The Development of a Policy on Architecture for Scotland

What, then, can we do to improve the quality of our buildings and our built environment? How can we ensure that we get good architecture? What are the conditions necessary for good archi-tecture to flourish? There are no easy answers to these questions. Because the purpose of architecture is to serve and sustain human life, it has all the com-plexities of life. And like life, these complexities are not amenable to singular solutions, they cannot be resolved by arcane theory or stylistic dogma. Good architecture demands imagination and a pluralism of thought. Good architecture demands a commit-ment to quality from all of those who shape and make our buildings for us. Those directly involved in the commis-sioning, design and construction of buildings bear a heavy responsibility. But the realisation of good architecture is not determined solely by those directly involved. Architecture responds to society's needs and, in so doing, reflects our collective values and aspirations. The quality of our architecture, then, says much about us all.

Since the creation of the new Scottish Parliament, we in Scotland have taken responsibility for many aspects of our lives. How we wish our communities to develop, how we pursue our desire for equitable social development, and the value we place on a sustainable future will all be reflected and find expression in the quality of our built environment and our architecture. The debate, then, as to how we achieve good architecture is not only for a minority nor solely for those directly involved in the procurement, design and construction of our buildings. It is a necessary and worthwhile debate for us all.

The purpose of this document is to begin that debate and to set out the Govern-ment's aspirations for architecture in Scotland. It is intended to raise aware-ness of the value of good architecture and to consider what needs to be done to encourage and promote good building design. Its aim is to provide a framework for the development of a national policy on architecture for Scotland.

THE OBJECTIVES OF SUCH A POLICY WILL BE:

• to promote the social, cultural, environmental and economic benefits of good architecture and foster a wider understanding of its role in national and local life;
• to encourage informed debate on architecture and promote greater interest and community involvement in the design of the built environment;
• to foster excellence in architecture and seek improvements in design practice and the procurement of buildings; and
• to develop an agenda for action for the promotion of architecture.

06 Distillers House, Edinburgh RMJM
07 Clach Mhor, Avielochan Roddy Langmuir	08 Centre for Contemporary Arts, Dundee Richard Murphy Architects