The initiative for the development and adoption of the document on Architectural policies was launched by the Department of Architects of the Croatian Chamber of Architects and Civil Engineers in Construction and the Association of Croatian Architects at the 1st Congress of Croatian Architects in 2004, and was continued at the 2nd Congress of Croatian Architects in 2007. Within the context of the 3rd Congress of Croatian Architects “Apolitika 2013” held in 2010, guidelines for the development of a Croatian architectural policy were promoted, and work on defining and developing the document began. Recognition of the role of architecture in terms of its cultural, aesthetic and social value led to the signing of a common Statement by the Ministry of Environmental Protection, Physical Planning and Construction, the Physical Planning Council of the Republic of Croatia, the Croatian Chamber of Architects, and the Association of Croatian Architects. With this Statement they committed to promote and actively participate in activities related to the adoption of the document, whereby the creation of a national platform was initiated.
The Architectural policies document, which states the public interest in the quality of the verall built environment, will necessarily be integrated into policy as a catalyst in the rocess of sustainable develoment, and become part of the concern for the public
space, the advancement of design values founded on local specificities, the protection health, the climate and security.
What is architecture?
Architecture is the overall built environment, which represents a physical framework for ll human activities.
Achitecture is an essential feature of the history, culture and life of every nation.
Architecture is the art of building, the form-related upgrading of the technical act of enerating human living environment, in the context of which creative aspiration defines and enriches its existence, manifesting thereby the creative component of human nature. In the broadest sense, architecture represents the whole of the human creatively designed (built) space that includes buildings and construction works, outer spaces, infrastructure, landscape and other spatial values.
Why is architecture vital
A quality built environment, along with a preserved nature, is a basic need of every person and a precondition for overall development of society. Raising the quality level of the built environment has a direct impact on the quality of life. This means that through quality of the built environment we increase the value of living space both for the individual and for society.
A quality built environment represents a common interest. It is not a result of fortuity, but is created by direct, conscientious and coordinated action of the architectural and other professions, along with a high social awareness and with political will. The relationship towards the built environment reflects a nation's culture and is a major identification factor.
Furthermore, architecture is one of the layers of cultural heritage telling who we are and where we are going, having a strong impact on creating the local and national identity.
Architecture is always related to a specific place and time, determining thereby the relationship to the existing built or natural environment, as well as creating the cultural heritage. The fact that architecture reflects the time in which it was created makes it a significant part of the cultural heritage, history and identity. Already today we have to bear in mind that everything we create in fact is the cultural heritage of the future.
What are architectural policies
Architectural policies are a part of the overall State policy stating the general interest in the quality of the overall space, and as such they should become a catalyst in the process of sustainable develoment, as well as of the advancement of the design values founded on local specificities, the protection of health, the climate and security.
Architectural policies define and advance the overall building culture, provide meaning to the principles of sustainable development in a high-quality, secure and healthy environment, raise public awareness concerning the significance of cultural andscapes, and foster transparency and interaction of all stakeholders in the process of shaping space.
Who implements architectural policies?
Architectural policies are carried out in coordination, directly or indirectly, in a coordinated manner, by all participants in spatial development: the legislator, public administration bodies at all levels, the academic community, scientific institutions, professional organisations and associations, architects and engineers, cultural institutions, organisations and associations, citizens’ organisations, individuals and the media.
