Yasmin Ali

On the 9th October I attended the last in a series of Scotland-wide workshops designed to canvas opinion for they way ahead for A+DS' Corporate Strategy for the next three years. The Edinburgh workshop, hosted at their HQ in Bakehouse Close, was well-attended by professionals from architecture and a range of allied disciplines, including landscape architecture, town planning and public art.

Attendees were invited to discuss in small groups the consequence of four key questions related to the remit of A+DS; namely:

1. What does A+DS do?
2. What do you value most about the work of A+DS?
3. What do you value least about the work of A+DS?
4. What do you think A+DS should add to their work?

The questions prompted lively discussion and debate, including the consequence of A+DS current non-statutory status; its role in procurement; and marketing activities. At the end of the workshop, participants were encouraged to highlight up to ten of the points as key priorities. It emerged that promotion of the added value of design and a role in place-making, including the championing of the design of the mundane were identified as key roles of A+DS on which to focus for the coming three years.

A+DS provides advice and resources for professionals in architecture and its allied professionals, and education programmes for all ages. It has a wide remit covering six themed programmes:

• Access - related to education;
• Smarter Places - schools design;
• Healthier Places - healthcare design;
• Sust - sustainable design;
• Urbanism - urban design;
• Design Forum - design panel reviews

It also now is covered by the recent Scottish Government's Policy Statement, Creating Places, 2013:

“Architecture and Design Scotland is a champion for good architecture, design, placemaking and planning. It works to help deliver Scottish Ministers’ policies and objectives for the built and natural environment for the benefit of the people of Scotland”.

Workshops were held at major cities throughout Scotland, with attendees from each RIAS Chapter of Architects.

If you missed these, or would like to have a more detailed say, you can take part in the online survey for consultation, available until the end of this month, at this link.