The Flemish Government Architect's mission

In the Flemish Government's regulation (VR/98/12.05/D0C.0377) regarding the appointment of a Flemish Government Architect and the Proclamation of the Flemish Government (VR/98/1905/DOC.MED/11) regarding the mission of the Flemish Government Architect, the mission is stated as follows:
"Through long-term vision, in consultation with different administrations and involved external parties, to contribute towards policy preparation and execution of the architectural strategy of the Flemish Community, with the aim of helping to create a high quality architectural environment (buildings, infrastructure, landscape) in Flanders."


This was translated into a number of resulting areas with a series of examples of potential activities. These are not restrictive, but give an idea of activities to be developed.

 

The development of a long-term vision in regard to achieving a high quality architectural environment in Flanders, with the aim of giving shape to the Flemish Community's architectural policy.
Examples of activities:
• Drawing up a vision document about how (in the broad sense) the architectural policy fits in with the wider policies of the Flemish Government,
• Creating a proposal for the annual policy statement of the Minister responsible,
• Creating an annual report for the Flemish Government (in regard to how the policy has been executed)
•  etc.

 

Advising and supervising the execution of this architectural policy for the Flemish Government's own building works, with the aim of ensuring high architectural quality as a role model in Flanders.
Examples of activities:
• Advising the Minister responsible in the Flemish Government in connection with actual cases,
• Finding and defining appropriate premises together,
• Formulating the mission together,
• Setting up (joint) procedures and criteria for allocating projects to the most suitable architect(s),
• Advising on the selection of the architect, based on the selection criteria,
• Consultation with architects in the study phase and allowing them the space to develop their own architectural ideas, within fixed legal, financial and quality parameters,
• Advice about the inclusion of visual artists or other designers,
• Ensuring the good design, in consultation with the different administrations involved, of large construction projects (bridges, roads, canals, etc.),
• Ensuring that via consultation, that Flemish Government Institutions' (V.O.Is') own construction meet the predetermined architectural quality criteria,
• etc.

To develop a high quality policy for the construction of larger construction and infrastructure projects funded by the Flemish Government in consultation with all the responsible bodies involved, with the aim of helping to ensure that these buildings also meet Flemish policy quality requirements.
Examples of activities:
To become involved as an interlocutor from the initial phase of the development of large construction or infrastructure projects.
• To define together (for each area) the conditions for granting subsidies,
• To see that the conditions and agreements are observed,
• etc.


Advise about the design of government construction projects and, after consultation with all the bodies involved, advise about adjustments and adaptations to the existing regulations, with reference to the granting of construction subsidies for the construction projects of all authorities, with the aim of helping to ensure that these construction projects also fulfil the Flemish architectural policy's quality requirements.
Examples of activities:
• To be present from the initial phase as an interlocutor for the design of government buildings for other authorities,
• To be an active interlocutor in connection with intervening in the design of the built and non-built environment,
• To advise the empowered official on demand
•  etc.

 

To be present as a stimulating and inspirational figure of Flemish architectural awareness, with the aim of extending responsible cultural awareness amongst the authorities, industries and public.
Examples of activities:
• Organise lectures, study days, press conferences, etc.
• Set up training activities, providing publications, etc.,
• Belong to committees relating to architecture,
• Serve as a jury member for  architectural competitions,
• Stimulate interest amongst Flemish officials in good architecture and design the living environment,
• Become a linking figure between the public and the government,
• etc.
 
Setting up active cooperation in internal (within the Ministry) consultation forums, aimed at promoting coherent policy advice and execution.
Examples of activities:
• Take the initiative and lead 'the interdepartmental architectural consultation forum', especially relating to the 'architectural quality monitoring',
• Hold regular consultations with the different administrations regarding policy in general or in regard to specific cases,
•  etc.
 
Building up a contact network (domestically and internationally) in order to remain well-informed about developments in the profession and/or by using the network to contribute to the actual execution of the policy.
Examples of activities:
• Developing contacts and exchange programmes with colleges abroad,
• Attending important national and international conferences,
• Representing the Flemish Government at conferences and events,
• etc.