Dec 13 2006
The Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) has forged a partnership with the Academy for Sustainable Communities (ASC) to raise awareness of the sustainable communities agenda. The RIBA has signed up to a Joint Commitment with ASC, putting architects at the forefront of the effort to create and maintain sustainable communities.
Through this agreement, the RIBA has committed to work in partnership with ASC and other organisations to raise awareness and develop new learning resources, undertake major research studies, launch career drives, invest in the development of people and promote good practice.
The RIBA joins 10 other organisations, each signing Joint Commitment with ASC: Asset Skills; Chartered Institute of Housing (CIH); Constructing Excellence (CE); ENCAMS; Institute of Economic Development (IED); London Sustainability Exchange (LSx); Milton Keynes Council; Prince’s Foundation for the Built Environment; Royal Town Planning Institute (RPTI); and Town and Country Planning Association (TCPA).
Examples of some of the joint initiatives that will be undertaken by the partnering organisations include developing cross sector approaches to learning and increasing generic skills through Continual Professional Development; influencing the geography curriculum to include a sustainable communities module; sharing research such as ASC’s work on sector skills gaps and young people’s career choices; identifying and sharing best practice by collaborating on the ‘Creating the Future – ASC’s Awards for Sustainable Communities’; and launching joint programmes that tackle major issues such as climate change.
Jack Pringle, President of the RIBA, said:
“Architects have a long-standing history of working with communities to inspire and meet the practical needs of people and places. The RIBA supported the creation of ASC so we welcome this commitment. We will harness our expertise and experience to raise standards and inform the debate to create communities fit for the future.”
Professor Peter Roberts, Chair, Academy for Sustainable Communities said:
“We value the skills, experience and commitment of the RIBA and its members. Architects have a fundamental role to play in translating local people’s vision in to reality. Our commitment with the RIBA will ensure that architects can develop and use their skills to create inspirational environments for every community.”