The Scottish Government yesterday began a consultation about the future of architecture and design in this country.
Speaking at the launch, Culture Secretary Fiona Hyslop, MSP said: 'We want to encourage the creation of buildings and places with which people can identify. This consultation on our new architecture and placemaking policy will, quite literally, shape Scotland's future. It is an opportunity to build a better world and I urge everyone to have their say.'
Architecture and Design Scotland will hold a public exhibition until 26 August – 'Input and Ideas' – at the Lighthouse in Glasgow, and a series of stakeholder consultations will run across the country, including Edinburgh, between now and 7 September.
[img_assist|nid=3068|title=|desc=|link=node|align=right|width=200|height=200]As a starting point for discussion, a document is being circulated containing 12 questions around 4 key themes:
1. Supporting sustainable economic growth
2. Shaping Scotland’s future
3. Embedding built environment design into wider policy agendas and ensuring public and private sector buy-in
4. Recognising the cultural value of architecture, urbanism and heritage
The idea of creating a strategic vision for architecture – particularly in a city like Edinburgh with competing demands for preservation and modernity – is a good one in principle.
[img_assist|nid=3069|title=|desc=|link=node|align=right|width=200|height=166]'So much of our city’s vital economic appeal in tourism and the arts comes from its unique character and appearance,' commented City Centre MSP Marco Biagi.
'Unfortunately Edinburgh is also home to a number of outrageous eyesores – like the St James Centre – that should never have been allowed to happen.
'This consultation will inform Scottish Government guidance and policy on these areas. It is open to all and I encourage anyone who has strong views to get involved and have their say on what the future of Scotland’s towns and cities should look like'.
[img_assist|nid=3070|title=|desc=|link=node|align=right|width=200|height=158]No date or venue are yet available for the Edinburgh 'road-show' event.
The discussion document – 'A policy on architecture and placemaking for Scotland: public consultation 2012' – and respondent's form can be downloaded below.
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In a separate development this morning, the Chancellor of the Exchequer George Osborne has announced that the Government will not pursue plans to limit tax relief on charitable donations. The news will be welcomed by the Edinburgh World Heritage Trust, whose Director Adam Wilkinson told Spurtle in Issue 206 that any such implementation would negatively affect its work.