Panel Discussion

The discussion began with tabled questions, the first from Steven Tolson on how post-war buildings can adapt to achieve a sustainable function and a low carbon future, a subject which met with enthusiastic confirmation and which would recur in the wider debate.

Robert Forbes asked about modern architecture’s perceived failure to understand the ‘genius loci’ of places and this sparked consideration of the importance of the setting and context of buildings, in addition to their individual design.

Dr Iain Bruce submitted a question on Basil Spence’s Queen Elizabeth Square Hutchesontown, demolished in 1993 and whether it would have merited listing. This led to useful exploration of methods of construction, orientation, the importance of regular maintenance, repair and critical management of our built environment.

Chris Winter’s enquiry on the provision of training to local authority officers and elected members to help them ensure high quality design prompted discussion on this critical aspect, meeting agreement of the need and priority for such.

Further questions and debate highlighted problems with the supply of quality materials and their suitability to a Scottish climate, and the current predominance of mass-produced, off-the-shelf materials rather than well-crafted bespoke provision. The quality of the architect’s education in the post-war period in the realities of technical performance and the vagaries of un-tested new materials was found lacking if only to be in part a cause of failing fabric.

David Walker’s online Dictionary of Scottish Architects and its extension into the period 1940-80 was cited as providing an invaluable entrée to the post-war decades. Attention to the role of conservation areas for the protection of the most exceptional housing estates was encouraged aside of listing.

Pauline McLean asked the panel members if they thought Historic Scotland’s current approach to listing and the numbers protected was correct and met a general accord on the processes adopted and the value of the exercise continuing.