Category: Events

The Design Commission for Wales and our partners
at Land Studio invite you to join us for this event which
looks at opportunities for the future of our rural and urban
communities in North Wales. Hear from colleagues about
what is happening in different parts of the region and make
your contributions to the debate on the potential for a place
led, people-focused approach to help shape their future and
capture wider benefits.

Speakers include:
Simon Richards, Director at Land Studio
Vicky Payne, Strategic Planning and Urban Design Consultant
David Rudlin, Urban Design Director at BDP
Karel Williams, Emeritus Professor at University of Manchester
Clare Wilks, Director at LDA Design
Gavin Harris, Ruthin Town Councillor
Kate Richards, Associate Landscape Architect at Land Studio
Andrew Harradine, Regeneration Lead at Wrexham Council

Booking: This is a free event
but please secure your spot
via the eventbrite link below:

A Place-Led Future for North Wales Tickets, Thu, Oct 24, 2024 at 10:00 AM | Eventbrite

When: Wednesday 24^th May 2023, 2pm – 4pm

Where: Design Commission for Wales, 4^th Flr, Cambrian Buildings, Mount Stuart Square, Cardiff CF10 5FL

Booking: This is a free event but please secure your spot on Eventbrite.

Join us for an event to consider the design of Sustainable Drainage Systems (SuDS) in new development and regeneration in Wales. Designers, developers, engineers, and those involved in delivering new development, the event will examine:

• How SuDS can reintegrate the landscape in urban areas.
• How SuDS can complement good urban design.
• Has the implementation of the SuDS legislation met the aspiration?
• How a multi-disciplinary approach to SuDS can create better places.
• How can the design, approval process, implementation and maintenance of SuDS be improved to contribute to better places.

The event will highlight good practice in the design of SuDS and there will be the opportunity for attendees to contribute to the discussions, identifying good practice and informing the future of SuDS requirements in Wales.

Speakers include:

• Ian Titherington, Engineer, Sustainable Drainage Advisor for the Welsh Government
• Simon Richards, Landscape Architect, Director of Land Studio, Design Panel Chair at the Design Commission for Wales
• Lisa Sawyer, Engineer, Director of Land Studio
• Chris Gentle, Urban Designer, Divisional Director at Roberts Limbrick

Please book using the following link – Eventbrite. Do not use the Book Now button.

9.30am start, closing with dinner and drinks at 7.30pm

Merthyr’s place in the history of Wales and the industrial revolution is clear, but despite the real progress that is now under way at Cyfarthfa, the town’s rich store of heritage assets has yet to achieve the coherence and national impact that it deserves. With bold vision those assets could yet stamp themselves on public consciousness in a way that befits the capital of the heads of the valleys – a place of regional, national and international significance.

The development of the City Region in south-east Wales presents Merthyr with a golden opportunity to use those heritage assets to carve out a place for itself as a destination comparable with similar places in Europe – an anchor site on the European Routes of Industrial Heritage – as well as a major contribution to a city region better balanced between its coast and hinterland.  With funding, there is potential to make a real impact through a creative and integrated approach to celebrating Merthyr’s industrial heritage.

The Design Commission for Wales and the Welsh School of Architecture at Cardiff University are convening a multi-disciplinary team to scope the possibilities within the town and surrounding landscape in a bold visioning exercise that will seek ways of making of Merthyr’s heritage assets something greater than the sum of its parts.  The one-day charrette will be supported by Merthyr Tydfil County Borough Council (MTCBC), Merthyr Leisure Trust and Merthyr Heritage Trust.  The event has been made possible thanks to funding from MTCBC and support from Design Circle RSAW South.

The charrette – an intense day of ideas generation – sets the challenge of considering how Cyfarthfa Castle and its extended landscape and built heritage might become a world class visitor destination and experience and promote the strong sense of place that is already palpable there.  It will also consider new ways in which these central assets could be connected to others throughout the town and beyond.

The event will be held at Cyfarthfa Caste and will bring together up to 60 creative minds – architects, landscape architects, planners, heritage specialists, museum and tourism experts and artists – in appraising the potential around Cyfarthfa and in the wider town and landscape, in order to sketch possible visions of the future.  An integrated multi-disciplinary approach is advocated.

Registration – Register your place via Eventbrite.  A £5 registration fee will be donated to Merthyr Leisure Trust’s Community Fund.

The event is open to all creative, interested individuals including architects, landscape architects, urban designers, planners, engineers, curators, branding and design consultants.  Contact DCFW for more information 029 20451964 connect@dcfw.org

YMUNWCH Â NI…

Mae Sustrans Cymru a Chomisiwn Dylunio Cymru yn eich gwahodd i ymuno â ni a’n panel gwadd i archwilio rôl pobl yn Neddf Teithio Llesol (Cymru), ac mewn dylunio strydoedd a gofodau yn ein trefi a’n dinasoedd. Cewch glywed gan ymarferwyr a rhannu arferion gorau, wrth i ni ystyried sut y gall profiad pobl o dir y cyhoedd helpu i greu mwy o gymunedau y gellir byw ynddynt.

Dydd Mercher 5 Hydref 2016

2.00pm – 4.30pm gyda lluniaeth ysgafn ar ôl cyrraedd

 Yng Nghomisiwn Dylunio Cymru, 4edd Llawr, Adeiladau Cambrian, Sgwâr Mount Stuart, Caerdydd CF10 5FR

Bwciwch eich lle am ddim drwy Eventbrite

Bydd y digwyddiad yn cael ei gadeirio gan Carole-Anne Davies, Prif Weithredwr Comisiwn Dylunio Cymru, a Jane Lorimer, Cyfarwyddwr Cenedlaethol Sustrans Cymru.  Bydd ein panel gwadd yn cynnwys:

– Lindsey Brown, Dylunydd Trefol, Sustrans Cymru

– Mat Jones, Pensaer a Darlithydd, Coombs Jones Architects & UWE

– Allison Dutoit, Pensaer/Dylunydd Trefol a Darlithydd, Gehl Architects & UWE

– Victoria Robinson, Rheolwr Datblygu, Cyngor Bro Morgannwg

Ymunwch â’r sgwrs i drafod sut y gall dylunwyr, penseiri a chynllunwyr ymgysylltu â phobl wrth lunio lleoedd bob dydd.

JOIN US…
Sustrans Cymru and the Design Commission for Wales invite you to join us and our guest panel to explore the role of people in The Active Travel Act (Wales) and designing streets and spaces in our towns and cities. Hear from practitioners and share best practice as we consider how people’s experience of the public realm can help shape more liveable communities.

Wednesday 5th October 2016
2.00pm – 4.30pm with light refreshments on arrival

At Design Commission for Wales, 4th Floor Cambrian Buildings, Mount Stuart Square, Cardiff CF10 5FR

Book your free place via Eventbrite using the link below

Chaired by DCFW Chief Executive, Carole-Anne Davies and Sustrans’ National Director Wales, Jane Lorimer, our guest panel will include:

– Lindsey Brown, Urban Designer, Sustrans Cymru
– Mat Jones, Architect & Lecturer, Coombs Jones Architects & UWE
– Allison Dutoit, Architect/Urban Designer & Lecturer, Gehl Architects & UWE
– Victoria Robinson, Development Management, Vale of Glamorgan Council

Join the conversation to discuss ways in which designers, architects and planners can engage with people in shaping everyday places.

It is our interaction with the built environment that brings together the work in this exhibition. Observations and design studies that consider landscape, texture, heat and light as building materials allow us to question their effect on our experience of everyday surroundings.

Artist, Rhian Hâf and architects, Rhian Thomas, Dow Jones, HASSELL, Victoria Coombs and Wayne Forster explore environmental stimuli and capture transient moments in this multi-faceted exhibition supported by Ruthin Craft Centre in partnership with the Design Commission for Wales and BayArt.

Please join us for the opening of the exhibition at 4.00pm on Saturday 10 September, with architect Chris Loyn.

And on Wednesday 21 September at 5.30pm when Rhian Hâf and architects featured in the exhibition will be in conversation with Carole-Anne Davies.

Physical materials, light, landscape, weather and time are the building blocks of place.  The works in this exhibition demonstrate the artist and architects’ empathy with these elements. Through design, these elements can be manipulated and composed to contribute to our experience of the built environment, the places we inhabit.

From Victoria Coombs’ intricate exploration of thresholds, to Wayne Forster’s study of the search for thermal comfort in a courtyard house, the designers consider some of the infinite variety of ways in which good design contributes to our enjoyment of day to day life.

Through ‘deep mapping’ of the Black Mountains landscape, Rhian Thomas explores architectural relationships with landscape and identity, and the shaping of landscape by human intervention over time. HASSELL’s sculptural installation records a series of journeys of recovery through a landscape where time, distance and topography take on a new significance.

Dow Jones Architects’ interest in how the careful manipulation of materials and light can elevate the apparent mundanity of the everyday into something more pleasurable and meaningful is evident in their Tanner’s Hill project. Light is also the focus of Rhian Hâf’s work. Through her understanding of the properties and qualities of glass, Rhian subtly controls the flow and density of light passing through her material, exploring effects that have a bearing on our everyday built environment.

The Welsh School of Architecture and the Design Commission for Wales
invite you to join us for

Getting Things Done Symposium
Evolution of the Built Environment in Vorarlberg

at the Pierhead, Cardiff Bay
on Thursday 28th April 9.30am – 4.30pm

Book your FREE place via Eventbrite by clicking here or using the ‘Book Now’ button below

The Getting Things Done Symposium, with invited experts from Vorarlberg, Austria and the UK, including exhibition curator, Wolfgang Fiel, Dow Jones Architects, Proctor Matthews Architects, Feilden Fowles Architects and Architype, will inspire discussions about the culture of landscape, materials, craft, environment, place and identity.

Click here to download the programme

Over the last half a century, the Austrian State of Vorarlberg has developed an international reputation for its radical yet sensitive and considered approach to architecture, design and building. A combination of innovative architects and clients, liberal building and planning regulations, an aspiring regional government and open-minded public has paved the way for a built environment and culture with design quality at its heart. Ecological sensitivity, the value placed on traditional and innovative crafts and skills, investment in young designers, and good understanding of local materials and landscape all contribute to the Vorarlberg phenomenon. Getting Things Done is a touring exhibition showcasing the architecture of Vorarlberg.

The Welsh School of Architecture, Cardiff University and the Design Commission for Wales are pleased to be collaborating with the Austrian Cultural Forum London and the National Assembly for Wales to bring this exhibition to the Senedd in Spring 2016 to promote conversations about the culture of place-making, crafts and design in Wales.

Please click here to find out about the Getting Things Done Exhibition

Sponsored by Presiding Officer, Dame Rosemary Butler AM

Join our guest panel to explore just how well designers, planners and place-makers really understand one another.

RTPI Cymru, RSAW and the Design Commission for Wales invite you to join us to explore the power of communication and the need for greater mutual understanding across professions. The nature of education, training and professional practice has an impact on professional understanding and can be critical to success in many projects. Are architects and planners really from different planets? Does everyone really understand what’s expected of them? Who is best placed to help the client understand the processes and why they may or may not have the final say?

Please book your free place via Eventbrite using the ‘Book Now’ button below.

Light refreshments on arrival.

Download more information here

Event Partners:
Commission Dylunio Cymru Design Commission for Wales promotes the importance of good design across sectors throughout Wales to help make it a better place. We promote good design and communicate its benefits, prioritising the design quality of places, buildings and public spaces.

The RTPI CYMRU is a Chartered Institute responsible for maintaining professional standards and a charity whose purpose is to advance the science and art of planning for the benefit of the public. RTPI Cymru represents the RTPI in Wales.

The RSAW: The Royal Society of Architects in Wales is the voice of the RIBA in Wales. It champions better buildings, communities and the environment, through architecture and its members. The RSAW provides support for members through CPD, Spring School and an annual conference. They recognise outstanding architecture through the RIBA Awards and the Welsh Architecture Awards, and support the National Eisteddfod of Wales with the delivery of the Eisteddfod Architecture Medal and student scholarship, which are sponsored by the Design Commission for Wales.

Co-Hosts:
Carole-Anne Davies BA Hons, PG Dip., FRSA Chief Executive, Design Commission for Wales A visual arts and literature graduate Carole-Anne is an experienced executive, former consultant to the Scottish Government and a former Trustee of the board of the National Museum Wales. She is an alumna of the CSCLeaders Commonwealth Study Conferences and an independent mentor and an active Fellow of the Royal Society for the encouragement of Arts, Manufactures and Commerce (RSA). CaroleAnne loves international travel and is passionate about, some might say devoted to, her 10 perch allotment.

Dr Roisin Willmott, MRTPI, FRSA Director, Royal Town Planning Institute Wales and Northern Ireland Roisin, a Chartered Town Planner, first worked at Northamptonshire County Council, where she also studied for a Masters in planning at Oxford Brookes University. She moved to the Vale of Glamorgan Borough Council in the early 1990s working in regeneration, after which she moved to Coleg Gwent – at that time Wales’ largest FE College. Roisin then moved to economic and planning consultancy for ECOTEC across the UK and Europe. As Director for RTPI Wales and Northern Ireland, Roisin is responsible for leading the RTPI’s planning policy and practice activities and for delivering services for planners based in the two jurisdictions. Roisin studied parttime for a PhD at Cardiff University, analysing the changing governance systems in Wales used to implement European Regional Policy. Roisin is a Fellow of the Royal Society and until recently was the Chair of the Centre for Regeneration Excellence Wales (CREW).

Our contributors:
The Project Manager: Caitlin Forster BSc (Hons), PgDip, MRICS, Aecom
Senior Project Manager at Aecom, Caitlin’s career in development and construction has encompassed developing projects from inception to planning and Employers Agent post contract roles. From a town planning and regeneration background, Caitlin has managed a variety of projects through the design and development process, such as large mixed use regeneration projects, residential development, education, commercial and energy developments. Caitlin’s expertise and experience spans a full range of project and programme management, including co-ordinating multi-disciplinary design teams, strategic programme management, procurement and risk appraisal, financial reporting and stakeholder and resident engagement strategies across a variety of projects. Caitlin is passionate about sustainable place making that delivers high quality design responses and solutions and real community benefit.

The Architect: Cora Kwiatkowski, Stride Treglown
Cora is a member of the Design Commission for Wales Design Review Panel. As a Divisional Director for Stride Treglown she has been responsible for a wide range of projects in the UK since joining the practice in 2006 including office, residential, masterplanning and education projects and design codes. Her previous experience in Germany, Sweden and Switzerland also included urban design and transport projects, notably an international competition winning masterplan for Siemens in Munich and a two level, 14 track train station in Cologne. Cora is a Member of the Devon & Somerset Design Review Panel and an appointed Built Environment Expert (BEE) for Design Council. Leading multi-disciplinary teams over many years as architect and technical advisor, working for private and public sector clients and being passionate about design and problem-solving has enabled her to develop high-quality design principles whilst delivering economically sound solutions. As lead architect for several work place and mixed-us schemes in recent years, her refurbishment of Eastleigh House for Eastleigh Borough Council won regional BrCO and RICS awards as well as the LABC Building Excellence Award for Best Inclusive Building. Cora regularly contributes to industry publications including Architect’s Choice and The Green Register; she is fluent in German, English and French.

The Private Sector Planner: Wendy Maden BSc, The Urbanists
Wendy is currently Assistant Planner with The Urbanists, planning and design consultancy. She is involved in a wide range of public and private sector projects of varying scale, for clients such as private developers, Local Authorities and Registered Social Landlords. She has worked on a variety of projects from inception to delivery, including education, commercial, residential, regeneration and energy developments. Wendy has previous experience with Newport Unlimited Urban Regeneration Company and The Planning Inspectorate, with both the Nationally Significant Infrastructure and Local Plans teams. She is a Cardiff University BSc City & Regional Planning graduate who spent one semester studying the Master of Urbanism and Strategic Planning via an Erasmus exchange at Katholieke Universiteit Leuven in Belgium. Wendy is working towards the RTPI APC and is the Events Coordinator for Young Planners Cymru.

The Public Sector Decision Maker: Judith Jones, Head of Planning, Merthyr Tydfil County Borough Council
Head of Planning at Merthyr Tydfil County Borough Council since 2012, managing the Planning, Building Control and Countryside services, Judith is also the Council’s representative on the Planning Officers Society for Wales, which comprises the Heads of Planning of all 25 Authorities who regularly meet with Welsh Government to help shape the future of Planning in Wales. Graduating from the University of the West of England, Bristol Judith became chartered in 2002. In 2015 I was part of the team that were awarded the RTPI Award for Excellence in Planning and Design for the Public Realm. Judith has a Development Management background and is experienced in local government and private sector practice. She is well versed in the political aspects of Local Government and leads the Authority’s monthly Planning Committee.

The Art Consultant: Emma M Price, Director, EMP Projects & Associates
Emma M Price has been commissioning public art for over 15 years throughout the UK. Emma is founding director of EMP Projects & Associates, an independent curating and commissioning agency based in Cardiff. EMP works on the inception, development and brokering of a variety of commissions working with exceptional artists, architects, designers, and communities to contribute to the transformation of public spaces. Emma is a passionate advocate of socially engaged art in the public realm and of the evolving appreciation of the place of art in the built environment as part of the everyday experience for everyone. She is a board member for Rock Academy Wales and a national advisor for the Arts Council of Wales.

The Client: Ian Carter BSc, MA Urban Design, MRTPI
Ian Carter is Group Director of Development and Asset Management at Cynon Taf Community Housing Group. Ian joined the team there in June 2015 and leads the organisation’s asset management, maintenance, planned investment and development functions. Ian is a chartered town planner and qualified urban designer, receiving his Honours degree in City & Regional Planning and Masters in Urban Design from Cardiff University. He worked in the private sector and subsequently in Newport City Council’s Major Applications team as Principal Urban Designer, before joining Newport City Homes. In his role with Newport City Homes, Ian lead their ambitious regeneration programme for the Pillgwenlly area of Newport, an area of challenging housing conditions and significant deprivation. The team worked closely with the Design Commission for Wales throughout the project which aimed to address the ‘Radburn’ legacy and ensure long term, positive regeneration outcomes for Pil’s vibrant community. Ian is Commissioner on the Board of the Design Commission for Wales, a strong advocate for its work and is particularly committed to the value of its national Design Review Service.

We look forward to welcoming you – we hope you enjoy the debate.

Getting Things Done
Evolution of the Built Environment in Vorarlberg

at the Senedd, Cardiff Bay
5th April – 6th May

Over the last half a century, the Austrian State of Vorarlberg has developed an international reputation for its radical yet sensitive and considered approach to architecture, design and building. A combination of innovative architects and clients, liberal building and planning regulations, an aspiring regional government and open-minded public has paved the way for a built environment and culture with design quality at its heart. Ecological sensitivity, the value placed on traditional and innovative crafts and skills, investment in young designers, and good understanding of local materials and landscape all contribute to the Vorarlberg phenomenon. Getting Things Done is a touring exhibition showcasing the architecture of Vorarlberg.

The Welsh School of Architecture, Cardiff University and the Design Commission for Wales are pleased to be collaborating with the Austrian Cultural Forum London and the National Assembly for Wales to bring this exhibition to the Senedd in Spring 2016 to promote conversations about the culture of place-making, crafts and design in Wales.

Click here to find out about the Getting Things Done Exhibition Symposium on 28th April.

Sponsored by Presiding Officer, Dame Rosemary Butler AM

Ever wondered what an architect does all day?  What motivates an urban designer?  What would be an engineer’s dream job?  This is your chance to find out.

Join us for an opportunity to better get to know each other, the disciplines we work in and our design ambitions.  Thanks to Blake Morgan, we can check out their brand new city centre offices at One Central Square at the same time.

Come prepared to share your True Tuesday & Fantasy Friday!

Tell us what you actually did during a day at work on Tuesday (it could be a Monday, Wednesday or Thursday, but we like a bit of alliteration!)  Was it a normal day at work?  What did you particularly enjoy?  What motivated or frustrated you?  What challenges did you face in pursuit of good design, engineering or planning?

Then share what you’d really like to be doing in your job on a Friday.  We don’t mean tell us you’d like to be a chocolate taster or professional rugby player instead of an architect or engineer.  What are your design ambitions?  What would your work be like if the barriers to good design were removed? What would your dream day at work be like?  Who would you be working with and what would you be doing?

NOTE: We will be meeting at Blake Morgan’s offices at One Central Square in Cardiff.  It the recently completed building, deigned by Rio Architects, located next to Cardiff Central Station.

Light refreshments provided.

Click here to find out more about our Hatch Network and how you can join

A free seminar and networking event hosted by Architype at Wales Millennium Centre, Cardiff Bay, 6pm, Tuesday 1st December 2015

Architype invite you to join us for an evening of candid discussion and networking, which will uncover the experience of designing schools to the Passivhaus standard. Come along to explore how Passivhaus can deliver best value for money within the 21st Century Schools Programme. Can it be done? Does it cost more to build? Does it work? What are the actual savings in running costs?

Speakers will share their experience of delivering and monitoring Passivhaus in use, through a range of completed educational projects in both England and Wales.

Running Order

• 6.00pm – 6.45pm, Reception Drinks
• 6.45pm – 7.50pm, Seminar
• 7.50pm – 9.00pm, Networking and Refreshments

Invited Speakers

• Carole-Anne Davies / Design Commission for Wales – the need for a new approach
• Lee Fordham / Architype – the design and construction of Passivhaus schools
• Jerry Thomas / Smith Thomas Consult – the cost of delivering Passivhaus
• Chryssa Thoua / Coventry University- results from 2 years of monitoring Passivhaus schools in use
• Matthew Morgan / Dawnus Construction – Introduction to the Patrwm 21 Model

Chaired by Jonathan Hines, Managing Director of Architype

CLICK HERE TO BOOK YOUR PLACE VIA EVENTBRITE

The RSCW has identified the importance of the Creative Industries and Creative Economy sector to the various processes of regeneration in Wales.  The contribution of the sector to the regeneration process in Wales is growing.  The use of buildings, old and new, provides opportunities for innovation and enterprise for growth of the creative industries sector.

This event will focus on the experience of three local initiatives that provide a place and space for creative practitioners to develop their business ideas, enhance opportunities, and flourish in a highly competitive market.  The event follows on from the DCFW/RSA Cymru partner event ‘What is the value of Creativity?’, held on the 12th of May which examined creative learning opportunities and the risks posed to creativity in design practice.

The Regeneration Skills Collective Wales in partnership with DCFW, RSA Cymru and the RSAW invite you to join the conversation and help create the conditions for a creative economy.

Cities are engines of growth. More than half of the world’s population already lives in cities. The rise in prominence of cities in the global economy is unprecedented. Cities offer great opportunities yet they also consume the largest share of energy, contribute the largest CO2 emissions and have the greatest environmental impact.

When booking please indicate any dietary requirements in the message field.

Join us for the third seminar in our housing series, delving deeper into the opportunities for delivering new homes. Jon Sawyer of Igloo shares custom build lessons from Cornwall, followed by an update on innovative approaches to delivery from White Design and Architype.

Come along and join the conversation on community-led planning, with Matthew Jones and Design Commission for Wales taking you through their new website, Shape My Town.