Andrés Duany

This one-day conference to be held on June 11 2007 at the National Museum of Scotland, brings together a mix of high-profile policy makers, planning and architectural professionals, developers, educators and other key stakeholders to discuss the future of development, planning and architecture policy and practice in Scotland. This is an opportunity to discuss policy and practical measures to create and maintain quality communities in Scotland. The conference brochure can be viewed on a website: www.mackayhannah.com

The Keynote Speaker, Andrés Duany, is a figure of global renown in the field of Architecture, having been involved in the consultation or planning of over two hundred new towns and community revitalization projects around the world, including the ongoing Moray Estates development in the Scottish Highlands.

In February 2007, the Scottish Executive announced its blueprint for architectural excellence; Building Our Legacy aims to stimulate 'a cultural climate which values architecture and encourages debate and community involvement.' Architecture affects society in many ways, through building standards, impact on public well-being and the environment and the cultural value of buildings and spaces. Key challenges for future architectural policy in Scotland include coordinating a wide range of policy areas and developing a culture that 'embraces sustainable, inclusive and accessible' architecture.

Can architectural policy and practice in Scotland help contribute to a sustainable economic future? How can Scotland lead by example in architecture and building healthy, people-centred communities? How can building standards ensure that Scotland is filled with quality spaces for people to live and work? What best practice can be shared to raise the standards of all planning and building in Scotland?