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The Development of a Policy on Architecture for Scotland:
Report on the Public Consultation
CONCLUSION
Overall, respondents welcomed the proposal to develop a policy on architecture
for Scotland and were supportive of the aims and aspirations set out in the
framework document. Respondents were of the view that the document addressed
an appropriate agenda of issues and that the objectives and topics set out in
the framework for action provided a sound basis from which to develop the details
of policy. Respondents noted that interest in matters to do with architecture
and the built environment was increasing and suggested that a policy should
seek to capitalise on this interest.
Respondents suggested that if a policy were to be successful, then the development
of both its detail and plans for its implementation would need to engage positively
with a broad constituency of interests. Respondents also suggested that a policy
on architecture should take account of, and be integrated with, other policy
areas within the Executive. Respondents were of the view that the credibility
of a policy on architecture would be impaired if Scottish Executive Departments
did not themselves embrace its aims and objectives.
There was some concern amongst respondents as to how the detail of policy might
develop. It was suggested that too prescriptive a policy would be counter-productive
and would run the risk of inhibiting creativity and design innovation. On the
other hand, it was suggested that a policy couched solely in aspirational terms
was unlikely to stimulate interest or to be effective in practice.
Respondents noted that, whatever form policy took, it would be important to
assess its effectiveness in stimulating interest in Scotland’s architecture
and in bringing about improvements in Scotland’s built environment. Respondents
suggested that a strategy for policy implementation should include for a 3-5
year review cycle to allow for an assessment of progress in meeting the policy’s
objectives and for any necessary adjustments to policy priorities to be made.
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"Architecture as a cultural expression and an artform has a duty to interpret
and challenge our own age. "
"The buildings we build form the context for our lives and our children’s
lives in the future; their importance cannot be underestimated. "
"Our buildings must have architectural impact, but all buildings, whether
new, old or refurbished should be sustainable. "
"We must learn from the lessons of the past, to ensure that future generations
are not faced with the prospect of trying to fix mistakes every 25 years."
Quotes from respondents
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