SA Chief Architect

[Wayno]

I read an interesting article in the printed edition of the weekend Fin Review today (could not find it online - sorry).

The Victorian government has pinched a Western Australian academic, Geoffrey London, to be its chief strategic adviser on "architecture and urban design".

Does Adelaide have a similar architectural "thinker in residence"? and if so, where the bloody hell is he/she?

[urban]

We don't have a chief architect. The SA branch of the RAIA (Australian Institute of Architects) has been pushing the Govt for many years without success. I believe NSW, Vic, Queensland and WA have Govt Architect's in place. I believe Tassie will shortly leaving SA and the territories as backward cousins.

[raulduke]

the City (Council) of Adelaide and the residents of North Adelaide seem to aspire to that role

[Shuz]

Whats a chief architect do?

[urban]

The roles are defined differently in different states. I don't have a great knowledge in this area but my vague recollections are as follows:
Qld: Govt architect is responsible for design, documentation and administration of major public buildings.
All other states: Provide advice on architecture, urban design and development to the govt. Assist with choosing sites and developing briefs for major projects. Work with developers architects to improve outcomes for major designs.

A chief Architect could be instrumental in sorting out debacles such as Vic Park and LeCornu by working with the architects to come up with better designs thus avoiding the whole Major Project process for projects which don't warrant it.

[Wayno]

that's a good summary Urban.

A Chief Architect (and his/her entourage of minions) would:
* Bring an aesthetics/design skillset into the govt office,
* Partner with the "Planning SA" organization (from a city, urban & rural design perspective), and
* Act as an architectural intermediary between the govt, the developers, the general public, and the various lobby groups.

From my perspective, having a Chief Architect gives a city a much better chance of developing truly iconic buildings that sit well within their surrounds.

[Cruise]

Whats a chief architect do?

Tells all the other architects what to do.

[Ho Really]

The question is, do we really need a chief architect? What are the pros and cons?

Cheers

[urban]

Some pros:
-the govt receives architectural advice on its building projects leading to better govt buildings;
-the govt receives architectural advice on its urban design projects leading to better public spaces (ie Vic Sq);
-the chief architect can work with developers on controversial projects to achieve better outcomes for the city and therefore speed up the development process (ie LeCornu);
-bring an aesthetics/design skillset into the govt office (thanks Wayno).

[Wayno]

can't really think of any cons...apart from needing to pay for the Chief Architects salary, etc...

[cruel_world00]

can't really think of any cons...apart from needing to pay for the Chief Architects salary, etc...

Money could be better spent on health, education bla bla bla....see where the criticism would come.

I think it's a good idea for a Chief Architect tho.

[Omicron]

I could rustle up a few pencils, I suppose.

[Wayno]

can't really think of any cons...apart from needing to pay for the Chief Architects salary, etc...

Money could be better spent on health, education bla bla bla....see where the criticism would come.

These are not really cons associated with having a Chief Architect. Instead they are standard AdelaideNow responses to any topic whatsoever

[cruel_world00]

can't really think of any cons...apart from needing to pay for the Chief Architects salary, etc...

Money could be better spent on health, education bla bla bla....see where the criticism would come.

These are not really cons associated with having a Chief Architect. Instead they are standard AdelaideNow responses to any topic whatsoever

when I thought about my response the words "AdelaideNow" did come to mind...

[Wayno]

The SA Govt announces a new approach to Adelaide Urban Planning. Perhaps similar to Chief Architect offices in other states? good to see we will be leveraging industry experts. I wonder who will lead it - Hopefully Paul Holloway...

From AdelaideNow

Experts to design blueprint for state

LEADING architects and planners will be appointed to a new commission charged with planning the future design of the state.

Premier Mike Rann said development debates in the CBD and other areas of the state often focussed on isolated projects and resulted in the whole looking like a "patchwork quilt''.

The Integrated Design Commission was proposed by Thinker in Residence Laura Lee and will seek to attract a leader with international experience.

An advisory board of leaders from the building, architecture, planning and design industries will also be appointed.

A Government architect and bring SA into line with other states across the nation.

Mr Rann said the IDC would advise the Government on how to "better improve the quality of life of our cities and communities around the state through better design and fostering innovation''.

"It will not be another level of bureaucracy,'' he said today. "Its work will be critically important as we face the challenges of population growth and climate change, the need to be smarter with our water and energy use, a growing economy and our greater embrace of public transport.

"It will ensure that our future development and infrastructure investment is better co-ordinated and of the highest quality, not something that we, or our children, will regret later.''

Mr Rann said the state should aspire to reaching the same reputation for excellence in design as it has for wine and festivals.

"I'm not just talking about buildings, but also the spaces between them,'' he said. "It's about a greener, more vibrant city for pedestrians and cyclists as well as cars.''

The announcement comes as Adelaide City Council enters the final stages of planning for the redevelopment of Victoria Square.

AdelaideNow understands the council now plans to keep the square open to through traffic and will release a master plan in the new year.

The council has committed around $20 million to the plan but is expected to require state and possible federal funding to complete the project.

Property Council of Australia SA executive director Nathan Paine today welcomed the announcement of an IDC.

"What we have seen emerging over the last couple of years is growing community angst about development and change in the public realm,'' he said.

"We see the proposed IDC as an opportunity to engage the community in the overall direction of the states look and feel. "Its also an antidote to narrow, self-interested politics that can stifle community achievements.

AdelaideNow is seeking comment Opposition planning spokesman David Ridgway.

From ABC Online

New commission shines spotlight on urban design

Cleaner, greener urban design will be the focus of a new South Australian commission. The South Australian Government says the Integrated Design Commission (IDC) will collaborate the ideas of local planners, architects and business people.

Premier Mike Rann says the advisory body will help create quality streetscapes as well as better roads and better public transport.

"South Australia is famous for the original design of Colonel William Light, so Light's vision has stood the test of time," he said. "We have a city in a park but we need to make sure that we continue that vision in the 21st century with world's best practice in urban design."