The Farrell Review

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The Farrell review of architecture & the built environment logo
 
Sir Terry Farrell makes recommendations for the future of Architecture and the Built Environment 

The Farrell review is a comprehensive report
into the current condition of Architecture and the Built Environment.  It
includes input from many sources including a panel of 11 industry leaders with a breadth
of experience that covers education, outreach, urbanism, architecture, property
and philosophy.  After a wide-reaching consultation process including workshops
throughout the country, the findings have been compiled into a report with 60
recommendations.
Proactive planning and
‘PLACE’ need to be at the heart of policy-making
” says Farrell 
Key recommendations:
  • A revolution is
    needed in the planning system to make it proactive rather than reactive
    ,
    anticipating rather than responding to the future needs of our towns and
    cities. By planning proactively like other countries do, anticipating issues
    like the national housing shortage or susceptibility to flooding and address
    them before they reach crisis levels.
  • There should be PLACE
    reviews of existing places
    like high streets, mega-hospitals and housing
    estates and of infrastructure projects like rail, road and aviation
    improvements (using the acronym PLACE to describe the key disciplines of Planning,
    Landscape, Architecture, Conservation and Engineering).
  • Every town and city
    should have an urban room where people can go to understand and debate
    the past, present and future of that place.
  • Architects’
    professional training to be radically reformed
    to make it more accessible
    to all.
  • Britain’s
    considerable strength in architecture, and its success as an export industry,
    should be championed with an annual International Festival of Architecture to
    be held in London.
  • Government should appoint
    a Chief Architect reporting to DCMS and DCLG at the highest level. This
    role should be similar to the Chief Planner and Chief Construction Adviser,
    connecting up government departments and maintaining high standards and
    consistency of approach.