The Departure of Culture, Media & Sport (DCMS) wants to know what its role should be in promoting design quality in architecture and the built environment.
Sir Terry Farrell will also be supported by an advisory panel of members from across the architecture and design industry. Confirmed members of the advisory panel are: Peter Bishop, Alison Brooks, Alain de Botton, Hank Dittmar, Jim Eyre, Thomas Heatherwick, Nigel Hugill, Lucy Musgrave, Robert Powell, Sunand Prasad, Victoria Thornton.
The advisory panel will issue a call for evidence shortly and it is expected Sir Terry Farrell will produce a report by the end of the year.
Culture minister Ed Vaizey said: “Good design builds communities, creates quality of life, and makes places better for people to live, work and play in. I want to make sure we’re doing all we can to recognise the importance of architecture and reap the benefits of good design and I’m delighted Sir Terry Farrell has agreed to undertake this independent review.
“I now urge all those within the architecture and built environment industry to make sure they get involved and contribute their views.”
Sir Terry Farrell said: “I am delighted to be heading this important review at this time. Many countries have an effective architecture policy and I intend to learn from what has worked elsewhere and also learn from all those involved here in architecture and the built environment. Architecture and the built environment is so important to us culturally, economically, socially and environmentally.”
The Royal Institute of British Architects was also excited at the prospect of a formal government architecture policy. RIBA president Angela Brady said: "We are delighted that Sir Terry has been brought in to oversee such an important and wide-ranging review. Architecture is not an issue which fits neatly into any one government department, so a cross-cutting review of this nature is essential to make sure that there is a coordinated, joined-up approach across government. Crucially, the review will also examine not only policy, but the wider context for architecture, reflecting its crucial importance culturally and as a Great British export.
"We are looking forward to playing a leading role in the review, working closely with Terry over the coming months as he collects evidence and formulates his recommendations to government."
Got a story? Email news@theconstructionindex.co.uk
