Designs for low-carbon communities

An internationally acclaimed designer, will be working with Scottish projects on plans for low-carbon communities.

Andres Duany, who drew up designs for rebuilding work in Louisiana and Mississippi after Hurricane Katrina, will run design workshops, known as 'charrettes', for projects in Dumfries, Aberdeen and Fife.

The projects are taking part in a government initiative set up to encourage the development of new sustainable communities where residents can enjoy a high quality of life while reducing their carbon footprint.

The teams will be working on large and small scale projects, from reshaping existing neighbourhoods to creating new housing developments, community facilities and transport links to offices and schools.

Housing and Communities Minister Alex Neil said:

"I know the projects are incredibly excited to have the respected designer Andres Duany on board.

"It is a unique opportunity to combine some of Scotland's most respected aspirational sustainable developments with an internationally acclaimed design consultant.

"This combination has the potential to put Scotland at the forefront of new approaches to planning and development and will attract world-wide interest and recognition of Scottish planning, design and creations.

"The plans for new low-carbon communities will also provide opportunities for Scotland's construction sector, something which, as we work to position Scotland's economy for recovery, it is vital we take advantage of."

Andres Duany said:

"It will be a privilege to participate in the Scottish Sustainable Communities Initiative.

"I look forward to working with can-do Scottish professionals and with the public in what will be a model for an inclusive process.

"Given the diversity of sites it should be possible to explore a broad range of techniques, all in the hopes of contributing to the new planning system being developed for Scotland.

"I very much enjoy working with the spirit of innovation and debate which is in the air."

Director of Planning Allan Lundmark from Homes for Scotland, the representative body for the Scottish home building industry said:

"Helping to build low-carbon sustainable communities is the central aim of the industry. To deliver the new homes Scotland needs at affordable prices while ensuring we build sustainable places will present considerable challenges.

"The lessons from this initiative will help us meet these challenges and it is an excellent example of the gains that can be achieved when Government works in partnership with the private sector."

National Director of the Royal Town Planning Institute Veronica Burbridge said:

"The series of charrettes offer a tremendous opportunity to demonstrate the collaborative approach that the modernised planning system in Scotland can deliver in a truly exemplary way.

"The process has the potential to focus professionals in the private and public sectors, as well as local communities.

"At a time when the economic climate presents an additional challenge, initiatives such as the charrettes series can improve quality and help to secure consensus in the planning and design process and act as a template for the successful future delivery of sustainable communities across the country."

In June 2008 the Scottish Government launched the Scottish Sustainable Communities Initiative to encourage the creation of communities where people can have a high quality of life while reducing their carbon footprint. Eleven projects across Scotland were selected in May 2009 and awarded recognition that they are working towards creating a Scottish sustainable community.

The eleven projects are: An Camas Mor in Aviemore, Craigmillar in Edinburgh, Grandhome & Whitestripes in Aberdeen, Knockroon in Cumnock, Ladyfield in Dumfries, Lochgelly in Fife, Maryhill Locks in Glasgow, Raploch in Stirling, Speirs Locks in Glasgow, Tornagrain near Inverness, Whitecross in Linlithgow.

Mr Duany will work with three projects - Ladyfield in Dumfries, Grandhome & Whitestripes in Aberdeen and Lochgelly in Fife. The charrettes are expected to run for three weeks in March 2010 and will involve intensive events focusing on project design.

Andres Duany is a founding principal at Duany Plater-Zyberk & Company (DPZ). In the years since the firm first received recognition for the design of Seaside, Florida, in 1980, DPZ has completed designs for close to 300 new towns, regional plans, and community revitalisation projects.

www.scotland.gov.uk

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