Implementation of Architectural Policies New Expectations The

Implementation of Architectural Policies – New Expectations The Irish Experience Prague, 17 April 2009 John Graby Director

Implementation of Architectural Policies - New Expectations HOW? • Why Have a Government Policy? • The Policy, Reality and Results – Architecture and Public Awareness • New Reality and New Expectations • The New Policy

Implementation of Architectural Policies - New Expectations HOW? RIAI Conference Amsterdam 1992

Implementation of Architectural Policies - New Expectations HOW? • Working Group convened by RIAI to prepare a Framework with the Department of Arts and Culture and support of the Minister • Expertise from public and private sector 1996

Implementation of Architectural Policies - New Expectations WHY HAVE A GOVERNMENT POLICY ON ARCHITECTURE? “THE ARCHITECTURE OF A PEOPLE IS AN EXPRESSION OF ITS CULTURE and an integral part of its identity. At its highest level it takes its place among the arts as an expression of the human spirit. Poor quality building both debases the quality of life and becomes a liability for times to come. Architecture is all pervasive, exercising a profound influence on the activities of daily life. The architecture of our time reflects the values of contemporary society, and future generations will achieve much of their understanding of our culture through the buildings we build. IF WE SUCCEED IN BUILDING CREATIVELY, BEAUTIFULLY AND WELL, WE WILL HAVE FASHIONED THE HERITAGE OF THE FUTURE AS WELL AS ENHANCING THE EXPERIENCE OF THE PRESENT”

Implementation of Architectural Policies - New Expectations WHY HAVE A GOVERNMENT POLICY ON ARCHITECTURE? 1. “To recognise the cultural and social importance of architecture and to provide practical support and encouragement to that end”; 2. “To promote improvement in the quality of the built environment, by fostering conditions conducive to the production of good architecture and the protection of the built environment, and by stimulating improved practice in both public and private sectors”; 3. “To promote the concept of sustainability in the built environment by the creative use of resources”;

Implementation of Architectural Policies - New Expectations WHY HAVE A GOVERNMENT POLICY ON ARCHITECTURE? 4. “To develop a framework within which the building professions and other organisations can focus their efforts more effectively by State action in the following areas: – Setting an example for the community at large by the quality of what the State builds, and the care it displays towards the buildings it inherits. – Promoting high standards of environmental provision in the local government, semi-state and private sectors through legislation, regulation and financial measures as appropriate. – Helping to create and sustain an ethos that values quality in buildings through education and encouragement. ”

Implementation of Architectural Policies - New Expectations DEVELOPING A GOVERNMENT POLICY ON ARCHITECTURE: A proposed framework and discussion of issues Fostering the Demand for Quality - The Role of Education • • “There is considerable scope for improvement in the knowledge and appreciation of architecture through the education system at both Primary and Secondary level”……indirectly through the development of programmes that seek to enhance the creativity and self expression of young people…. directly through the improved treatment of the built environment within existing subject disciplines. “Improve the knowledge of architecture within the teaching profession” “An architect in residence scheme” Transition Year offers an opportunity.

Implementation of Architectural Policies - New Expectations THE POLICY – 1997 In pursuing its policy on architecture, the government will: 1. Promote high standards of design and construction in building works for which it is responsible and support the pursuit of high standards of building; 2. Develop an organisational framework that facilitates the application of knowledge and skill concerning the built environment; 3. Ensure that the architectural heritage is conserved and maintained to a high standard;

Implementation of Architectural Policies - New Expectations THE POLICY – 1997 4. Foster the demand for high quality architecture in the community as a whole; 5. Promote the concept of sustainable development; 6. Encourage innovation in architecture GOVERNMENT FALLS 1997

Implementation of Architectural Policies - New Expectations • • Leading by example • ACTION ON ARCHITECTURE 2002 - 2005 Promoting awareness and understanding of architecture Strengthening architectural input in the planning system

Implementation of Architectural Policies - New Expectations ACTIONS OF ARCHITECTURE 2002 – 2005 - Promoting Awareness and Understanding of Architecture “Good architecture is more likely to be achieved in society where people are aware of the practical, psychological and cultural role of the built environment” ARCHITECTURE AND EDUCATION Actions Review resource material on architecture for teachers • Prepare resource material on architecture for Primary Schools • Arts Council to introduce an “Architects-In-Residence” Scheme • Provide in-service training on architecture for teachers • Provide support for the “Shaping Space” programme • Heritage Dept to include general architectural awareness • Establish a Virtual Architecture Centre

Implementation of Architectural Policies - New Expectations “WORKS IN PRACTICE, BUT NOT IN THEORY” Education and Awareness • Irish Architecture Foundation • Schools • Media • The Public • The Architect

Implementation of Architectural Policies - New Expectations POLICY, REALITY AND RESULTS: IRISH ARCHITECTURE FOUNDATION

Implementation of Architectural Policies - New Expectations POLICY, REALITY AND RESULTS: SCHOOLS/SHAPING SPACE Government “Shaping Space” is supported by programmes organised by a National Network of Teacher Training Schemes

Implementation of Architectural Policies - New Expectations POLICY, REALITY AND RESULTS TELEVISION About the House Design for Life Room to Improve Coverage of Architecture Awards PRINT MEDIA Architecture Pages Sunday Times RADIO The Architects Eye Regional Radio

Implementation of Architectural Policies - New Expectations POLICY, REALITY AND RESULTS: THE PUBLIC AND ARCHITECTS House Magazine Open House Open Door

Implementation of Architectural Policies - New Expectations POLICY, REALITY AND RESULTS: THE ARCHITECT • • Architects had to think about public awareness and communication Substantial increase in architectural competitions Awareness by Government of the role of the architect Protection of the title “Architect” Policy gave public sector architects leverage on increasing quality 3 New Schools of Architecture opened Policy provided a quality framework during the construction boom

Implementation of Architectural Policies - New Expectations “WORKS IN PRACTICE, BUT NOT IN THEORY” The Government • • Leading by Example Arts Council Department of Environment Local Authorities

Implementation of Architectural Policies - New Expectations POLICY, REALITY AND RESULTS: LEADING BY EXAMPLE Department of Finance Cork School of Music National Gallery EU Food and Veterinary office Glucksman Gallery Clarion Quay

Implementation of Architectural Policies - New Expectations POLICY, REALITY AND RESULTS: ARTS COUNCIL 1991 “Architecture is a Commercial Activity” NOW • • • Arts Council Architecture Officer Architects in Schools Programme Innovation in Architecture Bursary, € 50, 000 Financial support for publications, exhibitions etc Venice Biennale Funding of Irish Architecture Foundation

Implementation of Architectural Policies - New Expectations POLICY, REALITY AND RESULTS: DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENT The New Housing 1 Urban Design Manual Europan Government Policy on Architecture 2009 -2015 The New Housing 2 Quality Housing Govt. Policy

Implementation of Architectural Policies - New Expectations POLICY, REALITY AND RESULTS: LOCAL AUTHORITIES Balgaddy A Civic Offices Cork Aras Cill Dara Civic Offices Letterkenny Baldoyle Public Library Civic Offices Dunshaughlin

Implementation of Architectural Policies - New Expectations THE NEW POLICY 2009 – 2015 • • • More emphasis on sustainable development More emphasis on urban design Support for high quality architecture An holistic view of architectural heritage Promoting awareness

Implementation of Architectural Policies - New Expectations THE NEW POLICY, 2009 – 2015 • • Publication date June 2009 45 Actions Department of the Environment to take the lead role in implementing over half the actions Department of the Environment will co-ordinate implementation of other actions

Implementation of Architectural Policies - New Expectations PUBLIC AWARENESS AND EDUCATION : Actions • Developing the built environment curriculum in Primary and Secondary schools • Awareness programmes by council, IAF and RIAI • Developing “Architect in Residence” programmes by Local Authorities • Developing Arts Council “Architecture in Schools” programme • Architectural Award Scheme for school children • Higher Education Authority (HEA) to hold colloquium with teacher training centres, training colleges and RIAI on “Shaping Space”

Implementation of Architectural Policies - New Expectations PUBLIC AWARENESS AND EDUCATION : Actions • Consult with profession on wider engagement with quality issues • DOE/H/LG, Local Authorities, RIAI and Schools of Architecture on how schools can develop and identify local design challenges • Liaison between City and County Managers, HEA, Dept of Education and Science (DES), RIAI and IAF • Promote DES awards for environmental performance in schools • DOE/H/LG and Office of Public Works (OPW) to promote a TV programme/s on how architecture actually happens – concept to completion

Implementation of Architectural Policies - New Expectations NEW REALITY AND NEW EXPECTATIONS

Implementation of Architectural Policies - New Expectations NEW REALITY AND NEW EXPECTATIONS The Architecture Policy will: • Have a strategy for architecture • Address the role of architecture in the Framework for Sustainable Economic Recovery • Encourage integration of research, smart and green technology and architecture • Develop the demand for quality in architecture and urban design, economically, socially and environmentally • Use procurement to deliver quality • Build in public awareness/education programme of the previous policy

Implementation of Architectural Policies - New Expectations NEW REALITY AND NEW EXPECTATIONS WHY HAVE A POLICY? • Architecture as an integrator for quality of life, sustainability and urbanism • Less resources requires smarter use of resources • Architecture Policy has the potential to give a quality framework to enable the best decisions to be made in difficult times by Government, private clients and architects • Public interest is there “A POOR MAN CAN ONLY AFFORD TO BUILD ONCE”

Implementation of Architectural Policies - New Expectations PROCUREMENT Ard na Crusha, 1928 Croke Park, 2003 Busaras, 1948 Pump Station Clontarf, 2003

Implementation of Architectural Policies - New Expectations TRANSFERABILITY AND LESSONS • • • Importance to public awareness/education programes A long process (for Ireland) and not a static process Need for political support Importance of EU/EFAP Policies and initiatives Importance of involvement of the three pillars, as EFAP Need for inter-departmental involvement and buy-in Need for achievable objectives and targets Importance of public sector architects in the process Involvement of public and private sectors

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