics such as the massive Granton Waterfront and Clydeside regeneration projects.

Visits to virtual buildings (perhaps never actually built or tragically lost) are always popular but such 'ghee whizz' sites are expensive to construct and soak up a disproportionate amount of funds. Nonetheless the sheer diversity and inclusive nature of www.scottisharchitecture.com is commendable. In many ways it is a pioneering project; certainly few other countries have such a comprehensive web-based resource which ties together the many threads which comprise a nation's architecture.

scottisharchitecture.com home page
Photograph: Stephen Kearney

CHANGE IS INEVITABLE.
IN A PROGRESSIVE COUNTRY CHANGE IS CONSTANT.

INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS

Architecture has always been an integral part of our everyday lives and no-one can doubt the relevance of good design to society's well-being. However, architecture is enmeshed in politics and reflects the particular mores of our time.

It is essential, therefore, to see the profession in a wider context i.e. as part of the Creative Industries. This cluster includes publishing, film making, manufacturing, etc. and generates an estimated £10 billion turnover with architecture and design accounting for approximately 10% overall. However, the Architecture Policy (despite pressure from some quarters) is not an economic policy and is thankfully bereft of the usual governmental platitudes to employment statistics or explicit financial promises. Nonetheless architecture does contribute to our export drive and helps bolster Scotland's reputation abroad.

Disney's fanciful version of 'Brigadoon' buckled under a surfeit of garish plaid and Highland laddies whereas Disraeli dismissed Scotland as a land of oatcakes and sulphur. However, he also wrote (during a visit to Edinburgh in 1867) that "...change is inevitable. In a progressive country change is constant".

The decision to appoint the Catalonian Enric Miralles as architect of the new Scottish Parliament signalled a determination to banish cozy tartan stereotypes and fashion a more contemporary vision. Certainly RMJM/EMBT's parliament building has generated an enormous interest abroad and will undoubtedly lead to an influx of tourists. Miralles may even repeat Gehry's trick at Bilbao but such transformative effects are unpredictable. The genuine excitement surrounding the Parliament's opening was undeniably evident, but its real impact on the architectural psyche of Scotland remains to be seen.

The Lighthouse has built an enviable reputation in its particular field and is seen as a forward-looking institution with strong international connections. It has hosted various touring exhibitions and international guest speakers and has embarked on a number of joint projects with Arc en Rêve Centre d'Architecture (France), Vitra Design Museum (Germany), Gammel Dok Architecture Centre (Denmark), Arkitektur Museet (Sweden) and Cooper Hewitt National Design Museum (USA).

The cost of transporting, insuring and installing major exhibitions can be prohibitive but a number of Scottish exhibitions (namely 'Field Trip', 'Landforms' and 'Maggie's') are travelling to Marseille to mark centenary celebrations surrounding the signing of the Entente Cordiale between Britain and France. 'Landforms' has also been to Barcelona, Venice and Utrecht. Scotland made its debut at the Rotterdam Bienniale last year with 'Re:Motion' and plans are afoot to have a presence again next year.

Priorities are invariably shifting and any transmogrification of the current Policy must not jettison the already established framework. Greater emphasis, however, could be invested in promoting Scottish talent abroad, better quality publications and how to connect architecture into other government initiatives.

Scottish Parliament
EMBT/RMJM
Photograph: Niall Hendrie
© Scottish Parliamentary Corporate Body 2004

SCHOOLS OF ARCHITECTURE

Scotland boasts six schools of architecture and attracts a sizeable number of talented students from home and abroad. Student awards are intended to acknowledge, instil and promote the necessary confidence and competence that will enable students to then contribute to the development of their own communities.

Architecture is a demanding vocation with a protracted period of study and apprenticeship before securing qualification. The Policy on Architecture made a commitment to support the six architecture schools in Scotland and subsequently launched SIX - the National Programme Student Awards for Architecture. This joint initiative with the RIAS provides an annual exhibition with accompanying booklet, creating an opportunity, once rare, to view the best student work from across Scotland.

SIX was managed by The Lighthouse who have directed a variety of new initiatives to further the ambitions of the Policy. 'Pigeonhole City', for example, invited architecture students to challenge conventional notions on the dissemination of architectural ideas, issues and events. The winning proposal by Missing Presumed Found secured financial backing from the Innovation Fund which allowed them to mount an exhibition to document the success of their quixotic project.

Another student competition was 'The Big Issue' which sought ideas for an easily demountable shelter and sparked a lively debate on alternatives to hostel life for the homeless. The immediate outcomes have been rich and diverse but the ambition is to inculcate a creative response to any (and every) problem. If Scotland is to succeed as a nation it is essential to foster young talent and reward their genius.

SIX exhibition
Photograph: Alan Dimmick

DESIGN REVIEW

The Royal Fine Art Commission for Scotland (RFACS) was established by Royal Prerogative in 1927 to enquire into, and report on, design issues relating to major planning applications and other development proposals. It currently comprises twelve Commissioners (all unsalaried positions) who advise the Scottish Executive and local authorities on the merits (and demerits) of specific proposals.

The Commissioners include architects, planners, designers and artists but this disparate group appear well qualified in assembling coherent and cogent assessments of (often) complex proposals. Their comments may oscillate from caustic criticism to passionate praise but are intrinsically intended to identify excellence, highlight areas of concern and anticipate any detrimental effects arising from contentious development proposals.

Although maligned by some critics as "...undemocratic and regressive in its approach", the RFACS has made a valuable contribution in pursuing quality amidst a myriad of projects which can vary from sprawling industrial complexes, prominent city centre edifices, historic burgh street furniture schemes and strategic road improvements. The RFACS could never be accused of anodyne sophistry, and has been resolutely committed to Scotland's built environment and its distinctivelandscape characteristics.

Any new development is often perceived as progress (of sorts) but if unregulated or ill-considered its impact can prove detrimental. The unique character of a place (its 'genius loci') can be damaged irrevocably if a proposal is too big, too brutal, too noxious and/or too ugly. Decisions on planning applications, however, can be difficult and delicate; discussions can be protracted and fraught (especially if job creation is part of the equation) - impartial expert advice is therefore a pre-requisite.

Now, under the government's most recent review of public bodies, the RFACS is to be dissolved and a new body 'Architecture and Design Scotland' created with an extended remit including training, advocacy and promotion. This will require a more pro-active rapport to be established with local authority officials. The new body can also make a substantial input to the ongoing debate on the future of our cities by stimulating discussion and addressing social and economic issues.

It is salutary to consider the defunct English RFAC which mutated into the Commission for the Built Environment (CABE). Its self-evident success is reflected in a tenfold jump in their budget allocation from under £1 million (2000) to £11.5 million (2004) and design has been elevated from niche interest to national interest.

Design is now enshrined as a material consideration in the planning process and is something that we can actually control for the betterment of society. Although the new design review body should complement The Lighthouse in promoting the ambitions of the Policy on Architecture, it must act judiciously and demonstrate its independence. Design and the built environment can no longer be marginalised as a fine art pursuit (dominated by a self-selected elite) but must expand its influence and become central to government policy.

Crown Street Phases 5 and 6, Glasgow Hypostyle
Architects "the Gatekeeper" by artist group Heisenberg
Photograph: Gavin Fraser

COMMUNITY DESIGN

It is often said that good architecture is too important to trust to architects alone. Certainly aesthetes are simply one component in a swirling maelstrom of competing demands including identity, durability, accessibility, funding, context, materials and sustainability. The Policy on Architecture refers to Scotland as a "...place of imagination, creativity and innovation" but if this is to ring true we must invest more care, time and effort into every new building especially community projects such as health centres, hospitals and schools. Big budgets do not necessarily produce good buildings and an understated 'ordinary' building is preferable to something gauche, mediocre and out of context.

Philosophical thinking on schools, for example, has undergone a radical transformation of late. Today the emphasis is on learning rather than teaching, and children are seen as fledgling adults (proto-consumers even). The school itself is no longer seen as a forbidding fortress but an open, accessible resource for the whole community. The design therefore has to be flexible enough not only to absorb local demands but also the shifting targets of the national curriculum.

Ideologically this is an exciting time for schools and can be likened to the great post-war comprehensive movement. We cannot afford to miss this opportunity to create something of lasting value. The 'Future Learning and Teaching Programme' (FLaT) has been devised, therefore, to encourage schools and relevant educational authorities to establish a creative learning and teaching environment.

In 2003 The Lighthouse organised a series of interdisciplinary workshops to explore current trends and test new ideas such as sustainable design, curriculum development and flexible usage. The sessions brought together practitioners, artists, council officers and teachers and are documented in the 'Designing Scotland's Sustainable Schools of the Future' booklet and accompanying CD ROM. The Scottish Executive has also committed to address the dearth of exemplary new school buildings. Sizeable funds have been set aside and promises given these schools would aspire to world class status.

It is encouraging to see Clackmannanshire Council take the initiative and invite three leading Scottish practices (Richard Murphy Architects, Gareth Hoskins Architects and Murray + Dunlop Architects) to develop innovative proposals for new schools in Alloa, Alva and Lornshill. It is hoped that this approach to tendering will become a template for all future school projects. Good design is a prerequisite if we are to realize our aspirations for the school estate and banal off-the-shelf schemes simply will not suffice. The comprehensive booklet on 'School Design - Building our Future: Scotland's School Estate' produced by the Scottish Executive offers valuable lessons for anyone commencing such an important commission.

HERITAGE AND TOURISM

We can be justifiably proud of the 'world class' status of a number of Scotland's cultural undertakings in recent times, and it is important that we also aspire to the highest standards in the quality of our contemporary architecture. Aspiring to 'world class' status can often incur costs but most people accept that the potential rewards can be considerable in terms of attracting both kudos and enthusiastic visitors. A cultural shift is needed therefore if we are to undo ingrained prejudices and enhance Scotland's place in an increasingly competitive world.

The Policy on Architecture has confounded expectations and cast Scotland in a new light. The Lighthouse endorses the Policy and makes manifest the Scottish Executive's agenda whilst Dr Stuart MacDonald (Director of The Lighthouse) represents its personification and has become a consummate ambassador for Scotland's Creative Industries.

The Policy is starting to impact on many of our most venerable institutions including the august Royal Commission of Ancient + Historic Monuments for Scotland (RCAHMS). Established in 1908 to safeguard the nation's built heritage, the RCAHMS is undergoing a sea change and efforts are underway to redefine their role as stewards/custodians of the nation's archive. A new Chief Executive and dedicated Education Officer have been appointed and will introduce an expansive education programme. Clearly the intention is to increase access and boost numbers using this remarkable archive including original drawings, maps and aerial photographs.

Newhailes House,
Conservation work: LDN Architects LLP
Photograph: Lee Kindness

A key aspect of the Policy's success has been to instil a new focus for organisations such as the RCAHMS, and The Lighthouse has helped forge a renewed sense of co-operation between like-minded institutions (including RCAHMS, Historic Scotland and the Royal Incorporation of Architects in Scotland). Indeed, the recent decision by the Edinburgh City Council to appoint a de facto Design Tsar to champion urban design may be (arguably) a direct consequence of the Policy. His statements to date appear to echo the Policy and prioritize the public realm whilst promoting architecture's power to regenerate entire city quarters.

Statistical analysis has shown that a significant percentage of visitors come to Scotland because of the architecture. Edinburgh, for example, can offer a breathtaking snap shot of Scottish architecture's progressive evolution from Medieval garrison to Post-modern folly. A joint initiative by the RCAHMS and The Lighthouse has launched a rolling programme to produce a series of handy, pocket-sized, folding maps identifying notable buildings (both ancient and modern) initially for Edinburgh and Glasgow with Aberdeen, Dundee, Stirling and Inverness to follow.

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