Designs on transforming environment

May 22 2009 by John Burns, Constructing Excellence

The agenda from Government speaks of national and local leadership, policy engagement, a public lead, encouragement for design and strengthening of skills, however our processes are becoming ever more complex and challenging.

The assets of the nation are mainly invested in our built environment, and helping build and rebuild long-term values is high on everyone’s agenda at present. These values are often to do with location rather than the quality of houses or even their environment, so former industrial villages are in decline and coastal suburbs improving.

The challenge from the region and the government is becoming clearer, identifying the need to look beyond houses, schools and offices to creating places which we value and enjoy and which will secure the long-term asset values that now seem so fragile.

Professions in the region, constructors and many clients are receptive to this approach and we must hope it contributes to the resurgence of regional performance before too long.

The awards show that design is breaking away from the box and offer a glimpse of what we can create together.

John Burns, director, Mackellar Architecture Limited

:: For more information on Constructing Excellence in the North East, contact chief executive, Catriona Lingwood, on (0191) 383-7435 or catriona@cene.org.uk