Ministerial Advisory Group for Architecture and the Built Environment: Loving Places - Symposium 2018

The MAG annual symposium was held at the Harbour Commissioners’ Office, Corporation Square, Belfast on 22 March and focused on methods to support and encourage a successful design process.

Enabling good design

This event explored the role of design review and other design processes in the shaping of successful places from a variety of contexts and perspectives.

Our 2017 Symposium concluded with a call for a common platform for discussion, collaboration and decision making to enable vibrant and sustainable places to be created by the many varied stakeholders and users that they serve. In 2018 we explored this agenda further, through the role of design review and other design processes as a way to facilitate this common platform.

Our symposiums are an opportunity to learn from near and far. Our guest speakers for 2018 showcased the benefits, processes and outcomes for the varied participants and contexts through the presentation of case studies in the UK and further afield.

Guest Speakers

Michaela Metcalfe, Director of Design and Construction Excellence, New York City government.

Shared the NYC Design and Construction Excellence program, which includes dynamic design and construction strategies that support working with the best architects and designers, and delivers on the city government's commitment to delivering innovative public buildings and infrastructure of the highest quality.

Joanna Averley, Head of Urban Design and Integration, High Speed 2

Shared the role of design clienting alongside her current role as a Mayor of London’s Design Advocate and a previous role in leading the Commission for Architecture and the Built Environment (CABE).

Kay Hughes, Director, Khaa.

Shared her role in enabling and clienting good design, and her winning competition entry 'Velocity' to the National Infrastructure Commission Competition.

Crispin Kelly, Director, Baylight Properties.

Shared his approach to commissioning good design and the challenges and opportunities of design review for a developer.

Stephen Bates, Director, Sergison Bates Architects.

Shared the perspective of the architect in engaging in collaborative design processes, alongside sharing some of the award winning practice’s projects.

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