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| EU Institutions wake up to the true importance of architecture The Architects Council of Europe (ACE) applauds the launch of the new Buildings Policy of the European Commission which, when added to other political initiatives at EU level, demonstrates that the EU Institutions have finally woken up to the added value that architecture and a quality, sustainable built environment brings to society and the economy. The new Buildings Policy is the first in a series of steps that the Commission is planning to undertake with the aim of significantly improving the value for money that it gets from its expenditure on the buildings it occupies. The Communication highlights the main principles to effectively integrate quality in its buildings. It is coupled with an ambitious urban development objective to make the currently sterile administrative area of the European Quarter in Brussels a vibrant city area, with increased residential, commercial, cultural and leisure facilities. An essential element of the new master-plan for the European Quarter will be the holding of a major International Architectural Competition for the axis of the Quarter, Rue de la Loi. Included in the Buildings Policy is a commitment to draw up an architectural policy for the Commission buildings (whether owned or leased), a policy that will ensure that higher architectural quality and greater sustainability will be used as criteria in all new acquisitions made and transformations. This move brings the Commission in line with the other main Institutions of the EU who have already, through their actions, shown that they realise the importance of architectural quality and sustainability. write your comments about the article :: © 2007 Construction News :: home page |