< Previous | Contents | Next >

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

APPENDIX 1 KEY POINTS SUMMARY

1.0: GENERAL

GENERAL

There was strong endorsement of the proposal to introduce a national policy on architecture. The content of the framework document was warmly welcomed by the majority of respondents. Most respondents believed that the adoption of a policy on architecture would help to stimulate debate on architecture, promote its benefits and encourage good practice. Respondents commended the initiative and encouraged the Executive to move forward and implement a policy on architecture. A small minority of respondents did not welcome the Executive’s initiative on architecture.

Key Points

• architecture cuts across different policy areas and Scottish Executive responsibilities;

• adequate resources need be to be allocated to ensure that policy aspirations can be met;

• the scope of policy should be broadened to encompass the whole of the built environment and deal with: the relationship between single buildings and their surroundings; public space; and rural and urban landscapes;

• greater emphasis should be given to the existing built heritage and its potential economic and cultural role in the future;

• the contribution of other participants in the construction process to the development of good quality architecture (clients, professionals other than architects and the construction industry itself) should be acknowledged.

2.0: SOCIAL VALUE OF ARCHITECTURE

GENERAL

For a majority of respondents, the proposal to develop a policy on architecture provided welcome recognition of the critical importance of the built environment to society. Respondents endorsed the view that the quality of a society’s built environment had an important role to play in combating social exclusion and helping to meet policy objectives for an inclusive society. Respondents felt that the policy should provide a focus for debate about social objectives and the built environment.

Key Points

• a policy on architecture could be instrumental in delivering Executive policies on regeneration, sustainability and a number of related economic development aims;

• the public sector should take a lead in demanding high quality where buildings were being developed on behalf of the community;

• housing is a touchstone for many inter-connected issues and the quality of housing should be a benchmark of society’s values;

• private sector housing developments tend to lack the characteristics necessary to promote coherent communities;

• user participation and community consultation can empower communities and tie in with social inclusion objectives;

• the media fail to portray architecture in its social context and there is a general lack of understanding of the social history and background of architecture.

3.0: CULTURAL VALUE OF ARCHITECTURE

GENERAL

There was strong endorsement of the cultural importance of architecture and a welcome for the Executive’s recognition of architecture as a cultural phenomenon. Arts and culture were seen as having a central role in shaping a sense of confidence in the newly devolved Scotland. Respondents viewed the introduction of a policy on architecture as a positive step towards a better appreciation of the culture and architecture of Scotland.

Key Points

• the link between cultural strategy and architecture policy needs to be clearly defined;

• there is a need for cultural education which considers architecture in its broader context, within discussions about the environment, housing and space in the city;

• there is a need for a shift in cultural attitude to create higher expectations for building design;

• economic and cultural regeneration should go hand-in-hand;

• new forms of settlement and globalisation are eroding national identity but there is a need to guard against the promotion of too parochial a Scottish identity;

• cultural confidence is strong in other European countries and lessons could be learned, particularly from Scandinavia and the Netherlands.

4.0: ENVIRONMENTAL VALUE OF ARCHITECTURE

GENERAL

There was general endorsement of the view that architectural design has a major role to play in meeting the objectives of sustainable development. There was some criticism of the framework document’s failure to go into detail on certain technical matters and to discuss broader issues affecting sustainability. The role of existing buildings and their ecological value was highlighted and it was argued that more could be done to promote the creative reuse of existing buildings. There was a desire to see traditional materials and craft skills retained and developed as this was felt to be important to the environmental agenda.

Key Points

• the built environment should be integrated into a national sustainable development strategy;

• an holistic consideration of development control matters should be encouraged;

• the extent to which PFI/PPP encourages sustainable construction needs to be assessed;

• the differential in VAT liability for new and existing buildings favours new work rather than the reuse of existing buildings;

• private housing developments tend to be car dependent because of their location and layout, to the detriment of environmental objectives.

5.0: ECONOMIC VALUE OF ARCHITECTURE

GENERAL

There was endorsement of the view that good design can bring substantial and long-term economic benefits. It was noted that buildings represent one of society’s most valuable assets and good design almost always has a positive financial return. Equally, indifferent design represents a poor investment and results in buildings which can prove costly to improve in the longer term.

Key Points

• the economic value of good building design is often overlooked due to the difficulty of measuring and quantifying its impact;

• there is a need for a better understanding of the economic benefits of sustainable design and of investing in existing buildings;

• the quality of the built environment in a regeneration area is a key factor in attracting inward investment;

• architecture should be promoted as part of Scotland’s creative industries.

6.0: TOURISM

GENERAL

Respondents were supportive of the notion that Scotland’s architecture and built environment have an important role to play in the promotion of Scotland as an attractive destination for tourists. It was noted that tourists are drawn not only to individual buildings of merit but also to attractive cities, towns and rural areas. Equally, poor quality and unattractive built environments will act as a disincentive for potential visitors. The rise of cultural tourism to venues such as the Guggenheim Museum in Bilbao and to cities such as Barcelona was noted. This was felt to demonstrate the importance of architecture and design when promoting cultural identity abroad.

Key Points

• the potential of architecture and the built environment to attract visitors to Scotland needs to be exploited more effectively;

• a better balance needs to be found between the promotion of historic buildings and contemporary Scottish architecture;

• further event-related activity, such as Glasgow 1999, could provide a successful way of attracting visitors to Scotland;

• local architecture centres could promote regional event-related tourist activity;

• clear design criteria need to be drawn up which would apply to development both within and adjacent to the proposed National Parks.

7.0: EXPORT OF SKILLS

GENERAL

There was a divergence of views on the merits of promoting Scottish expertise in architecture abroad. For a minority of respondents this issue was not seen as crucial as they viewed the marketing of design and construction skills within Scotland as a first priority. However, the majority of respondents felt that there were considerable benefits to be gained from enabling Scottish practices to work more frequently in an international arena.

Key Points

• opportunities for international exchange would enable cross-fertilisation of ideas, give exposure to the best practice of other countries and help to prevent a creative skills drain;

• new and emerging communication technologies provide increasing opportunity for Scottish architectural and design companies to participate more easily in overseas joint ventures;

• success in international architectural competitions would help establish Scottish practices and raise the profile of Scottish architecture; advice and resources should be available to those competing;

• The Lighthouse can act as a portal to give access to the international network of architecture centres and provide opportunities for the showcasing of Scottish architecture abroad.

8.0: THE DESIGN AND CONSTRUCTION PROCESS

GENERAL

There was considerable comment on changes now underway within the construction industry as a result of the Egan report and the consequent shift away from traditional procurement methods. Some respondents saw these changes as an opportunity to develop more efficient construction, whereas others felt they represented a threat to design quality and good architecture. Many respondents wished to see a move away from lowest cost dictating investment decision-making to a situation where best value and whole life costs became the major factors. A number of respondents pointed out that much of the built environment is produced with very little professional design input; recent commercial developments on the edges of urban settlements were of particular concern in this respect.

Key Points

• newer forms of procurement, such as PFI/PPP, have not yet demonstrated that they can consistently deliver design quality; it is acknowledged, however, that the more traditional forms of procurement have a reputation for being adversarial in nature and for delivering poor service to clients with regard to time and cost;

• architects should engage with the positive aspects of the current changes affecting construction and act as advocates for the value of design within the Egan agenda;

• a reduction in fee levels has an adverse effect on design quality and the selection of consultants should be made on quality criteria and not solely on fee bids;

• the realisation of good architecture requires well-informed clients with a clear vision and commitment to high quality design;

• the involvement of building users in the briefing process and engagement with the wider community during design development should be encouraged as a matter of routine;

• the construction industry needs to be made more attractive as a career option, needs to be more inclusive and the status of those working in the industry needs to be raised.

9.0: THE PLANNING SYSTEM

GENERAL

There was general acceptance of the need for a statutory planning system as a means of regulating development and land use in the public interest. However, considerable concern was expressed about certain aspects of the planning system in relation to design matters. There was a consensus that too great a gap exists between the objectives and intentions of the system with regard to design quality and their implementation in practice. Many respondents suggested that the role of the planning system in the promotion of good urban and building design should be the subject of review.

Key Points:

• the planning system fails to establish a context for good design because: design standards set tend to encourage safe, low risk, conventional or pastiche design; there has been a decline in the number of professionals with cross-disciplinary skills such as architect-planners or urban designers; and skills and training in design are not generally available to elected members who serve on planning committees;

• there should be greater integration of planning and other mandatory standards affecting development;

• consideration should be given to making professional design input a mandatory requirement for all planning applications which relate to buildings;

• there should be greater flexibility in road engineering standards but higher design standards for conservation areas, out-of-town developments and developments in rural areas;

• planning applications should be made available on the Internet to broaden community consultation and encourage greater public involvement in development decisions.

10.0: THE BUILDING CONTROL SYSTEM

GENERAL

There was a divergence of views as to the role and effectiveness of a statutory building control system in relation to the promotion of good design. The majority of respondents acknowledged that the health and safety objectives of the system should underpin good building design as a matter of course. Other respondents suggested that the system in practice was inflexible and overly prescriptive. There was general acceptance of the need for third-party assessment of designs for compliance with the statutory standards and there was little enthusiasm for self-certification by professional designers.

Key Points:

• the system could be made more responsive to design and new construction techniques by adopting a performance-based approach;

• the scope of standards should be extended to embrace qualitative issues such as workmanship, durability and life-cycle performance;

• greater use should be made of building standards to promote sustainable design and development;

• building standards should take greater account of their application to historic buildings – a balance needs to be found between a concern for public safety and a concern for preserving the character of historic fabric.

11.0: THE PUBLIC SECTOR AS CLIENT

GENERAL

It was generally felt that the public sector should set an example of good practice through its own commissioning procedures. There was, however, criticism of the quality of design work carried out by bodies in receipt of public funding and a concern over the apparent failure of such bodies to see design as a priority. It was suggested that the Scottish Executive should strengthen its links with public sector bodies to ensure design quality is accepted as a positive requirement of procurement practice and to promote more integrated working across agencies.

Key Points

• the use of PFI/PPP as the preferred procurement route for the public sector should be reviewed, particularly with regard to its ability to deliver design quality and embrace social and cultural objectives;

• design should be prioritised in public sector procurement and opportunities provided for training in design matters for project sponsors;

• greater use should be made of competitions in public sector procurement; Germany and Finland were seen as offering good practice models.

12.0: LOCAL GOVERNMENT

GENERAL

Respondents felt that local authorities had an important contribution to make to the delivery and implementation of a policy on architecture. Respondents noted that local authorities had a role to play in: assisting in the establishment of local architecture centres; developing policies on architecture as a part of local cultural strategies; supporting architecture and built environment education in schools and adult education programmes; and producing publicity and information on local examples of good architecture and design.

Key Points

• local authorities’ ability to promote good architecture has been reduced by a number of factors: budgetary pressures; the low status afforded to technical services departments; and the loss of Chief Architect posts;

• local and independent "architecture champions" should be appointed to advise local authorities, to assist in the promotion of architecture and to provide representation at a senior level;

• local authorities should work in partnership with local and national agencies to promote good architecture;

• local authorities should publish aspirational site briefs and sponsor architectural competitions to generate debate and focus on strategic issues within their area of responsibility.

13.0: EDUCATION

GENERAL

Strong support was expressed for the concept of promoting architecture within schools curriculum at both primary and secondary levels. Respondents felt that early engagement with the built environment would be beneficial in the number of ways. It was felt that it would stimulate interest in architecture, develop an understanding of the processes of design and how buildings are made and provide a useful vehicle for the consideration of broader social and cultural issues. In the longer term, it was suggested that exposure to matters to do with architecture and the built environment in the schools curriculum would lead to a better informed and more critically aware public and assist in the development of "good citizenship". It was noted that it may not be possible to introduce a wholly new subject into the curriculum but it was suggested that matters relating to architecture and the built environment could be integrated across a range of subject areas.

Key Points

• architecture and the built environment might be introduced by project based teaching, visits to modern or historic buildings, visits to building sites and community projects and by involving practising architects or schools of architecture in project work;

• the school building itself and its environment offer a potentially rich source of teaching material; one of the best ways to convey the benefits of good design was to provide well designed schools;

• there is a need for good resource material and in-service training for teachers to facilitate the introduction of architecture and the built environment in teaching programmes.

14.0: ADULT EDUCATION

GENERAL

Education and training were seen as important in order to stimulate public interest in architecture, to increase critical awareness and to increase expertise amongst decision makers. Respondents felt that the growing interest in architecture needed to be capitalised on and opportunities created for the public to engage with, and learn about, architecture. There was general agreement that a better understanding and appreciation of architecture amongst the general public, commissioning clients and policymakers were critical to ensuring a favourable climate in which good architecture can flourish.

Key Points

• client bodies, planning committees and policymakers are the key groups who need a developed appreciation and understanding of the processes of design;

• there are a number of initiatives that could be undertaken to improve access to information, for example: the promotion of Doors Open Day; evening classes; lectures; events; visits; the publication of design competitions and pilot projects; the establishment of a network of architecture centres; the publication of a Scottish yearbook of architecture; and the use of the Internet to disseminate information and stimulate debate;

• SHARE’s Designs on You initiative for housing associations is a useful example of accessible design education for client bodies.

15.0: COMMUNITY PARTICIPATION

GENERAL

Respondents suggested that there were a number of benefits to be gained from greater community involvement in building design and development matters. It was suggested that community participation: strengthened local democracy; contributed towards citizenship; developed a sense of place and identity; increased understanding of design; and helped combat social exclusion. Respondents identified three principal ways in which the public can currently engage with the built environment: through direct participation in community-based projects; through involvement in the planning process; and by the involvement of amenity groups in development issues.

Key Points

• the design and development of social building types, such as schools, would benefit from community involvement; but PFI/PPP as a procurement route can provide a barrier to participation;

• community-based housing and residents associations’ work has demonstrated that communities can be empowered by participation and that, through partnership with the architectural profession, design outcomes can be improved;

• the Scottish Community Projects Fund provides a useful example of how to encourage and resource community-led initiatives;

• the planning system is a key area for public participation and could be strengthened by: public participation in the preparation of local area action plans; public meetings to review major development proposals; greater use of the Internet and of computer modelling to present proposals in an accessible format;

• the role of heritage and amenity groups in representing local communities divided opinion; some regarded this as an important way of giving local communities a voice and preserving what was of value in their area whereas others regarded their involvement as unrepresentative and unco-ordinated.

16.0: MEDIA & CRITICISM

GENERAL

Increased coverage of architecture in the media was felt to be important in raising awareness of architecture and generating a favourable climate in which good design can flourish. It was suggested that good media coverage helps to demystify the process of design and leads to a better-informed public and clients more likely to demand good design standards. Several respondents noted that the publication of the framework document itself had raised the profile of architecture and stimulated debate.

Key Points

• newspapers, both national and local, need to give more regular coverage of architecture as a social and cultural phenomenon;

• there is a tendency for press coverage to focus on negative aspects of architecture and construction such as cost overruns, disputes and delays;

• media coverage could be improved by: better publicity for architectural competitions; greater emphasis on critical analysis of new projects; the production of a Scottish architecture yearbook; greater use of the Internet; and the development of a network of architecture centres.

17.0: -AGENCIES, INSTITUTES AND SPECIAL INTEREST GROUPS

GENERAL

Many agencies, institutes and special interest groups responded positively to the framework document and drew attention to the expertise on architecture and design that exists within such organisations. It was felt that these organisations represented a valuable resource but that their collective contribution to the field of architecture could be enhanced if there was greater liaison between individual bodies. Education on architecture and the built environment was cited as a topic that might benefit from such liaison. It was suggested that a strategic review of the work of these groups might lead to better co-ordination of activities.

Key Points

• work by voluntary groups would benefit from funding support, for example, for: local award schemes and exhibitions; educational programmes aimed at young people; and initiatives to encourage community participation;

• more could be done to promote design quality in rural areas, with Scottish Natural Heritage providing a co-ordinating role;

• national development agencies, such as the Scottish Tourist Board and Scottish Enterprise, should have a greater involvement in the promotion of architecture;

• the remit of RFACS should be reviewed and greater consideration given to the development of a stronger regional and local focus;

• there is a need for a national centre for architecture with a remit to raise awareness of good design and the built environment.

18.0: ARTISTS AND CRAFTSPEOPLE

GENERAL

Respondents acknowledged the important contribution that artists and craftspeople can make both to the processes and products of building design. It was suggested that art and architecture collaborations could play a key role in urban regeneration and also contribute towards art and design education. Respondents noted that support for craft skills was important for the continuation of heritage and conservation work and for the continuation of traditional building techniques. It was suggested that art and craft should form an intrinsic part of any new architectural project.

Key Points

• artists and craftspeople should be involved as early as possible in projects and valued as professional members of the design team;

• the principle of "percent for art" should be reworked to facilitate more creative working between artists and architects;

• commissioning clients should consider the development an arts strategy for all projects;

• support should be given to initiatives which help to develop craft skills within the construction industry;

• a culture should be encouraged which values the contribution of craftspeople and the practical skills of the construction trades.

19.0: ARCHITECTURAL EDUCATION

GENERAL

Respondents acknowledged the importance of the quality of education to the realisation in practice of good architecture. Respondents noted the interdependence of education and practice but acknowledged the difficulties of reconciling the expectations of an academic education within a university tradition and the expectations of practice for appropriate vocational training. It was also noted that the practice of architecture and the construction industry itself were undergoing considerable changes and these changes were making new demands on an architect’s skills and competencies. Concern, however, was expressed about increasing student numbers and the consequent impact on staff/student ratios.

Key Points

• architectural study should place greater emphasis on: technical, financial, and managerial matters; urban design; conservation practice; detailing of traditional materials; inclusive design; and sustainable design;

• inter-disciplinary study should be encouraged between professions and opportunities for post-graduate training in planning and urban design should be improved;

• better links should be established between academia and practice regarding the training of recently qualified graduates;

• greater co-operation should be encouraged amongst Scottish schools of architecture in order to provide opportunities to share resources and co-ordinate research;

• a Scottish graduate design school should be established to provide a centre of excellence for post-graduate design programmes;

• there is potential for schools of architecture to act as community resources engaging in programmes of education and outreach at adult and schools levels.

20.0: COMPETITIONS

GENERAL

There was no general consensus as to the merits of architectural competitions amongst respondents. For some respondents, the competition system has become discredited whereas others felt that more could be done to take advantage of the potential benefits offered by competitions. There was common agreement that the current system needed review to eliminate bad practice and to restore confidence in competitions generally.

Key Points

• competitions, other than ideas competitions, should not be commissioned unless there is a clear commitment to build and resources are in place to do so;

• it is essential to have careful management of competitions and to have resources in place to ensure proper administration;

• rewards should reflect the level of resource input required to compete;

• single stage open competitions were seen as the most problematic type of competition as there is no opportunity for client/architect dialogue before selection;

• more use could be made of two stage competitions to limit the extent of unpaid initial work, provided that fees were available for the practices selected for the second stage shortlist;

• competitive interview were not favoured by some respondents as well-known practices tend to dominate shortlists but they were supported by others as they enable dialogue to take place before selection of an architect.

21.0: PRIZES AND AWARDS

GENERAL

The majority of respondents felt that prizes and awards had an important role to play in acknowledging excellence and raising awareness of architecture, although some believed that awards have little impact outwith the architectural and design professions. A number of respondents felt that the proliferation of award schemes had undermined the concept of rewarding excellence and reduced public and media interest. Other respondents, however, felt that limiting awards to a number of prestigious schemes would reinforce the perception of architecture as an elitist subject and these respondents favoured a more extensive portfolio of small-scale awards at a local level.

Key Points

• a comprehensive review should be commissioned to identify gaps in the awards available, to rationalise entry and assessment criteria and to co-ordinate the programme and timing of award announcements;

• awards focused too much on aesthetic values and insufficiently on technical matters;

• presentation of awards should be delayed until the building’s performance over time can be properly assessed;

• the promotional interests of sponsors should not be allowed to distort the judging process;

• awards would be improved by greater public involvement in the judging procedures; greater publicity for winning schemes; and links with other promotional events such as Doors Open Day.

22.0: RESEARCH

GENERAL

Respondents acknowledged that good research was important to the effective practice of architecture. However, construction research in general and design research in particular were felt to be unsatisfactory at the moment. It was noted that relatively little research is carried out by architectural practices themselves; competitive fee tendering has meant that very few practices have the necessary resources to support research activity and are generally unaware of existing sources of research funding.

Key Points

• there should be better co-ordination of construction research and more effective dissemination of findings;

• there should be a greater emphasis on research in support of ecological design which explores alternatives to established technologies;

• demonstration projects enable the exploration of new ideas, provide exemplars and create opportunities for younger practices;

• greater consideration should be given to post-completion monitoring and evaluation of completed projects;

• design should be recognised as a legitimate research activity for Research Council funding;

• a national architecture innovation fund should be established to co-ordinate and promote research in the field of architecture.

CONCLUSION

GENERAL

Respondents welcomed the proposal to develop a policy on architecture and were supportive of the aims and aspirations set out in the framework document. It was felt that the document addressed an appropriate agenda of issues and that the framework for action provided a sound basis from which to develop policy detail.

Key Points

• the development of policy detail and a strategy for implementation needs to engage with a broad constituency of interests;

• policy needs to take account of, and be integrated with, other Scottish Executive policy areas;

• the credibility of policy would be impaired if Executive Departments did not embrace its aims and objectives;

• a policy should not be too prescriptive but also should not be solely aspirational;

• it will be important to assess the effectiveness of policy over time and the policy should include for a 3-5 year review cycle.

< Previous | Contents | Next >