Cabinet Order
No. 538 of
11 August 2009
Architecture
Policy Guidelines
2009 - 2015
Table of
Contents
Abbreviations
Used
Introduction
I.
Characterisation of the Situation
II. Problems, for
Solving of which the Development of the Architecture Policy is
Necessary
III. Basic
Principles of the Architecture Policy
IV. Objective and
Sub-objectives of the Architecture Policy
V. Results of the
Policy Implemented
VI. Action
Directions of the Architecture Policy
VII. Impact on the
State Budget and Local Government Budgets
VIII. Planning of
Further Action
IX. Procedures for
the Submission and Evaluation of Reports
Abbreviations
Used
ACE - Architects' Council of Europe
MoFA - Ministry of Foreign Affairs
BAUA - Baltic Architects Unions Association
MoE - Ministry of Economics
EU - European Union
MoES - Ministry of Education and Science
MoC - Ministry of Culture
LMA - Latvian Museum of Architecture
LAA - Latvia Association of Architects
LI - Latvian Institute
LUA - Latvia University of Agriculture
RL - Republic of Latvia
UL - University of Latvia
LAS - Latvian Academy of Sciences
SAM - State Authority of Museums
NGOs - non-governmental organisations
MoRDLG - Ministry of Regional Development and Local
Government
RCC - Riga City Council
RCAO - Riga City Architect's Office
RTU - Riga Technical University
UIA - International Union of Architects (Union
Internationale des Architects)
UNESCO - United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural
Organisation
MoE - Ministry of Environment
SCCF - State Culture Capital Foundation
SIHP - State Inspection for Heritage Protection
Introduction
Within the scope of this document
the concept "architecture" means the sector of the creative
industry, which concurrently is also an art of creating the
environment with the purpose of creating a space for the
satisfaction of physical, mental, material and other needs of a
human being in long-term. It includes artistic, aesthetical,
functional, material, technical, technological, constructive,
organisational, sociological, ecological and economical aspects
of the formation of the environment in the widest sense - from
urban construction and spatial planning to individual buildings
and structures and their external and internal formation,
utilities and facilities.
The Architecture Policy Guidelines (hereinafter - Guidelines)
are a medium-term planning document, which determines the State
architecture policy for the subsequent seven years, comprising
the time period from 2009 to 2015. The Guidelines comprise the
main principles, objectives, the results of the policy to be
achieved and the preferable action directions for the achievement
thereof. The purpose of this document is to specify more
precisely the role and significance of architecture in
sustainable development of the State.
At present the policy formation process in the field of
architecture also takes place at the level of the European Union.
Upon evaluating the role of architecture in sustainable
development, the achievement of the Lisbon objectives and
improvement of the quality of life, as well as wishing to
increase the contribution thereof to the promotion of urban and
regional competitiveness, the European Commission has initiated
the development of a new document of the architecture policy,
involving the European Union Member States. The national
architecture policy has already been developed and is being
implemented in several EU states, including Great Britain,
France, Germany, Austria, Finland, the Netherlands, Denmark and
Estonia.
Architecture as the sector of the creative industry is based
on usefulness, sustainability and aesthetic beauty. It provides
services with practical, aesthetic and commercial value.
Designing and construction of residential, public and business
structures is closely related to the general economic growth.
Architecture should be evaluated as the most ample and the widest
type of visual arts and essential part of any cultural
environment. It is created by joining the scale, spatial
relation, forms, structures and the selection of materials in
interaction thereof in order to create a wholesome, harmonic
environment and qualitative living space for a human being.
Architecture is one of the most visible forms of cultural
expression. The expressiveness characteristic thereto forms the
national and local identity. A highly educated, capable and
talented manpower, as well as new technologies, are necessary for
the implementation of creative, aesthetic and technical ideas of
architecture. Responsibility for the environmental quality lies
not only with the responsible officials and experts; it is
important that each member of the society is aware thereof. State
inhabitants have not only the right to qualitative and
aesthetically attractive living space, which has been created and
is being maintained for sustainable development, but also a duty
to aid in the creation and maintenance thereof.
The action directions and priority tasks specified in the
Guidelines are directed towards the creation of sustainable and
qualitative living space in Latvia, observing the specificities
and possibilities of the whole State territory and individual
parts thereof, as well as preserving and developing the features
characteristic to nature and cultural environment of each
territory and the development potential. Similarly, the
Guidelines are directed towards the development of a competitive
and qualitative education of architects, the development of
co-operation of national and international level, efficient
positioning of architecture of Latvia and promotion of
identification thereof in the world.
The creation of the architecture policy is an intersectoral
task, therefore, several ministries should be involved in the
implementation thereof, the competence of which includes matters
related to architecture - the MoC, the MoE, the MoRDLG, the MoE,
the MoES. In order to ensure the supervision of putting into
practice of the objective specified in the Guidelines and to
solve urgent sectoral development issues, it is planned to create
the National Council of Architecture as an advisory institution,
which promotes co-operation. The objective of operation of the
National Council of Architecture is to promote the co-operation
of State institutions and sectoral professionals in issues
related to the development of the sector of architecture, to
promote the observation of democracy principles and the
implementation of the objectives and tasks included in the
Guidelines. Representatives of the MoC, the MoE, the MoRDLG, the
MoE, the MoES, as well as sectoral NGOs, will be invited for
participation in the Council. The work of the Council will not be
remunerated.
The draft Guidelines were developed by the expert working
group established by the Ministry of Culture in the following
composition - Jānis Dripe (head of the working group), Juris
Dambis, Edgars Bērziņš, Ervīns Timofejevs, Sergejs Ņikiforovs,
Juris Poga, Jānis Lejnieks, Andis Sīlis, Ingurds Lazdiņš, Jānis
Taurens, Zanda Saulīte. The ACE Secretary-General Alan Sagne
participated in the evaluation of the draft Guidelines, an
extensive statement was provided by the ACE expert Tiina Valpola
(Finland).
The Architecture Policy Guidelines of Latvia are created on
the basis of the priorities specified in the following strategic
and policy planning documents, planning region development
programmes and strategies:
● the Long-term Economic Strategy of Latvia (approved by the
Cabinet on 17 July 2001, Minutes No. 34);
● the National Development Plan 2007-2013 (approved by the RL
Cabinet on 4 July 2006);
● the National Strategic Reference Framework 2007-2013
(approved by the RL Cabinet on 23 October 2007);
● the long-term conceptual document The Model for Growth of
Latvia: Human Being in the First Place (approved by
Saeima of the RL during the meeting of 26 October
2005);
● the Sustainable Development Guidelines of Latvia (approved
by the RL Cabinet Order No. 436 of 15 August 2002);
● the State Cultural Policy Guidelines for 2006-2015.
National State (approved by the RL Cabinet Order No. 264 of
18 April 2006);
● the Lisbon Strategy, which determines the directions of
economic development of the European Union up to 2010, brings
forward social cohesion - employment and social inclusion - as
one of the tasks;
● the Leipzig Charter on Sustainable European Cities (accepted
during the informal meeting of ministers regarding urban
development and territorial cohesion on 24 May 2007);
● Resolution of the Council of the European Union of 12
February 2001 on architectural quality in urban and rural
environments (2001/C73/04);
● the message of the Architects' Council of Europe for the
21st century "Architecture and Quality of Life";
● the European Landscape Convention (adopted by the
Saeima of the RL on 29 March 2007); and
● the Ljubljana Declaration on Urban Regeneration and Climate
Change (adopted on 17 June 2008).
The priorities and action directions specified in the planning
region development programmes and strategies are directed towards
the creation and provision of qualitative living environment,
including such aspects as improvement of infrastructure,
preservation of natural and cultural and historical values,
integrated and balanced spatial development, provision of
inhabitants with dwellings of good quality.
I. Characterisation of the
Situation
Upon describing the present situation in architecture, the
most important factors determining it are being evaluated at the
global and national level.
At the
Global Level
Architecture has multifunctional and synthesising role in the
modern urbanised environment. Nowadays the urban environment, in
which approximately 70% of the world inhabitants reside, faces
such challenges as demographic changes and increasing
urbanisation, environmental problems and fight against climate
changes, as well as preservation of social cohesion, particularly
within the context of economic and cultural changes. The answer
to these challenges is sustainable urban development or creative
and integrated approach, under which culture, economy, social and
environmental issues have equally significant role. Sustainable
urban development means:
● paying particular attention to the quality and
diversity of architecture, marking the heritage of
architecture and the individual identity of natural or urban
landscape;
● implementation of such projects, which promote the use
and transformation of the existing buildings, concurrently
promoting the efficiency and control of the use of energy
resources, as well as the reduction of pollution;
● adequate reaction to changes in the lifestyle of
inhabitants, particularly in relation to the issues of
mobility and demographic changes, as well as objectives of social
cohesion and intercultural dialogue; and
● support to creativity in architecture as a factor
promoting the development of economy and tourism in the urban
environment.
At present the global tendencies in architecture are focused
on ecology, sustainability, social inclusion. Project outlines,
with increasing frequency, are concentrating on such project
components as cost analysis of the life cycle, more efficient use
of energy (application of the "green" energy), waste management,
universal design and other components. The new buildings become
more accessible, democratic, oriented towards social inclusion
and tolerance. The concept "good/qualitative architecture"
includes both the quality of architecture of the building and
qualitative planning of the living space. A building has not only
economic, but also cultural value; frequently a building is
created also as a symbol and social message.
At the
National Level
Hitherto an individual policy has not been developed for the
sector of architecture in comparison with other creative sectors
in Latvia, in which the specificity and potential of the sector
in improvement of the sustainable development and competitiveness
of the State would be taken into account, as well as the
co-operation of the institutions involved in the implementation
of the architecture policy would be purposefully co-ordinated. An
efficient system, which would allow introduction and maintenance
of a qualitative living space in the whole Latvia, has not been
created. Adequate regulatory base, which would ensure the quality
of architecture, has also not been created in Latvia. The
professional organisation of architects of Latvia (LAA) proposed
the development of the draft guidelines of the State architecture
of Latvia and has actively participated in this process. The LAA,
being the member of the international professional organisations
of architects UIA and ACE, as well as the association of the
professional organisations of architects of the Baltic States
BAUA, and actively participating in the referred to
organisations, has accumulated a valuable experience, which
provides Latvia with good opportunities of improving the legal
basis of the sector of architecture and to participate in the
development of EU regulatory enactments.
Hitherto more attention has been paid to the architectural
heritage in Latvia, which is a significant part of the cultural
heritage of Latvia and participates in the formation of the
cultural identity of the nation and the State image, as well as
serves as an important resource of cultural tourism. Inclusion of
the historic centre of Riga on the list of the UNESCO World
Cultural Heritage is a proof of the importance of the
architecture of Latvia also at the international level. However,
adequate instruments and resources have not been created in the
State in order to ensure wholesomely the preservation,
development and maintenance of the cultural environment of good
quality. If adequate conditions for the creation of architecture
of good quality are not defined and ensured, the values of nature
and cultural and historic environment may be lost, upon the State
and local government institutions losing control over the
environmental planning process and the quality of architecture.
In order to prevent the degradation of the cultural environment
and to ensure the creation of qualitative living space in
long-term, as well as to arrange the legal base of the sector of
architecture, it is necessary to develop and introduce the Law On
the Quality of Architecture.
In the existing system of sketch competitions for
architectural projects procurement procedures not appropriate for
the sector of architecture are being specified, which move aside
the creation of qualitative cultural environment and objects,
which naturally blend therein, mostly bringing forward the
project costs as the determining criterion.
Within the context of the sector of architecture sufficient
attention to the ecological issues is not being paid in Latvia.
Inefficient use of energy resources and non-renewable materials
takes place. The proportion of energy resources consumed in the
sector of buildings constitutes 40% of the total energy
consumption in the State. Particularly the houses built during
the Soviet time are physically and morally worn out, they have
low thermal stability - heat flows away through untight windows
and doors, thin walls, uninsulated attic and roof covering, poor
thermal insulation of the basement covering etc. Taking into
account the dependence of both Latvia and also the whole European
Union on the imported energy resources, saving thereof is not
only within the interests of individual households or
undertakings, but it is also a State policy issue.
Urban planning and urban construction process cannot be
imagined without an architect - a specialist who should be gifted
with such specific professional skill as awareness of the context
of people, buildings and the environment and humane environmental
scale. There are 917 certified architects in Latvia, 365 of whom
participate in the professional association - the Latvia
Association of Architects. According to the information available
on the construction portal www.abc.lv, there are 697 undertakings
operating in Latvia, which offer services of architecture and
design. It has been possible to acquire higher education in
architecture in Latvia since 1869. The Faculty of Architecture
and Urban Planning of RTU offer study programmes accredited
according to the EU requirements. On average 35 new specialists a
year have graduated from the Faculty during the preceding years.
Since 2001 29 standards of professions have been approved in the
education sector "Architecture and Building", 6 of which are
directly related to architecture. A necessity to assess the
conformity of standards to the latest requirements arises because
the majority of the standards of professions in effect were
developed during the time period from 2001 to 2003. Deficiencies
in the organisational structure hinder the development of an
interdisciplinary study programme, as well as the insufficient
financing does not allow to attract new teaching staff and
foreign guest lectors. The material and technical provision of
the institution of higher education is poor, moreover,
out-of-date. Foreign students are not attracted by the
possibilities of education in Latvia; experience exchange
programmes are not popular.
At present there is an insufficient participation of
architects in the field of spatial planning. Lack of qualified
planners has been detected for an extended period of time in
local governments of Latvia, which are the main performers of the
work related to spatial planning, because, although a standard of
the profession of spatial planner has been developed, no academic
or vocational study programmes have been accredited, in which
specialists of the relevant profile could acquire the necessary
education. Professional higher education master's study programme
"Spatial Development Planning" has been created in the Faculty of
Geography and Earth Sciences of the UL since 2007. The study
programme provides for specialisation in spatial planning,
environmental planning and geoinformatics. In 2009 the
accreditation process of the referred to programme was commenced.
Spatial planning issues are comprised also in individual study
programmes of the Faculty of Rural Engineering of the LUA. No
individual study programme for training of spatial planners has
been created in RTU, urban planning and spatial planning studies
have been integrated in the vocational master's and doctoral
study programmes in architecture. A further education programme
in urban planning has been developed in RTU, approved during a
meeting of the Senate and prepared for licensing. The planned
duration of studies - 1 year. The programme is meant for the
employees of local governments. Specialists of different sectors
are working in the field of spatial planning, therefore, it is
necessary to promote the co-operation of planners, architects,
artists, designers and other specialists, as well as the
development of the industries related to contemporary
architecture.
The development process of new designing technologies, which
allows fast and comfortable communication without obstacles,
moving projects by electronic means, has changed the nature of
the work of architects, internationalising it to a great extent.
In order to raise the environmental quality, a good practice has
evolved in Latvia to organise international competitions of ideas
and sketch projects for the creation of significant public
buildings, inviting well-known international architecture bureaus
of high quality (Liepāja Concert Hall, Riga Concert Hall,
Contemporary Art Museum etc.), thus promoting the level of
competition. The EU requirement regarding free movement of
services creates a situation where more and more objects in
Latvia are designed by architects of other countries. Similar
activities of Latvian architects in other countries have not been
observed yet.
The legal norms in force in Latvia ignore the position
governing in the majority of the EU Member States - to classify
the profession of architect as a free profession with a role
corresponding to the importance thereof. In Latvia architect is
only a participant of construction, the special nature of
architecture services has not been surveyed and taken into
account - that architect is a creative profession, which creates
not only material, but also cultural values. Moreover, the duties
and responsibility of the participants of the construction
process, including commissioning parties, have still not been
sufficiently clearly and comprehensively defined in the
regulatory enactments of the Republic of Latvia.
The sector of architecture in Latvia has not been assigned an
equal place among other creative professions for access to the
State support provided for creation. Unlike Estonia where the
financing from the Culture Capital Foundation is available for
creative projects of architecture and design, the sector of
architecture in Latvia does not have access to a specially
earmarked financing in the SCCF.
Special attention would also be necessary for the science of
architecture and urban construction, which is poorly developed in
Latvia. There is a lack of innovative solutions of architecture
and construction technologies. The theory and critics of
architecture has narrow historical profile, lack of new
specialists is obvious therein. In circumstances of insufficient
competition architectural solutions of mediocre quality arise.
There is lack of the summary and analysis of data at the State
level, as well as a long-term plan for education of the number of
specialists necessary for the national economy and attraction of
foreign specialists.
The society of Latvia is insufficiently educated and
stimulated to take active part in evaluation and taking of the
decisions having influence on their direct living space.
Hitherto architecture and the potential thereof has been
insufficiently appreciated and used in the development of the
capital, the promotion of economic growth and international
competition. Geographical location of Riga in the centre of the
Baltic States and the region of Scandinavia creates preconditions
for the establishment of Riga as a regional metropolis. The
cosmopolitanism and the influence of Europe perceptible in the
city together with architectonic values, which have passed the
test of time, are the main strength of Latvia, positioning the
State on an international scale. The concentration of architects
in Riga makes Riga a multicultural and multinational regional
metropolis where the field of architecture is developing
dynamically. However, there is a lack of new, contemporary public
architecture in the capital, which would form the new,
contemporary identity thereof and basis for future cultural
heritage. Therefore, the implementation of three significant
projects - the construction of the National Library of Latvia, as
well as designing of the acoustic concert hall and the
Contemporary Art Museum - was conceived and commenced in Riga.
Due to the financial and economic crisis, the further advancement
of the two latter projects has been temporarily suspended.
Upon improving the aesthetic quality of the living space,
particularly in construction of new objects of public
significance, it would be useful to adopt a practice ingrained
across the world - to dedicate a part of the costs of a building
design (usually up to 1%) to the inclusion of cultural and art
objects in the internal and external environment of the building
to be created. Such "percent for art" has been specified in many
European countries, including Finland, Great Britain, Ireland,
Austria, Germany, as well as elsewhere - in the USA, Canada and
Australia. It is planned to introduce the "percent for culture"
also in Estonia in the nearest future where the architecture
policy is being successfully implemented in accordance with the
sectoral development strategy approved by the government in
2002.
The study conducted by the Baltic International Centre for
Economic Policy Studies in 2007 "Creative Industries in Latvia",
within the scope of which also the sector of architecture was
analysed, identified the insufficiency of human resources,
insufficiently efficient sectoral management and relationship
with the commissioning parties (owners), insufficient regulatory
base, co-operation with local governments in spatial planning and
poor public relations as the biggest problems.
II. Problems, for Solving of which
the Development of the Architecture Policy is Necessary
● Deficiencies in the regulatory base for the provision of the
architectonic environment of good quality;
● lack of harmonised policy and co-ordinated management for
the development of the sector;
● insufficient level of understanding of the society regarding
the role and significance of architecture in the sustainable
development and planning processes of the environment and
participation in the creation of the living space;
● lack of understanding in decision-takers (local governments,
evaluation juries of competitions, construction sector) regarding
the role of architecture in the creation of public welfare and
qualitative living space;
● insufficiently accurate positioning of architecture as an
intersectoral discipline in solving issues related to
construction and environmental development, without taking into
account that the economic, social and cultural aspects are of
equal importance;
● inflexible education system of the sector and insufficiently
efficient and rational organisation of the education system;
and
● backwardness (decline) of the science, research and
experimental architecture due to the lack of financing;
insufficient quantity of technically and technologically
innovative solutions.
III. Basic Principles of the
Architecture Policy
The architecture policy is based on the following basic
principles:
● the principle of quality and excellence - provides
for designing and implementation of architecture of good quality,
which naturally blends in the cultural environment and enriches
it, creates a living space of good quality and increases the
self-assurance and competitiveness of the State of Latvia;
● sustainable development principle - determines the
creation of an integrated and balanced architecture policy, which
satisfies present needs of inhabitants, without endangering the
possibilities of satisfying the needs of future generations. It
provides for the creation of environmentally-friendly
architecture, promoting energy efficiency and saving of
resources;
● the principle of co-operation and participation -
provides for involvement of both public administration
institutions of national, regional and local level and
non-governmental organisations, social partners, private sector,
foreign institutions, as well as the society, in the creation of
architecture and living space of good quality;
● the principle of co-ordination - provides for the
co-operation of all parties and levels involved in the policy
planning and introduction in both taking the decisions and using
financial, human and technical resources more efficiently;
and
● the principle of subsidiarity - requests the
evaluation and adequate delegation of the implementation of a
task in policy planning to such level of public administration or
non-governmental sector, in which the most efficient
implementation of these tasks is possible.
IV. Objective and Sub-objectives of
the Architecture Policy
The objective of the architecture
policy of Latvia is to create the necessary conditions for the
creation and sustainability of qualitative living space based on
architecture.
The sub-objectives of the architecture policy are as
follows:
● to promote the quality of architecture, by creating adequate
regulatory base and quality improvement mechanisms, to increase
the significance of the creation of architecture of good quality
in spatial development planning documents of local
governments;
● to ensure harmonic joining of natural values, cultural
heritage and contemporary architecture in planning and creation
of a living space of good quality;
● to integrate the architecture policy in policy documents
related to the promotion of sustainable development of the State,
to create such management model of the architecture sector, which
is based on competence and oriented towards mutual
co-operation;
● to improve the quality of education in architecture, to
promote studies in the field of architecture, spatial planning,
urban planning, as well as the creation of new construction
technologies and construction materials and different
innovations;
● to promote the participation of the society and to raise
awareness regarding the responsibility thereof in the creation of
the living and public space;
● to promote the identification and competitiveness of the
architecture of Latvia at the international level; and
● to promote the introduction of the solutions of universal
design in order to create such environment, which is accessible
to all members of the society.
V. Results of the Policy
Implemented
Policy
Results and Result-based Indicators Thereof
|
Policy
results
|
Result-based Indicators
|
2009
|
2010
|
2011
|
2012
|
2013
|
2014
|
2015
|
| The public participation in
the creation of the living space has increased |
The number of projects, which
have been publicly discussed, from the total number of
projects implemented, % |
20
|
22
|
24
|
26
|
29
|
33
|
38
|
| The quality of
architecture has improved |
The number of international
diplomas acquired |
2
|
2
|
3
|
3
|
4
|
5
|
5
|
| The number of local
governments, in which a specialist in the quality of
architecture is working |
1
|
1
|
1
|
2
|
2
|
2
|
3
|
| The proportion of
the students who have acquired a diploma at the end of
studies, and the proportion of foreign students in the study
programmes in architecture has increased |
The proportion of students
who have acquired a document certifying education at the end
of a study programme, % of the number of persons who had
commenced studies |
70
|
70
|
75
|
76
|
78
|
80
|
80
|
| The proportion of foreign
students in the study programmes in architecture, % of the
number of persons studying in study programmes in
architecture |
2
|
2
|
3
|
3
|
4
|
4
|
5
|
Results
of the Activity and Result-based Indicators Thereof
|
Results of
the activity
|
Result-based Indicators
|
2009
|
2010
|
2011
|
2012
|
2013
|
2014
|
2015
|
| 1. Conformity of the
education system in architecture to the position of the EU
Member States, % |
Licensed and accredited study
programmes in architecture, number |
-
|
-
|
1
|
-
|
-
|
1
|
-
|
| 2. The number of the
regulatory enactments developed, which determine the quality
standards in architecture |
The number of the developed
and adopted regulatory enactments and policy planning
documents, which determine the policy and quality of
architecture |
1
|
1
|
2
|
-
|
1
|
-
|
1
|
| 3. The society
has been informed regarding the participation possibilities
in the creation of the public space |
a. The number of the
supported NGOs, which participate in policy planning and
implementation |
1
|
1
|
1
|
2
|
2
|
2
|
2
|
| b. The number of events
promoting architecture |
2
|
2
|
2
|
2
|
3
|
4
|
4
|
VI. Action Directions of the
Architecture Policy
In order to ensure the achievement of the objectives put
forward by the architecture policy of Latvia and to solve the
problems identified, the following action directions and priority
tasks have been specified:
| Action Direction |
Priority Tasks |
Participating Institutions |
| 1. Promotion of the
quality of architecture, by creating and improving the
sectoral regulatory base and the necessary mechanisms for
planning and creation of a living space of good
quality |
1.1. To draw up the Law On the Quality of
Architecture.
1.2. For Latvia to adopt a corresponding experience of
the EU Member States and to co-ordinate with the regulatory
enactments of Latvia, observing the national interests.
1.3. To improve the certification system of
architects.
1.4. To invite local governments to include and respect
the principles and measures promoting the quality of
architecture in planning of urban and rural environment,
including:
- to stimulate local governments to include a structure
ensuring the quality of architecture in the structure of
development institutions thereof;
- to introduce and improve the mechanism of public
discussions regarding projects significant to the society,
providing every inhabitant with a possibility to
participate in taking of decisions, which concern the
quality of his or her living space;
- to stimulate the commissioning parties to organise
sketch competitions in architecture for the promotion of
the quality of architecture.
1.5. To stimulate the SCCF to establish a Council for
Sub-sector of Architecture and Design.
|
MoC, MoE, MoRDLG, MoES, MoE, local governments, LAA,
sectoral NGOs, SCCF, National Council of Architecturee
|
| 2.
Creation of a living space of good quality, by harmoniously
joining natural values, cultural heritage and contemporary
architecture |
2.1. To improve creative co-operation among
representatives of related areas - architects, urban
planners, landscape architects, artists, designers,
including in co-operation with the MoES to create
interdisciplinary study and further education programmes
for the preparation of qualified specialists (see 4.2.).
2.2. To develop a concept regarding the determination of
the "percent for culture" in the implementation of publicly
significant building projects, promoting the aesthetic
quality and attraction of the public space (the "percent
for culture" provides for dedication of a part of the costs
of a building project (usually up to 1%) to inclusion of
culture and art objects in internal and external
environment of a building to be created).
2.3. To ensure the universal design approach in
architecture in order to promote an inclusive society and
to ensure complete equality and participation possibilities
for all members thereof.
|
MoC, MoE, MoRDLG, MoES, MoE, RTU, LAA, sectoral NGOs
|
| 3. Raising of
awareness and participation of the society in the creation of
a living space of good quality |
3.1. Upon co-operation of the public and private sector
and professional creative organisations, to ensure diverse
measures for the promotion of architecture.
3.2. To ensure the availability of information of good
quality, to organise seminars, lectures and discussions
explaining the significance of architecture, raising
awareness of the society regarding architecture and
ensuring exchange of information between the public and
architects, including to develop centres for education,
science, information and support in architecture and urban
planning.
3.3. To improve the mechanisms of public discussions
regarding projects significant to the society, providing
every inhabitant with a possibility to participate in
taking of decisions, which concern the quality of his or
her living space (see 1.4.).
3.4. To ensure systematic documentation and research of
the process of urban planning and architecture and issuing
of publications.
|
MoC, MoE, SIHP, LAA, LMA, RCAO, RCC, MoRDLG, SAM, SCCF,
sectoral NGOs, local governments
|
| 4. Improvement of the
quality of education in architecture, support to research,
innovations and the project development of experimental
architecture |
4.1. For the MoC in co-operation with the MoES to
commission an analytical intersectoral study on the quality
of architecture, urban planning, spatial planning and
landscape architecture and, on the basis of the results of
the study, to develop recommendations for commensuration
thereof with the EU requirements and standards.
4.2. To create interdisciplinary study and further
education programmes for the preparation of qualified
professionals, including:
- in co-operation with the MoES to improve training
programmes for architects on the basis of the training
programmes for architects of the developed countries;
- for RTU to promote the possibilities of supplementary
education in urban planning, the history of architecture,
theory.
4.3. For RTU to create bilateral and multilateral
co-operation contracts and programmes for acquisition of
international experience.
4.4. To develop the theory and science of architecture
and planning.
4.5. In co-operation with the LAS to expand the
utilisation of creative experiments and innovations and to
promote the learning and use of future technologies.
|
MoC, MoES, RTU, UL, LUA, LAA, LASS
|
| 5. Creation of a
co-ordinated model for the management of the architecture
sector, ensuring linking thereof with the management of
spatial planning and building design processes |
5.1. To create the National Council of Architecture for
the solution of issues of national significance related to
the development and quality of architecture in co-operation
with the MoE, MoRDLG, MoE, MoES and sectoral NGOs.
5.2. To develop recommendations for the creation of the
co-operation and management model of the architecture
sector.
5.3. To improve the mutual link between spatial planning
and building design processes.
5.4. For the involved institutions to co-operate in
improvement of mutual co-ordination in the spatial planning
process and the provision of spatial planning with the
necessary instruments, which are oriented towards
sustainable development of Latvia.
5.5. To ensure arrangement of the planning system,
involving the public in the planning process, including
ensuring qualitative public discussion of projects at early
stages of design with the necessary alternatives of
solutions.
|
MoC, LAA, SIHP, MoE, MoRDLG, MoES, local governments,
sectoral NGOs
|
| 6. Promotion of
identification and competitiveness of the architecture of
Latvia |
6.1. For the LAA and sectoral NGOs to operate actively
and to represent the interests of Latvia in international
organisations, including UIA, BAUA, ACE.
6.2. For the MoC and MoFA to ensure the participation of
Latvia in events important for the sector of architecture,
including Venice Biennale of Architecture.
6.3. For the MoC and LAA to provide information
regarding international sketch competitions in order to
promote export of architecture of Latvia.
6.4. For the LI to create the image of architecture of
Latvia as an internationally open sector of good quality
and beneficial for investments.
|
LAA, sectoral NGOs, MoC, MoFA,
LI, SCCF |
VII. Impact on the State Budget and Local Government
Budgets
The financial sources planned for the implementation of the
Architecture Policy Guidelines are the State and local government
budget, international financing, including EU structural funds,
as well as private capital to be attracted by successful
development of public-private relationship and strategies for
cultural sponsorship.
The Architecture Policy Guidelines 2009-2015 are implemented
within the framework of the existing budget resources.
VIII. Planning of Further
Action
| |
Measure
|
Term for
the execution
|
Responsible institution
|
| 1. |
To establish the National
Council of Architecture. |
30.12.2009.
|
MoC
|
| 2. |
To specify more precisely the
functions of the institutions involved in the implementation
of the architecture policy and to define the co-operation
mechanism of institutions in order to ensure that their
functions do not overlap, as well as the co-operation in the
issues of the architecture policy |
30.09.2010.
|
MoC
|
| 3. |
To draw up the Law On the
Quality of Architecture |
15.12.2010.
|
MoC
|
| 4. |
To draw up proposals for the
creation of the sectoral management model |
30.12.2010.
|
MoC
|
IX. Procedures for the Submission
and Evaluation of Reports
1. The Ministry of Culture prepares and, in accordance with
specified procedures, submits to the Cabinet the following
informative reports on the fulfilment and evaluation of the
Guidelines:
1.1. the informative interim report - by 1 March 2013; and
1.2. the final informative report - by 1 March 2016.
2. On the basis of ex-post evaluation, in 2016 the
Ministry of Culture takes a decision regarding updating of the
Guidelines for the subsequent period of time.
Translation © 2010 Valsts valodas centrs (State
Language Centre)
