Press Release
Design for London will help shape capital's future says Mayor
7-2-2007 073
Mayor of London Ken Livingstone today formally launched ‘Design for London’ - his new architecture and urban design unit which will support the delivery of world-class architecture and sustainable and accessible design across London’s built environment.
Based at Palestra in Southwark, Design for London has been established by bringing together the Greater London Authority’s Architecture and Urbanism Unit, the London Development Agency’s design team and the urban design team from Transport for London. It is led by a newly appointed director, Peter Bishop, who will consolidate this integration across the Greater London Authority Group whilst having a close collaboration with the design team at the Olympic Delivery Authority and with the national and regional bodies involved with planning, architecture and urban design.
The Mayor said:
“Well thought out, creative and integrated design is vital if London is to maintain its status as a world city whilst accommodating anticipated growth and improving quality of life for Londoners and visitors alike. It can also play a major role in regenerating decaying areas and tackling social exclusion and climate change. I specifically want Greater London Authority group projects to set the standards, which is why Design for London will inform all our investment in development. Design for London will become the catalyst for change by promoting good design among our public and private sector partners and will have a real impact on the future of our city.”
Peter Bishop said:
“Design for London will implement the Mayor’s vision for London and help shape the city over the next few years. We will work across the Greater London Authority group to help make London a better place to live. It is not just about Grand Designs. It is about making the City a better place for Londoners to live, work and move around in.”
Mayor's Chief Architectural Advisor, Lord Rogers said:
`This is a great moment for London. The establishment of Design for London results from Ken Livingstone’s determination that London should become an even more beautiful and liveable city. I’m proud to be a part of it.
`Architecture and urban design are essential tools in creating well-conceived, accessible and environmentally friendly buildings, vibrant and diverse neighbourhoods, and streets where the experience of moving around the city is enjoyable. We must continue to demand the highest standards right across the capital. With Design for London we now have a powerful base to push this forward and deliver a cultural change so that design is truly valued in the development process.’
Notes to Editors
- The key objectives for Design for London are to:
- establish effective and united urban design expertise across the GLA group
- influence all relevant bodies in the design and development sectors in London to improve the quality of urban design, architecture and sustainable development
- raise awareness and appreciation of the value of good urban design more widely among Londoners
- review the design of major development schemes
- lead the urban design input in preparing Opportunity Area Planning Frameworks in London’s Thames Gateway
- establish a portfolio of major projects with exemplar design and use these to influence and promote more substantial change
- unite the TfL resources and remit on design with the new design service
- lever in resources from external sources to take forward the above objectives of Design for London
- The London Development Agency has also appointed Angela Brady as a design champion to its Board. She is a fellow of the Royal Society, is past chairperson of Women In Architecture (2006), and currently on the Women In Architecture committee, the RIBA Equality Forum, and has formed links with other European women architects groups.
- The launch event was held at Palestra, the Will Alsop designed building in Southwark that is the home of Design for London and the London Development Agency.
- The London Development Agency works to improve quality of life for all Londoners and drive sustainable economic growth.
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