FOREWORD
The launch of Scotland's first ever policy on architecture in 2001 was an acknowledgement of the unique contribution that architecture has made, and continues to make, to Scotland's cultural life. Our architecture and our built environment contribute to and help to shape our sense of identity as a nation; they provide the setting for the everyday life of communities and individuals across the length and breadth of Scotland; they tell the story of our past; and they will be a vital ingredient in our success as a nation in the future.
The first statement made by the Scottish Executive on architecture was the 1999 framework document 'The Development of a Policy on Architecture for Scotland' which set out Scottish Ministers' views on the value and benefits of good architecture and design in cultural, social, environmental and economic terms. These views were strongly supported in public consultation and thus became the underlying principles on which the 2001 policy on architecture was based. In formulating this updated statement, it is clear to me that the principles on which our policy is based still hold true today. However, Scottish Ministers recognise that some key issues related to the built environment can be subject to change and that our priorities need to reflect such changes. We undertook, therefore, to review the policy periodically and to assess the effectiveness of the actions which we have taken. This statement derives from the first formal review of policy in 2006 and reports on our changes in approach, emphasis and priorities in policy. I would like to express my warm thanks to all those who took part in our public consultation and who have helped in the development of the new statement.
Public interest in the National Programme on Architecture managed by The Lighthouse continues to grow, and I am confident that the impact of our policy over the past five years has been a positive one. Architecture and Design Scotland ( A+DS) is now well established and I look forward to seeing the outcomes of its early engagement in areas such as healthcare buildings. Sustainable development is an increasingly important part of our agenda and our continued funding of 'Sust. The Lighthouse on Sustainability' is a demonstration of our commitment to support the mainstreaming of sustainable design.
I am extremely optimistic about the continuing achievements of Scottish architecture and can see growing international recognition of the strength of recent Scottish projects. The ' RIAS Doolan Award for Best Building in Scotland' has highlighted the immense quality and range of our best new architecture, and I feel that the standard of design on the shortlists has been remarkable.
Fundamentally, the quality of our built environment affects our quality of life for better or worse and, therefore, deserves to be a necessary concern of government. This new policy statement on architecture marks Scottish Ministers' continued commitment to a high quality built environment as a key factor in turning our aspiration to be the best small country in the world into a reality.
Patricia Ferguson, MSP
Minister for Tourism, Culture and Sport
"IF THERE IS A RECURRING THEME [IN RECENT SCOTTISH ARCHITECTURE], IT IS A CONCERN WITH CREATING A SENSE OF PLACE; WITH 'HEALING' A FRACTURED SITE. ... THESE BUILDINGS SHARE A SENSIBILITY THAT IS DIAMETRICALLY OPPOSED TO THE ATTENTION-GRABBING EXTRAVAGANCE OF FLAMBOYANT CIVIC BUILDINGS OR FLAGSHIP CORPORATE HQS. IF THEY ARE SHOWPIECE BUILDINGS AT ALL, THEY HAVE BECOME SO AS A RESULT OF THE EXTRAORDINARY TALENT AND CARE WHICH HAS BEEN LAVISHED ON THEIR EXECUTION, RATHER THAN THE ELASTICITY OF THE BUDGET OR THE STATUS OF THE CLIENT.
WHATEVER PROBLEMS HAVE BESET SCOTTISH ARCHITECTURE, YOU HAVE TO APPLAUD THE ENERGY, ROBUSTNESS AND VISION THAT ENCOURAGE THE COUNTRY'S LEADING PRACTITIONERS TO ENGAGE WITH THE MOST UNRESOLVED FRAGMENTS OF THE URBAN LANDSCAPE. IF ANYTHING IS LIKELY TO STEM THE TIDE OF MEDIOCRE BUILDINGS, IT IS THE PROLIFERATION OF PROJECTS THAT PROVE THAT THERE IS NO EXCUSE FOR THE HUMBLE TO BE HUMDRUM. FROM AN OUTSIDER'S PERSPECTIVE, SCOTTISH ARCHITECTURE IS NOT ONLY THRIVING, BUT DEMONSTRATING AN EXTRAORDINARY ABILITY TO ELEVATE THE EVERYDAY."
Isabel Allen
Editorial - 'Architect's Journal' 23.11.06