European Forum for Architectural Policies conference opens

“Shaping the Future – A Forum on Architecture: culture’s contribution to sustainable development” – a conference of the European Forum for Architectural Policies (EFAP), opened today.

The purpose of this Conference is to discuss with key stakeholders in Europe how to build on previous actions and policies in relation to architecture in the context of the overall presidency theme of stability, jobs, growth. In daily practice the potential of the creative sector to contribute to sustainable development could be better fostered and used. This potential and the need to better utilize it has been repeatedly acknowledged by the European Council and Commission. At this conference, which will run until Friday lunchtime, delegates from government administrations, the architectural profession, cultural institutions and the European Commission will consider strategies to better harness the potential of the architectural sector.

Speaking at the launch, Jimmy Deenihan, T.D., Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht said: “As Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht, I hold the view that architecture, as a cultural dimension of city and landscape, makes an intrinsic contribution to sustainable development. In simple terms, if managed well, our built environment contributes to stability, contributes to jobs, contributes to growth – the three themes of this Irish Presidency of the Council of the EU.”

This conference is organised by the Department of Arts Heritage and the Gaeltacht in partnership with the Office of Public Works, the Department of Environment, Community and Local Government, the Royal Institute of Architects of Ireland and the European Forum for Architectural Policies and is part-funded by the European Commission.