Victoria’s newly appointed first State Government Architect could expect the full support of Australia’s architecture, construction and building professions, Royal Australian Institute of Architects (RAIA) Victorian Chapter President Rob Stent said today.
Mr Stent said the appointment of one of Australia’s most highly esteemed architects to the newly created position was seen as confirmation of the Bracks Government’s commitment to ensuring Victoria kept its competitive advantage in terms of design and the built environment.
Mr Stent’s comments follow confirmation by Victorian Planning Minister Rob Hulls on Friday that John Denton of Denton Corker Marshall (DCM) had accepted the important part-time position, with Shelley Penn appointed as Associate.
”We congratulate John and Shelley their appointments, and applaud the State Government for its vision in establishing this important independent role, which will be of benefit to all Victorians,” he said. “The RAIA looks forward to assisting the new Government Architect’s Office in any appropriate way, shape or form.”
“Mr Denton is respected on the world stage as a leading architect, evidenced by the large number of offshore projects DCM are currently working on - including the highly-prized Stonehenge Visitors Centre. He has the sort of international credibility that can be of enormous benefit to the State.”
The RAIA had been lobbying for more than five years, he said, for the appointment of a State Architect, covering the areas of design advocacy and promotion, built environment policy, and good design delivery.
“The State Government has a vital role in the creation of quality built environments. However, in the past it has had limited access to high level design advice, with no avenues available to departments for design leadership. My Denton’s appointment will redress this situation.”
RAIA National President Bob Nation said the Institute applauded the appointment, and would continue to lobby for similar positions in those states and territories currently without government architect position - South Australia, the ACT and Tasmania - along with efforts to secure the appointment of a Commonwealth Chief Architect.
For more information contact:
RAIA National Media / PR Advisor Trish Croaker 0408 756 163 |
