School design standard welcomed

TdaNews Direct
Published: 23 September, 2008

Secondary school designs running through a national scheme will have to meet a minimum design standard before plans are considered in a move welcomed by an architectural organisation.

The Commission for Architecture and the Build Environment (CABE) stated that it was in "positive discussions" with the Department for Children, Schools and Families on how the scheme would operate in practice.

It noted that any schools that were designed were required to meet a minimum standard at the bidding stage, with those that do not meet the grade facing the prospect of being redesigned if they still want to develop the project.

CABE chief executive Richard Simmons said that he was delighted with the development.

He added: "Design thresholds are a tool that government could use across the whole public building programme, without over-burdening the procurement process, to prevent bad design and motivate bidders to set themselves the highest standards."

CABE was established as an impartial agency that aims to deliver safe, efficient and attractive buildings by discussing new proposals with policymakers.