David Mackay, the Irish-Scots architect responsible for much of the regeneration of Barcelona, has said that politicians and creative professionals need to work closely together to regenerate our cities.

Mr Mackay was speaking at the Design and Cities – Lessons from Barcelona conference – jointly organised by the Royal Institute of the Architects of Ireland (RIAI) and Dublin City Council – which was held this afternoon in Liberty Hall.

The conference was being held to celebrate the award of the RIAI's Honorary Membership to President Pasqual Maragall – former President of Catalonia and Mayor of Barcelona – who was the politician largely responsible for driving the regeneration of Barcelona. The symposium had an additional purpose: to see what lessons Dublin can learn to inspire its urban regeneration as it seeks the designation of World Design Capital.

The symposium included a contribution from the renowned writer, Colm Tóibín, as well as from RIAI President, Paul Keogh; Lord Mayor of Dublin, Andrew Montague; Dublin City Architect, Ali Grehan; Dublin City Planner, Dick Gleeson and Urban Designer, Manuel Diez Garrido.

RIAI President, Paul Keogh, said that many experts on economic growth in cities have emphasised the importance of the quality of a city's environment in terms of its ability to attract and retain creative people, new industries and tourists.

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"Research has shown that the type of creative people who will contribute to the regeneration of Ireland's economy – such as entrepreneurs, information technology professionals and programmers– are drawn to places where they enjoy a range of economic opportunities, a stimulating environment and a range of cultural amenities for people with diverse lifestyles. These very qualities are essential for attracting tourists too, as the latest tourism data shows that over 50% of tourists now travel for cultural reasons."

Mr Mackay said that Barcelona's experience shows that politics is an essential part of the design and regeneration process for any city.

"Politics is essential not only to determine what needs to be done, but which comes first. Both the creative political and the creative professional must work together to design the urban stage for the acting citizens who, through casual encounters, discover different ideas and products that enrich their knowledge and opportunities."

Dublin's Lord Mayor, Andrew Montague, said that the experience of Barcelona and other great cities shows that a Directly-Elected Mayor – with real executive power and directly accountable to the citizens – and a Greater Dublin Authority are needed to drive the urban and economic regeneration of the city.

David Mackay concluded by offering five reflections that could help Dublin learn from Barcelona.

"Firstly, remember that cities live longer than us so it’s important to hand over the baton of a design process, like a relay-race, from one city-government to another. In this context, it's worth noting that the RIBA Gold Medal was received by three successive Mayors: Serra, Maragall and Clos.

"Secondly, remember the Greek word 'polis' – politics and city design go hand-in-hand. Thirdly, restore and respect the identity of the centre of the city, each generation leaving its mark. Fourthly, introduce identity to the metropolitan suburbs where it is absent. Fifthly, never forget the values of the street, a place to be and to lead to somewhere else."

(CD/BMcC))