Northern Ireland arts minister Maria Eagle has launched a policy paper designed to ensure that all future public-funded buildings in the North will be of high architectural merit.
Ms Eagle, when yesterday publishing her policy document, Architecture and the Built Environment for Northern Ireland, said attractive, healthy, safe and functional buildings can greatly improve health, wellbeing and quality of life.
"Over the next 10 years the government is investing, at unprecedented levels, in infrastructure and the public estate. Now is our chance to raise the standard of design and performance of publicly-funded buildings such as schools and hospitals, to make a real difference to the quality of built environment, and to leave a legacy which our children will cherish."
The paper sets out three guiding principles for improved design; creativity and innovation, protection and enhancement of the built and natural heritage, and sustainable development. These in turn are supported by five key objectives; good design, planning policies, knowledge and skills, awareness of good design, and art in public places.
"Sensitivity to local character will encourage community spirit, confidence, ownership, pride and self-esteem," Ms Eagle said, in reference to local planning.