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The Development of a Policy on Architecture for Scotland: Report on the Public Consultation

7.0 EXPORT OF SKILLS

7.1 There was a divergence of views amongst respondents as to the merits of promoting abroad Scotland’s talents and skills in the field of architecture. A minority of respondents felt that a more important priority was to maximise and develop the use of design and construction skills within Scotland before attempting to market these abroad. The majority of respondents, however, felt that there were considerable benefits to be gained from enabling Scottish practices to work in an international arena.

7.2 It was suggested, for example, that by creating opportunities for international exchange, Scottish based architects and other design professionals would be able to experience at first hand models of best practice elsewhere. Other respondents saw the issue of overseas promotion as directly related to the need to retain the best architectural talent in Scotland and to reverse the drain of creative talent abroad. It was suggested that the active international promotion of emerging talent in Scotland would not only make knowledge of their work available to a wider international audience but would also encourage such talent to remain in Scotland. Several respondents noted that the larger and more established architectural design practices may not find sufficient work to sustain them in Scotland alone and that, for them, it was a necessity that links and opportunities were created across national boundaries.

7.3 Respondents suggested a number of ways by which Scottish practices might be promoted in an international context. It was suggested, for example, that resources should be made available for international travel and exchange by young designers. Others saw architectural competitions as a way of enabling Scottish practices to establish themselves outwith Scotland. It was suggested that a case could be made for financial support for practices competing in such competitions. A number of respondents noted that the current rapid growth of the global digital information network was providing new opportunities for joint venture relationships between practices in Scotland and abroad.

7.4 Respondents identified several specific areas of knowledge, expertise and resource that they felt Scotland could market abroad and export. Amongst those mentioned were: techniques and skills in community based urban renewal; skills in new forms of procurement such as PFI/PPP; expertise in architectural education in the schools of architecture; and Scotland’s indigenous construction materials.

7.5 A number of respondents noted the potential of The Lighthouse to act as a portal to the international network of such centres which would provide opportunities for the exchange of skills, talent and creative thinking. Respondents welcomed the initiatives and strategic alliances with other bodies which The Lighthouse had already put in place to support the promotion of Scottish design skills. Respondents noted that through exhibitions, seminars and other promotional events, The Lighthouse had already done much to showcase Scottish architectural and design talent both here and abroad.

7.6 Overall, however, respondents felt that Scottish skills and talent in the field of architecture were not being promoted abroad as effectively as they could be. Respondents suggested that organisations such as Scottish Enterprise and Scottish Trade International should be encouraged to be more active in this area, although respondents welcomed the recent initiatives by Scottish Enterprise with regard to the promotion of Scotland’s creative industries. Respondents felt that the Executive’s commitment to promote a policy on architecture provided a welcome opportunity to develop an effective and co-ordinated framework for the promotion of Scotland’s talents and skills in the field of architecture.

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