Sir Terry Farrell CBE is urging professionals from all parts of the industry to submit evidence to help inform his government-commissioned independent Review of Architecture and the Environment.
The leading architect and adviser to the mayor of London was asked in March by culture minister Ed Vaizey to undertake a year-long review and make recommendations on methods for promoting high standards of design.
Now he is asking architects and other built environment professionals to submit evidence online, answering 23 questions covering four main areas: understanding the government’s role in promoting design quality in architecture and the built environment; the economic benefits of architecture; cultural heritage and the built environment; and promoting education, outreach and skills. Comments can be submitted via the website www.farrellreview.co.uk before the 19 July deadline.
"This review must answer some important questions – what is the role of government in promoting design quality? Should we have a formal architecture policy? How can we capitalise on UK expertise in architecture as an export industry?"
Sir Terry Farrell CBE
Farrell Review Team coordinator Charlie Peel told Construction Manager: “We want to cast the net wide as we gather evidence. The views of the entire built environment sector are important to us, from those that plan, commission and design, to those that construct, sell and live in the places created… We hope that groups will self-organise to collate responses where possible. We would be delighted to see responses from different groups within the construction sector.”
Questions in the call for evidence document ask whether having a formal architecture policy could help “achieve improved outcomes” and what the potential aims of such a policy might be. The document also asks how high standards of design could be achieved and promoted through neighbourhood plans.
Sir Terry Farrell said: "This review must answer some important questions – what is the role of government in promoting design quality? Should we have a formal architecture policy? How can we capitalise on UK expertise in architecture as an export industry? How can we ensure the built environment professions are accessible?
“It is these questions, and many others besides, where the review panel needs to understand as many different perspectives as possible.”
Although the review is unlikely to result in new legislation, Vaizey has described it as “a rallying point for the profession,” assuring that whatever the report’s findings, they will be taken to “all corners of Whitehall” and championed by DCMS.
To support the gathering of evidence, Farrell’s London-based firm is organising workshops across the country, inviting a range of built environment professionals to the events in Bristol, Newcastle, Manchester and Birmingham.
He will also be supported by an expert advisory panel drawn from across the architecture and design industry who will look at the themes of the review in more detail. The panel inlcudes philosopher Alain de Botton, designer Thomas Heatherwick and Victoria Thornton, who launched the Open City architecture charity.
