The Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) wants the Government to appoint a chief built environment design adviser.
RIBA president Angela Brady said the body is also keen for a minister within the Cabinet Office to replace the Department for Culture, Media and Sport and take on responsibility for architecture policy.
RIBA’s calls come in response to the Government’s review of architecture and the built environment, conducted by architect Sir Terry Farrell.
“The Farrell Review is a great opportunity to chart a new course for the built environment and we’d encourage Sir Terry and the Government to think big and be bold in order to secure a better future for all of our communities,” said Ms Brady.
She added ministers place importance on good design through improved places to live, work and play, but this is not backed up by policies.
“Good design enables us to meet our social, economic and environmental objectives and Government must embrace good design as a core component of their thinking,” said Ms Brady.
RIBA said the Government should carry out building performance assessments on all public buildings and disclose its findings, with occupants surveyed “to understand whether the design aids productivity and wellbeing”.
Copyright Press Association 2013