MEDIA RELEASE
Monday, 28 December 2009
Architects hail integrated design
commission as visionary
The Australian Institute of Architects has hailed SA
Premier Mike Rann’s announcement today of an
Integrated Design Commission (IDC), and a government
architect for SA, as visionary.
The Institute’s SA Chapter President Timothy Horton said: “Before today’s
announcement, SA had lagged behind other states for too long, and had
failed to recognise the place for design thinking in policy. SA has been the
only Australian state without a government architect to provide strategic
advice to the government of the day on the built environment”.
“2010 is a make-or-break year for SA”, said Mr Horton. “We’re poised on
a number of fronts to see a transformation in our cities to address the
transport and lifestyle needs of a growing population, and to manage the
best use of resources within a changing climate. Designing the future for
our urban areas is about building tomorrow’s heritage. A commission that
supports this is a welcome Christmas present for all South Australians”
He said that at present, local and state government agencies work
independently of each other. Individually, agencies set targets with
outcomes that address their own charters. Having an authority that can
reach across government to optimise these efforts in a co-ordinated way
will produce more liveable, vibrant precincts that build community more
effectively.
Mr Horton also applauded the timing of the announcement, saying that
“linking the future of our cities to Proclamation Day celebrates our past
and charts an exciting future; continuing the tradition of innovative city
planning in South Australia that started with Colonel Light and continues
to this day.”
While detail is keenly awaited, the Integrated Design Commission is
expected to deliver outcomes that;
-
re-position design as central to the planning and development
sector
-
sponsor constructive and intelligent debate on the future of city
form in South Australia
-
help to develop a shared community vision for design and
development
-
promote greater collaboration; between client agencies and design
professionals, government and industry, state and local government
The Institute worked closely with Professor Laura Lee, a major contributor
to the development of the IDC, during 2009 as a Thinker in Residence.
Professor Lee was recognised for her significant contribution with an
Honorary Fellowship of the Australian Institute of Architects in July.
Australian Institute of Architects | Media Contacts
Timothy Horton, SA President
T 0410 410 525 or 08 8203 5222
Trish Croaker, National Media/PR
Advisor T 0408 756 163
The Australian Institute of Architects is the peak body for the architectural profession, representing
more than 9000 members across Australia and overseas. The Institute actively works to improve the
quality of our built environment by promoting quality, responsible and sustainable design. Visit the
Institute at architecture.com.au .
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