Government Policy on Architecture 2009 – 2015 - Department of Arts ...

3.7 Developing New Knowledge and SkillsThe challenges in environmental provision bring urgent demands on <strong>Government</strong> departments,local authorities and state agencies for continuous development of their knowledge and skillbase. The consultations undertaken in preparation of this <strong>Policy</strong> have identified urban design,sustainable and innovative building design and construction, and the maintaining, conservingand upgrading of the thermal performance of existing buildings as key areas of development inthe pursuit of excellence in architectural quality. Enhanced knowledge and new skills are criticalrequirements for built environment professionals, operatives, and non-technical staff in meetingthe requirements of the future.The <strong>Government</strong> recognises the need to accelerate access to continuing education andtraining with regard to sustainable and high quality built environment provision and theprotection of architectural heritage.Good quality design is not easily achieved. It is important, when effective collaboration betweenplanners and architects results in the production of a built environment of good quality, that thisachievement is effectively communicated. The Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local<strong>Government</strong> will liaise with the professional institutes to foster better formal and informal linksbetween the architectural, planning and related professions at local, regional and national level.Action 20<strong>Government</strong> Departments and state agencies with responsibility for buildingprocurement and heritage protection will be encouraged to avail of relevantpartnerships established with educational institutions, professional bodies, the Instituteof Public Administration and others in the development of suitable in-house andexternally provided Continuing Professional Development (CPD) to address skillsneeds. The Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local <strong>Government</strong> canfacilitate such objectives by promoting specific multi-disciplinary programmes, andconsider the benefits:i. reciprocal inclusion of sister disciplines on juries for local and regional awardsschemes;ii. supporting the development of joint initiatives and activities such as lectures, sitevisits and professional social events at local and regional level;iii. acknowledging good practice in planning advice and planning authorities who takea proactive stance in favour of quality in architecture, by such measures as includinga citation for the planner or planning authority in architectural awards schemesand establishing specific categories in planning awards schemes to reward theintegration of architectural quality with good quality planning.36 <strong>Government</strong> <strong>Policy</strong> on Architecture 2009 – 2015