NI Culture Minister, Nelson McCausland has launched the Royal Society of Ulster Architects (RSUA) Development Plan for 2010-2012.

The Minister said: "We must always strive for excellence in our architecture. Great buildings are not only attractive to look at, they are functional places where people want to live, work and spend time.

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"It’s down to our architects to strike this balance between the practical and the visually pleasing, but the challenge they face is never more present than in a recession. When public spending is under pressure, it is imperative that what we build provides optimum value for money. Yet it should also be valued by people both today and for years to come."

Speaking in the recently restored Meter House at Belfast's Gasworks site, the Minister added: "Raising standards in design quality requires strong leadership. Drawing the best out of construction projects means challenging clients – public and private – to raise expectations."

(NS/GK)