043/13: Sir Terry Farrell’s independent review of Architecture and the Built Environment, established by the Department for Culture, Media & Sport (DCMS), has published a call for evidence to seek out views on four key themes. The Review wants to engage as widely as possible with interested parties in order to help DCMS develop its thinking about the role for Government in the achievement of high quality design. This will enable DCMS to influence and shape policy across government.

As well as the workshops planned by the review team throughout the country, individuals and groups are encouraged to self-organise and issue joint responses to the Call for Evidence where appropriate. Many local stakeholders are putting together working groups and hosting roundtables or workshops to help inform their responses.

The call for evidence is wide-ranging and includes specific questions relating to the following themes:

• Understanding the role for Government in promoting design quality in architecture and the built environment - The review will look at lessons that can be learnt nationally and internationally about the role for Government in promoting and achieving design quality. The role of built environment bodies and other organisations that promote the appreciation and better understanding of design quality in the built environment will also be considered.

• The economic benefits of architecture and design, and maximising the UK’s growth potential - The review will consider the contribution of architecture to the UK’s economy, how the economic value of good built environment design can be demonstrated, and how it can be maximised in the future.

• Cultural heritage and the built environment - The review will look at how to encourage good new architecture whilst retaining the best of the past, and the value of our historic built environment as a cultural asset and in successful place-making.

• Promoting education, outreach and skills - The review will consider the potential contributions of built environment education to a broad and balanced education both as a cultural subject in its own right and as a way of teaching other subjects.