The Royal Institute of British Architects has responded to the Government Commission’s report, ‘Living with Beauty’.
RIBA President, Alan Jones, said:
“The ‘Living with Beauty’ report exposes just how many public sector policies actively discriminate against the delivery of good, safe and sustainable buildings.
The Commission’s views on the value of design and lack of resource at local level are echoed by the RIBA; and architects will recognise the withering assessment of public sector procurement practices.
The Commission has rightly condemned Permitted Development Rights (PDR), which leave local authorities powerless to stop the development of poor-quality and potentially dangerous “slum” housing. The Government must acknowledge the dire impacts of this policy and urgently address the Commission’s findings.
The Commission’s acknowledgement of work to expand routes to becoming an architect is welcome. I am proud of the new architecture apprenticeships and hope that the Government will now take the necessary steps to restart the next stage of education reform.”
ENDS
Notes to editors:
1. For further information contact: Abigail.Chiswell-White@riba.org or +44 (0) 20 7307 3811
2. For details on the Building Better Building Beautiful Commission click here.
3. The Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) is a global professional membership body that serves its members and society in order to deliver better buildings and places, stronger communities and a sustainable environment. Follow @RIBA on Twitter for regular updates.
