Welcome to the Winter edition of the MAG Newsletter
We have taken the opportunity in this edition of our newsletter to outline a number of areas of our work that may be of interest to you.
Delegates at COP26
Climate Change - Reflections on COP26
As part of COP26, ‘Design for Planet’ on the 9 – 10 November focused on the built environment. Andrew Haley as Chair of MAG, along with counterparts from the Design Council, Architecture + Design Scotland and Design Commission for Wales shared a presentation with over 100 people who were present in person at the V&A in Dundee, and around 5,000 who joined virtually from around the world via livestreams.
There is no doubt that participants were challenged. There was discussion about ‘end-gineering’ and how we plan for the end or ‘new beginning’ of a development. Equity was a recurring theme, including Kate Raworth speaking about ‘donut economics’. Jane Davidson outlined the Welsh ‘Design for Living’, emphasising wellbeing for all, and Prof Kevin Anderson left us in no doubt about the pressing need for action rather than words if we are to make an impact on our Climate Change commitments.
Over 20 design leaders from around the world shared challenges and encouragement. Andrew highlighted the importance of using whatever means possible to encourage every project to ‘do better’. He used the example of the development of South West College’s Erne Campus, in which the College was encouraged through MAG Design Reviews to pursue high sustainability standards. They duly delivered, to the extent that the resulting site in Enniskillen was recognised as the largest Passivhaus Premium development in the world.
MAG has a sub-group with recognised architecture and built environment expertise that addresses Climate Change. Advice can be provided to Departments, Councils and developers as we seek to rise to the challenge of Net Zero.
Erne Campus in Enniskillen
Optimising Project Outcomes through Design Reviews
The last couple of years have seen a steady flow of MAG Design Reviews and the updated guidelines have been welcomed.
Through a series of workshops and meetings with key decision-makers in Departments and Councils, ‘cross-referenced’ with experience from outwith Northern Ireland (e.g. London boroughs), there has been a growing awareness that there is still much that can and should be done to facilitate better project outcomes.
Key to achieving those improved outcomes, including opportunities to address Climate Change, is the timing of Design Reviews and the decisions that flow from them. A series of iterative Briefing and Design Reviews, preferably starting before pen hits the paper, are proven to be not only the most effective but also the most rewarding. Reviews that take place late in the design process rarely make a significant difference and are frustrating for all concerned – often leaving a legacy of unfulfilled potential.
MAG is currently scheduling a series of workshops with each of the 11 NI Councils, specifically with key elected members and officers. These will help us share our knowledge about how to optimise the impact of Design Reviews and add value to the Councils’ decision making. It is also an opportunity to encourage the sharing of relevant information, including the MAG Newsletters, which can be subscribed to via the button below.
High Street Craft Kit Update
MAG has led the co-design of the Living High Street Craft Kit, working with over 25 participants from across government departments, councils and key interest groups. The essential qualities of thriving High Streets, irrespective of scale or location, were established through a series of workshops held last year.
There was recognition that we need to plan for and facilitate the delivery of ‘Living High Streets’ that will reflect the purpose and meaning each community envisions for them. Through a series of questions about all aspects of their place, MAG proposes a fresh approach to placemaking that challenges communities to work together. The process will also foster future continuity, with local people having a sense of ownership and pride in their places and providing ongoing stewardship of them.
As advisors to the High Street Task Force, the Draft Craft Kit has been reviewed by them, by councils through Solace and NILGA and by the co-design participants. Comments have been addressed and we look forward to sharing the launch details in our next newsletter.
How to Deliver a Bolder Vision for Belfast
A Bolder Vision for Belfast was developed collaboratively by Belfast City Council, the Department for Communities and the Department for Infrastructure. It provides a compelling placemaking proposition for the City, putting a focus on being a well-connected, highly accessible place that is distinctive and attractive to all. It places an emphasis on the city centre being a place in which to live and the importance of people’s wellbeing within it.
The bold statement of ‘ending car dominance’ is also a clear and welcome commitment towards addressing Climate Change.
Streets Ahead Phases 3 and 5 focus on what is referred to as the Civic Spine, which stretches from the new University of Ulster facilities along Royal Avenue and on to Bedford Street and Shaftesbury Square. This is the first ‘test’ of the Bolder Vision and how it can be developed into designs and executed in a way that actually delivers the transformational difference that is advocated.
MAG, providing independent design advice, was pleased to be recently asked to facilitate discussions to optimise the outcomes, working with Minister Hargey, Minister Mallon, Suzanne Wylie (Belfast City Council Chief Executive) and their respective organisations.
We are pleased that MAG’s independent perspective has been also valuable to other stakeholders across Northern Ireland, and we are always happy to discuss ways in which MAG can help.
View a short video about A Bolder Vision for Belfast below.
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