Government Policy on Architecture 2009 – 2015
The new Government Policy on Architecture 2009 – 2015 Towards a Sustainable Future: Delivering Quality within the Built Environment was published on 8 October. Download it here.
The implementation of this Policy on Architecture and its 45 actions is of crucial importance to promote quality in the built environment and to promote awareness, education and sustainability on the role of architecture.
"The quality of our built environment profoundly affects the quality of our everyday lives."
"…conceiving, designing and delivering sustainable architecture in our environment presents a significant challenge to this generation. This is a challenge that requires a fundamental re-appraisal of the role of architecture and urban design, integrating their cultural and environmental responsibilities to combat the effects of climate change. In rising to the environmental challenges facing our country there is a need, through research on the built environment, to make informed choices on how we use our existing places, buildings, landscapes and natural resources."
"…the Government through this Policy on architecture and the built environment seeks to promote awareness and understanding of the contribution of good design to the daily life and well being of society as a whole. High quality design, whether in the details of the buildings we work in, or in the spaces and places that we share socially, should not be viewed as a luxury, achievable on a one-off basis. The realisation of good architecture is fundamentally about much more than individual buildings."
"The Policy recognises the place of architecture in society as an expression of cultural, aesthetic and social values, both past and present, and the challenges and expectations of the future in shaping a sustainable high quality environment. We can all learn to embrace and indeed love architecture and still preserve the diversity of our own personal tastes and empathies. This will only serve to deepen and enrich the great debate on the places and spaces that lend to shaping our lives."
John Gormley TD, Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government October, 2009
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) that will make your building possible in a knowledgeable, creative and unique way. 
1. Are you a member of the Royal Institute of the Architects of Ireland (RIAI)? 
3. When can you start and how long do you estimate the design process will take for our project? What will be the key milestone dates for the design stage, planning and construction? 
5. What is your approach to sustainable strategies and green architecture? 
7. How do you establish fees for a project? When do they have to be paid? 
9. What services will you provide during construction for our project? 
An architect has the most appropriate training and experience to design, co-ordinate and manage your building project. An architect’s education covers a variety of areas, ranging from landscaping design to ergonomics, law, sociology, construction materials and techniques, etc. This diversity allows an architect to foresee many design options while analysing a wide range of requirements and restrictions. 
An architect has the ability to take client’s abstract ideas and put them into a form that you can visualise and discuss and more importantly give to a contractor to build. 
A talented architect can create projects that are not only functional but aesthetical beautiful or interesting. Architects are trained to use their imagination to solve problems.
An architect will prioritise your needs and requirements. An architect will act in your best interest at all times. He/she can look at the “big picture” and assist in determining your true needs and goals.
An architect helps save you time and money. A well designed building is sustainably more efficient and will have lower maintenance costs. This will also add to the value of your building. A skilled architect can help you to avoid trouble spots and advise about how to keep costs down.
An architect works for you and for the society. A building designed by an architect will contribute to a better quality of life of its occupants and also for a better built environment. A good environment can contribute to a more harmonious society where citizens feel connected and heritage and creativity are reconciled.
An architect will help you to explore all the possible options for your project. The finally result will be a building that is specifically designed for your needs. If you had to dress the same clothes for the rest of your life would you buy them in a high street shop or would you get a dressmaker to design them for your specific needs?
A skilled architect will help you to achieve an environmental sustainable building. An environmentally-conscious design will contribute to comply with today’s demanding energy performance requirements.
A skilled architect has the ability to communicate ideas effectively - to clients, engineers, planners, contractors, etc. By communicating effectively an architect can assist with any unforeseen situations and solve problems creatively.
An architect will help you to avoid unpleasant surprises during construction and also make the contract run more smoothly. An architect will act fairly and impartially when administering a contract. 
I hope there are lots of dry days in Norway so this dramatic building is fully usable for great enjoyment.
