Architects to propose new design measures

PROPOSALS for "urgent action to improve the design quality of Ireland's built environment are to be put to the next government by the Royal Institute of the Architects of Ireland (RIAI).

The RIAI's director, Mr John Graby, welcomed the fact that the Government and some political parties had published documents before and during the election campaign dealing with the development of a "sustainable built environment".

The parties had "picked up on many of our themes, such as the need to control urban sprawl, the need for more flexible buildings, the introduction of incentives to encourage more efficient use of energy and water as well as for the refurbishment of existing buildings."

However, Mr Graby complained that there were very few specific proposals on the need to develop and maintain high standards of design.

"One of the biggest factors contributing to unsustainable buildings is poor design, so if the political parties are serious in their concern for the development of a sustainable built environment then it is essential to ensure that all buildings are technically well designed.

"Yet Ireland still tolerates a situation where people without any technical or professional training whatsoever can design buildings", Mr Graby said, adding that this was incompatible with a commitment to sustainability.

As a first step towards improving design quality, the RIAI wants the next government to ensure all design work on public sector projects or publicly funded projects is carried out by qualified, registered professionals.

"It is essential that all building and infrastructural proposals seeking public funding should also be audited for architectural quality and environmental impact. In this regard, the State must end the practice of fee bidding for public projects, which puts price before design.