The European Forum for Architectural Policies (EFAP) has announced that its survey of architectural policies in Europe is available on-line.
EFAP writes
In the last 30 years there has been a growing recognition of the importance of architectural quality for social and cultural development, wealth creation and economic well-being. To support this goal, several European countries have been developing architectural policies to promote spatial design excellence and raise public awareness of the importance of the built environment.
Reflecting on the wide diversity of cultures across the European Union, some Member States have developed initiatives and actions addressed to clients and stakeholders, others have produced guidance and educational programmes, while others have promoted new architectural cultural agendas oriented to the general public. The differences in approaches result from the Member States still differing in many aspects: historical development, political / legal systems, cultural and social backgrounds. Nonetheless, it is possible to identify a growing tendency for the development of architectural policies, with the national, regional and local governments assuming a catalytic role.
The European Council Resolution (2001) and Council Conclusions (2008) on architecture are having a positive impact in encouraging the Member States to promote architectural quality as a condition to improving the quality of life of European citizens. Additionally, the two EU Council documents are important to the legitimization of the architectural policies already published and most important to the stimulation of the ones that are currently being developed.
Short version of the survey: LINK
EFAP Survey Article: LINK
