Architects vow to push ‘change’ agenda as voters swing behind the union
September 19 2014
The metamorphosis was spurred ahead of the vote, which saw 55.3 per cent vote against independence, as the organisation necessarily evolves to remain relevant to the changed political landscape.
In a statement released on behalf of Architects for Change Malcolm Fraser said: “The vigorous ‘Architects ‘for Yes’ initiative will reform, post-referendum, as ‘Architects for Change’: a lobby group to persuade a Scotland with enhanced, devolved powers, to put a socially-responsible architecture back at the heart of the built environment.”
This will see the group attempt to unite the fragmented profession behind a common cause by continuing as a platform for discussion and action on the future of the architectural profession - specifically through encouraging politically engaged members to channel their energies into reform of housing, sustainability, procurement and the redistribution of wealth.
Prime Minister David Cameron has pledged to hand new powers to Scotland by 2015 as part of a wider constitutional shake-up of the United Kingdom.
10 Comments
#2 Posted by cat flap on 19 Sep 2014 at 13:53 PM
Very dignified response there Karma
#3 Posted by George Boy on 19 Sep 2014 at 14:13 PM
Wow, this is great news
Especially given the MASSIVE success that Architects for Yes have been
Can hardly wait to see the world change before our very eyes
Especially given the MASSIVE success that Architects for Yes have been
Can hardly wait to see the world change before our very eyes
#4 Posted by Stuart Graham on 19 Sep 2014 at 14:35 PM
Despite what the cynics above might think, if you don't have a desire to improve the world you have no business being an architect. Any initiative which does anything to improve the engagement of the profession with society and takes the discourse beyond superficial debates about aesthetics can only be a good thing and should be welcomed whatever one's individual political outlook.
#5 Posted by Matthew Ansell on 19 Sep 2014 at 15:28 PM
Yes, that’s a very good point Stewart, if somewhat dramatic, but let’s be clear here, most of the issues that we face have been rotting away at our profession long before Malcolm and co decided to take up arms under the banner of independence.
Arguably, issues relating to our torturous procurement system, fees and planning stem from the Scottish and local governments not from the so called ‘Westminster Establishment’.
Perhaps we could all, no matter what political persuasion, get together and fight for reform of housing, sustainability, procurement/ fees within an effective and motivated professional body……what are called they again? Ri??
Certainly, we all feel much more empowered and energised by the debate. Luckily, we can all get on with improving the profession, now, without the spectre of imminent financial doom.
Arguably, issues relating to our torturous procurement system, fees and planning stem from the Scottish and local governments not from the so called ‘Westminster Establishment’.
Perhaps we could all, no matter what political persuasion, get together and fight for reform of housing, sustainability, procurement/ fees within an effective and motivated professional body……what are called they again? Ri??
Certainly, we all feel much more empowered and energised by the debate. Luckily, we can all get on with improving the profession, now, without the spectre of imminent financial doom.
#6 Posted by Ian Nairn Jr on 19 Sep 2014 at 20:35 PM
#5 Spot on Matthew. Architects for Change should make tackling the SNP's procurement and funding of large projects their number one priority. Stop blaming 'Westminster' and face up to how the Scottish Government is going about things.
#7 Posted by Rob on 20 Sep 2014 at 08:00 AM
Anyone who says were not privitising the NHS in Scottland is kidding themselves on
£200M Dunfries & Galloway Hospital is being funded by Private Finance Investment from Laing O'rourke
£150M Edinburgh Sick Kids being funded by Private Finance Investment from Brookfield Multiplex
£40M North Ayrshire Community Hospitalis being funded through Private Finance Investment from Balfour Beatty.
£30M Nat Blood Centre being funded by Private Finance Investment from Intereserve Kajema
Out to tender right now Orkney Hospital £200M ....looking for Private Finance
All flagship projects for the current Scottish Govenment
£200M Dunfries & Galloway Hospital is being funded by Private Finance Investment from Laing O'rourke
£150M Edinburgh Sick Kids being funded by Private Finance Investment from Brookfield Multiplex
£40M North Ayrshire Community Hospitalis being funded through Private Finance Investment from Balfour Beatty.
£30M Nat Blood Centre being funded by Private Finance Investment from Intereserve Kajema
Out to tender right now Orkney Hospital £200M ....looking for Private Finance
All flagship projects for the current Scottish Govenment
#8 Posted by I heart Gourock on 22 Sep 2014 at 13:04 PM
I look forward to seeing what Architects for Change comes up with.
Don't get me started on sit on the fence RIAS.
Don't get me started on sit on the fence RIAS.
#9 Posted by Martin on 26 Sep 2014 at 17:33 PM
I love all the comments about the "Scottish Government's procurement" strategy, 'hub'.... yeah the one identical to LIFT in England and Wales. The SNP proposed a funding model involving the SFT issuing Bonds, similar to Local Government Bonds, but Westminster refused to grant them the power to do so. Ergo.... we end up stuck with Westminster's Procurement Strategy for mildly tempering private finance involvement in public procurement. But lets not let realities dull that axe we're grinding.
#10 Posted by Matt on 26 Sep 2014 at 18:21 PM
Always good to revert back to blaming Westmister for our own Governments shortcomings
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We all agree that the profession needs some serious focus, responsibility and bite...but not from a politically motivated, and ultimately unsuccessful nationalistic sub group.