Movers and shakers in promoting quality design electrify Opun conference

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01/04/2011

Two high profile speakers who have both featured in TV programmes about architecture, regeneration and the built environment, spoke at this week's Inaugural Opun Conference at De Montfort University (DMU).

Angela Brady, President Elect of the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) and known for her appearances on Channel 4's 'The Home Show' and ITV's 'Building the Dream,' talked about the challenges and opportunities faced by built environment professionals. As she explained: "Localism is upon us. We need to embrace it to help support the community with design expertise so they gain a better understanding of how great design and architecture can improve the quality of our lives and make better places and spaces for us to work, rest and play in. The future is in ensuring meaningful neighbourhood decisions to improve housing and community needs for everyone."

And Chris Brown, Chief Executive of Igloo Regeneration and an advisor to Channel 4's 'The Castleford Project' regeneration programme, discussed how high quality design can be achieved during times of austerity. "The poor quality building design of the last decade has been ended by the recession," commented Chris. "The challenge now is to transform planning and development to deliver great places as the market slowly recovers."

Angela and Chris were joined by Tony Burton, Director of the national charity Civic Voice, who outlined his thoughts on localism and community planning. As a member of the Department for Communities and Local Government's Planning Sounding Board, he described his vision of how local communities can improve the quality of development. Other speakers included Julian Marsh, from Nottingham-based Marsh: Grochowski Architects, and Andrew Harland from LDA design in London.

Opun hosted the event in partnership with DMU's Leicester School of Architecture and launched a new prospectus, outlining their services. Professor David Dernie, Head of DMU's Leicester School of Architecture chaired the event and said "Our relationship with Opun brings significant benefits to both organisations as the academic and architectural worlds rely heavily on each other to improve the quality of design. This was demonstrated ably today by our speakers and delegates".

Chair of Opun, Councillor Gary Hunt, in closing the Conference expressed his excitement at the launch of Opun's new services for developers, communities and local authorities.

A range of partners - including East Midlands Development Agency (emda), DMU's Leicester School of Architecture,  and industry bodies RIBA, the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS), and the Royal Town Planning Institute (RTPI)  also supported the event.

ENDS

For more information about this press release, please contact Nick King at East Midlands Development Agency (emda) on 0115 988 8375 or emailnickking@emd.org.uk

Notes to editors

Opun provides creative and effective programmes that support good architecture and urban design. We work locally with decision makers, design professionals, the development industry and the community, to improve the quality of design and help people make better places. Our projects and programmes include Building for Life Assessors Network; Design Support Services; Creative Development Programme; Building Schools for the Future Arts & Culture Programme; East Midlands Design Review Service; The East Midlands Design Review Panel. Visit http://www.opun.org.uk/ for more information.

De Montfort University (DMU) is a world-class university situated in Leicester. Our modern campus is home to students from around the world, who study a range of professional, innovative and ambitious courses. DMU is a dynamic and lively place to study, combining the latest facilities with leading academics and excellent industry links. Visit www.dmu.ac.uk for more information or contact the Media and PR Office on 0116 257 7021, news@dmu.ac.uk or follow on twitter at www.twitter.com/dmupressoffice .

The Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) champions better buildings, communities and the environment through architecture and our members. www.architecture.com .

The igloo Regeneration Fund is a partnership of pension, life and charity funds managed by Aviva Investors, which invests in sustainable urban regeneration across the UK. igloo invests in UK mixed-use real estate through sustainable place-making in partnership with the public sector and local communities. www.igloo.uk.net .

The Royal Town Planning Institute (RTPI) is the UK's leading planning body for spatial, sustainable, integrative and inclusive planning. The RTPI exists to advance the science and art of planning (including town and country and spatial planning) for the benefit of the public. www.rtpi.org.uk .

The Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) is the world's leading professional body for qualifications and standards in land, property and construction. www.rics.org

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