Overview of ACE Work Groups
Issue 5
Date: 3rd June 2008

ACE:

The Architects’ Council of Europe

EB:

Executive Board

MO(s):

Member Organisation(s) of the ACE

GA:

General Assembly

SEC:

Secretariat

TA:

Thematic Area – of which there are 3

WG:

Work Group

WGE:

Work Group Education

WGR:

Work Group Research

WGPE:

Work Group Professional Experience

WGPQD:

Work Group on Transposition of the Professional Qualifications Directive

WGInter

Work Group on the Interface with other Design Professionals

WGAV

Work Group on Accreditation and Validation

WGSIM:

Work Group on the Directive on Services in the Internal Market

WGTIS:

Work Group on Trade in Services

WG PAS:

Work Group on the Procurement of Architectural Services

WGCIS:

Work Group on Cost Information Systems

WGH&S:

Work Group on Health and Safety

WGI

Work Group on Insurance

WGESA:

Work Group on the Environment and Sustainable Architecture

WGH:

Work Group Housing

WGUI:

Work Group on Urban Issues

LARG

Legal Analysis Reference Group

ENACA

European Network of Architects’ Competent Authorities

PSC

Points of Single Contact (under the SIM Directive)

UMAR

Mediterranean Union of Architects

tbc

To be confirmed

EAAE:

European Association for Architectural Education

TA1:

TA on Access to the Profession

TA2:

TA on Practice of Architecture and Trade in Architectural Services

TA3:

TA on Architecture and Society

JWP:

Joint Working Party with the EAAE

EU:

European Union

EU-12:

The group of 12 countries that joined the EU in May 2004 and January 2007

EU-15:

The groups of countries that were Members of the EU before May 2004

Comm:

European Commission

EP:

The European Parliament

CEN:

European Committee for Standardisation

FP7:

The Seventh Framework Programme for Research of the EU

ECTP:

The European Construction technology Platform

NCTP:

National Construction Technology Platform

AD:

The Architects Directive (85/384/EEC)

PQD:

The Professional Qualifications Directive (2005/36/EC)

SIM:

Services in the Internal Market

TMCS:

The Temporary or Mobile Construction Sites Directive (92/57/EEC)

BA:

The Bologna Accord

IMI:

Internal Market Information system – a project of the Comm

CPD:

Continued Professional Development

MRA:

Mutual Recognition Agreement

US:

The United States of America

DG:

Directorate General (of the European Commission)

MS:

Member States

UIA:

International Union of Architects

Ref:

Task

Relevant EU Policy

Expected Output

WGE-2

Track the work of the JWP of the ACE and the EAAE giving input, as appropriate, to the topics under discussion.

PQD
BA

Regular input to the agenda items for the JWP and guidance on the ACE position on the topics covered.

WGE-3

Track the work of the WGQD, bringing expertise to bear on its deliberations and assisting it to devise a possible ACE Policy on the type of qualification that should be listed in Annexe V.7.1 of the PQD

PQD
IMI

Coherence across linked areas of work within the ACE structure

WGE-4

Monitor and review the developments in architectural education that are arising out of the implementation of the BA in the Member states of the EU.  Consider the adopted position of the ACE on the BA and propose a revised position, if appropriate.
Carry out a Survey of the state registered schools of architecture in order to gain an overview of how the BA is actually being implemented.

BA

A deeper understanding of the impact of the BA on the quality of architectural education and on the likely future scenarios for the profession that will arise as a result. Advice on the best way to face the challenges that will be posed by the presence on the market of a high number of persons with 3-year qualifications.

WGE-5

Consider how best to bring an increased awareness of architectural to the general public.

-

Recommendations on how to identify the best methods and tools to raise the awareness of the positive impact of architecture on society

WGE-6

Review the contents of Article 46 of the PQD with a view to setting out the full list of competences that can be attributed to each of the 11 points listed in that Article.

PQD

The development of an ACE view on the pertinence of the 11 points and on the competences that graduates from schools of architecture should possess

WGE-7

Monitor the work of the WGPE, taking into account its work in the deliberations of this WG on all topics

PQD

Increased coherence in the work of the ACE over several WGs

WGE-8

Assess progress of the MOs in the achievement of the commitments made by the ACE in relation to CPD in the Charter on CPD adopted in 2000

PQD
SIM

An increased requirement by the MOs for their members to undertake CPD

Ref:

Task

Relevant EU Policy

Expected Output

WGPE-1

Research and gather together all relevant existing considerations on the topics under consideration.

PQD
SIM

Good overview of the current situation and of the diversity of approaches within the EU to the topic.

WGPE-4

Preparation and presentation of a report with conclusions and recommendations for action.

BA
PQD

The formulation of an agreement between the MOs of the ACE on how to provide for and manage the provision of professional experience to graduates and young professionals

Ref:

Task

Relevant EU Policy

Expected Output

WG
PQD-2

Prepare a Work Plan for the WGPQD.  Update the May 2006 Information and Lobby Note for MOs on the transposition and implementation of the QD at national level

PQD

Clear and well-argued guidance to MOs on measures to be proposed to their respective government authorities, notably on administrative co-operation.

WG
PQD-5

Disseminate information on contact points under the old General System to MOs as already displayed in document QD3.2 on the ACE website.

Directives:
89/48
92/51
99/42
PQD

Insights into the likely approach that will be adopted under the PQD and its potential effects on the recognition of architectural qualifications.

WG
PQD-6

Assess effects of (and on) the transposition of the PQD for architects in the fields of registration, of unitary or federal MS structures, of variation and changes in professional experience tests or other prerequisites for recognition of migrants qualifications and of emerging new courses of study.

PQD
AD

Material for further detailed guidance to MOs on the impact of the transposition of the PQD on systems for administrative cooperation.

WG
PQD-7

Track the development of the IMI System by the DG Markt in order to expedite the participation of the competent authorities for architects in the MS.  Consider how authorities might cope before the IMI for architects comes into being.

PQD
SIM
IMI

Effective, consistent and punctual practice by MS is needed so as to uphold standards of architectural qualifications.

WG
PQD-8

Report periodically to the Executive Board, with the final report of all activities undertaken by the WG in the period up to October 2008.

PQD
SIM

Assurance that major matters of concern have been fully and comprehensively dealt with by the ACE and by MOs at national level.

Ref:

Task

Relevant EU Policy

Expected Output

WGI-1

To be defined

To be defined

To be defined

Ref:

Task

Relevant EU Policy

Expected Output

WGAV-1

Propose a definition of the terms “Accreditation” and “Validation”

-

A clear understanding of the potential role that the profession can play in this topic

WCAV-2

Survey existing accreditation and validation systems in the EU

-

An understanding of the commonalities between existing systems

WGAV-3

Make recommendations on whether or not there should be a common European approach to the topic for architectural qualifications

-

A better involvement of the profession in accreditation and validation. and the development of an ACE position to ensure that any accredited courses meet the requirements of the PQD

Ref:

Task

Relevant EU Policy

Expected Output

WG
SIM-5

To analyse registration requirements for architects and develop proposals to further facilitate cross-border movement (see also TA1)

SIM

A coherent policy that takes full account of the overlap between the provisions of the PQD and the SIM on the question of administrative cooperation.

WG
SIM-6

To collect data on national cost-information systems (see WG CIS)

SIM
Competition Policy of the Comm

To ensure coherence between the general concerns being addressed by the WG SIM and the specific task assigned to the WG CIS

WG
SIM-7

To develop a position paper on insurance-related issues to include, among other things, mandatory insurance, project-based insurance, provision of cover for cross-border practice and convergence of liability regimes (see WGI)

SIM

A position paper that pro-actively addresses the difficult issues that surround insurance for architects and that will allow the ACE to develop a robust policy in relation to this crucial issue.

WG
SIM-8

To analyse available forms of dispute resolution, consider alternative models and questions of redress

SIM

To support the principles set out in the deontological code, there is a need to draw up guidelines that will assist the MOs to prepare for their members, appropriate forms of dispute resolution.

WG
SIM-10

To monitor developments in relation to Certification

SIM
CEN

A clear demonstration of the need (or not) for certification of services and to monitor developments in the CEN in this matter.

Ref:

Task

Relevant EU Policy

Expected Output

WG
TIS-2.1

WTO
Track developments in the WTO Working Party on Domestic Regulation (WPDR) that are relevant to architecture.  Track and analyse all additional offers on architectural services and the potential counter responses resulting from the collective (multilateral) request of the EU and others.

DG Trade

A prioritised list of recommended ACE actions in relation to negotiations with countries outside of the EU

WG
TIS-2.2

MRA
Tracking, preparation and expertise in the framework of the implementation of existing MRAs and those underway.

DG Trade

Coherence in the approach of the ACE to negotiations that delivers reciprocity for all EU architects that benefit from adopted MRAs

WG
TIS-2.3

Equivalences:
Establish the manner in which the training and experience of architects is to be presented in order to facilitate decisions on equivalence under the MRAs.

DG Trade
DG Int Markt

A coherent and easy to implement approach to the delivery of documentary proof of qualifications by architects benefiting from the terms of the MRAs in force

WG
TiS-2.4

Initiate formal negotiations with the Republic of Korea on a profession-to-profession MRA

DG Trade

A model MRA for incorporation into any future FTA between the EU and Korea

Ref:

Task

Relevant EU Policy

Expected Output

WG
Proc-1

Take responsibility for overall coordination of work in the area of the procurement of architectural services.

PP
SIM

Structured management of the work in this work area that will lead to the preparation of a coherent and complete set of ACE policies and guidelines to be developed.

Ref:

Task

Relevant EU Policy

Expected Output

WG
Proc-2

Analysis of the different models for Project development within Public Procurement and of the role of the architect in each of those models.

PP

A clear and succinct overview of the situation in the EU that will inform the policy of the ACE

WG
Proc-3

Work on Part 3 of the ACE Guidelines on the implementation of the PP Directives - Rules for the Public client

PP

A development of the policy of the ACE in relation to public clients.

Ref:

Task

Relevant EU Policy

Expected Output

WG
Proc-5

Survey the means by which architectural design competitions are used in the MS of the EU to gather information on the form of competitions used, the context in which they are used and what rules are followed by the organisers of the competitions.

PP

A deeper and systematic benchmarking of the different systems and experiences in the countries of the EU

WG
Proc-6

Basing initial work on the existing 10 rules developed by the ACE and on the results of the work in task WG Proc-5, devise and propose further, more detailed guidance and recommendations on the use of architectural design competitions for the procurement of architectural services in the MS of the EU.

PP

Facilitation of the exchange of experience and assistance to those countries where systems for running architectural competitions do not exist or are being established.

WG
Proc-7

Address the subsidiary questions posed in last paragraph of the section of the ToR entitled “Background” and devise further recommendations as required to answer the questions.

PP

The development of recommendations that will, if implemented, reduce the level of lost resources that occurs by using the current approaches to the running of architectural design competitions.

Ref:

Task

Relevant EU Policy

Expected Output

WG
Proc-8

Preparation and circulation of a questionnaire to all MOs on the topic that will deliver an overview of the various practices that exist across the EU

SIM

A good knowledge of the various approaches to Private Procurement that will permit the preparation of EU Guidelines

WG
Proc-9

Analysis of the information collected and a first set of conclusions drawn from the results

SIM

A coherent set of conclusions drawn from the results of the questionnaire that will permit advancement to the next stage of work.

WG
Proc-10

Presentation of a work plan

SIM

An efficient and timely management of the tasks of the work of the WG

WG
Proc-11

Presentation of a consolidated work plan to the Executive Board

SIM

To support the objectives and expected output of WG Proc-8

WG
Proc-12

Discussion on the basis of a working document and definition of the next steps.

SIM

Agreement and full support from the MOs for the work programme of the WG and clear definition of the next steps

Ref:

Task

Relevant EU Policy

Expected Output

WG
Proc-19

Establish an inventory and carry out an analysis of the current practices in PPP in the Member States of the EU.

Public Procurement

A useful and informative overview of current practices in the EU

WG
Proc-20

Prepare a set of recommendations on how PPP procedures can ensure architectural quality and the involvement of architects in all stages as advisers to the Client.

Public Procurement

Through the take-up of the recommendations to improve the quality of the buildings that are procured using the various models of PPP

WG
Proc-21

Support to ACE contacts at both EU and National level (coordinated with ACE Members) with politicians in order to seek to have the ACE recommendations put into practice in the interests of achieving higher architectural quality in projects procured using PPP.

Public Procurement

Greater and wider implementation of the ACE recommendations across the EU.

Ref:

Task

Relevant EU Policy

Expected Output

WG
Proc-23

Monitor translation of the Interactive Tool into as many languages as possible by the MOs of the ACE.

Public Procurement

Greater and wider dissemination of the ACE recommendations across the EU.

WG
Proc-24

Review and update the Interactive Tool to ensure its accuracy on a regular basis.

Public Procurement

Ongoing accuracy and relevance of the advice and guidance contained in the Interactive Tool

Ref:

Task

Relevant EU Policy

Expected Output

WG
Proc-25

In coordination with the work of other Rapporteurs in the WG PAS, seek to identify the ways and means of integrating the use of ADC in both private and public procurement methods.

Public Procurement

More frequent use of ADC and hence production of better quality buildings across the EU

WG
Proc-26

Examine the increasing use of Design-Build procedures in the countries of the EU and develop recommended guidelines on how to use ADC in these procedures to ensure higher architectural quality in the resulting built works.

Public Procurement

Positive influence on these increasingly popular procurement methods to ensure high quality output.

Ref:

Task

Relevant EU Policy

Expected Output

WG
CIS-3

Define the actions to be carried out and the timetable for their realisation.

SIM

A decision of the Executive Board on how best to progress

WG
CIS-4

Deliver exploitable tools for the calculation of costs.

SIM

A valuable, reliable tool for architects to use in their office to determine equitable charges for the services they provide

Ref:

Task

Relevant EU Policy

Expected Output

WG
H&S-1

Review the Terms of Reference together with the Coordinator for TA2

H&S
TMS Directive

A work plan for the next year that is flexible enough to account for expected developments in this topic

WG
H&S-2

Monitor developments at the Comm to ensure that when the report on the implementation of the TMS Directive is released, the ACE is ready to respond

H&S
TMS Directive

A robust input by the ACE to any revisions to the provisions of the TMS Directive to ensure that equilibrium of responsibility between various actors in the supply chain is established.

WG
H&S-3

Bring support to the ACE Expert Panel that is assisting the Comm in the preparation of an interpretative guide on implementation of the TMS Directive

H&S
TMS Directive

Ensure that the input of ACE Experts contributes to equitable advice that will seen better implementation of the TMS Directive

Ref:

Task

Relevant EU Policy

Expected Output

WGI-1

Complete comparative table of insurance requirements as they apply to the architectural profession in the EU.

SIM

A reliable overview of different regimes to assist the ACE in developing policy on this subject

WGI-2

Undertake consideration of the most appropriate type of insurance for the architectural profession in the EU.

SIM

Recommendations as to how such insurance can be economically and appropriately provided so as to facilitate cross-border work by architects.

WGI-3

Identify adequate arguments to promote a level playing field for all partners in the construction sector in respect of the obligation of insurance

SIM

Better and more certain requirements for insurance within the construction sector, particularly for architects

Ref:

Task

Relevant EU Policy

Expected Output

WG ESA-1

Identify the key roles that can be recommended for architects to support the implementation of Directive 2002/91/EC. To prepare, on that basis, guidelines for architects with the aim to help them to meet the criteria of sustainable architecture in the design of buildings and to alert them to the role that can be played in the implementation of the EPBD by architects.

EPBD

Preparation of a set of guidelines for architects that will help them to meet the criteria of sustainable architecture and local regulations thus making them aware of their responsibility when setting out on the design of buildings.

WG
ESA-3

Track the work of the CEN and, in particular, monitor the emerging CEN standards to support the implementation of the Energy Efficiency of Buildings

Standards for the EPBD
CEN

Distilled and relevant information on the content of the expected standards and an analysis of their impact on architectural practice.

WG
ESA-4

Monitor the work of the Comm in assessing progress on the implementation of the EPBD and the activity of MS when taking initiatives to promote activities related to architectural implementation measures. To review further developments in the area of energy efficiency, notably in relation to the Green Paper on Energy and the Directive on Energy Services and to provide to the EB relevant position papers in a timely manner.  In parallel take part in the public consultation on the review of the EPBD.

EPBD

That the views of the architectural profession will be taken into account in the review of the EPBD.

WG
ESA-5

To monitor the development of the CEN Standards for the assessment of the sustainability of construction works in TC350 (2005-2008)

CEN
TSUE

To ensure that the standards that emerge from this CEN work are conceived and written in a way that recognises the crucial role of the architect in achieving sustainability

WG
ESA-6

To follow the DG Enterprise study, being undertaken by PRC Bouwcentrum, on the Construction Product Directive (CPD – 89/106/EC) in parallel with a survey of the impact of EU policies on the Internal Market and the Competitiveness of the Construction Sector.

Competitive-ness agenda
Environment

The Comm have announced that the CPD Directive will be reviewed before the end of 2007.  The WG should advise the architectural profession on how to make specific input to this review.

WG
ESA-7

To elaborate the proposal for an ACE prize for sustainable architecture. The prize could concern two categories; i) energy efficiency, ii)”green” architecture. The proposal should also include of the way in which cooperation with the EU institutions should be established and must address the financing issues.

-

Increased exposure for good examples of sustainable architecture, increased awareness in the profession, higher public profile for the ACE

WG
ESA-9

To develop an ACE Declaration on Sustainable Architecture as a foundation document for an International Workshop to be held on the occasion of the UIA Congress in Turin in June 2008.

-

Increased exposure for the ACE and its policies on the global stage.

Ref:

Task

Relevant EU Policy

Expected Output

WGH-3

Track the work of the European Parliament Intergroup Urban:Logement (IG-UL), making pro-active inputs to its work.  In particular, track the work of the Intergroup in the development of the European Charter on Social Housing and its proposal to establish a European Observatory on Social Housing.

Regional Policy
Structural Funds
Cohesion Policy

That the ACE can beneficially influence the content of the reports and work of the IG-UL

WGH-4

Track the work of the Parliamentary Committee “Regi” (Regional Development) in the preparation of it own-initiative report on social housing

Regional Policy
Structural Funds
Cohesion Policy

That the report will take architectural and urban aspects of social housing fully into account.

WGH-7

Devise a proposed ACE Policy on Housing that takes account, in a holistic way, of the issues that concern public authorities and that highlights how the greater involvement of architects can help to deliver high quality for the citizens of Europe

-

Increased involvement of the ACE in housing issues and increased influence of the architectural profession on issues relating to housing, including private housing.

WGH-8

Elaboration and submission of draft housing quality factors for the debate with other WG.

-

The setting down of a clear and succinct description of those factors that must be used in order to ensure that quality housing is produced for the citizens of the EU

Ref:

Task

Relevant EU Policy

Expected Output

WGUI-1

Collect good practices and built examples in the EU Member States showing the physical dimension of successful urban policies and projects; these case studies shall be taken from publications and from the experience and knowledge of members of the WG, no new research work, just a selection of projects and a critical introduction in a new format will be needed.

TSUE
Structural Funds

That the collected examples be proposed to the EU to form the basis of the definition of criteria to be used in developing the rules for funding of revitalisation or development of urban projects (renovation and regeneration) under the Structural Funds regulations.

WGUI-2

Track the work of the EP Intergroup Urban:Logement (IG-UL), making pro-active inputs to its work.  In particular, track the work of the Intergroup in its proposal to establish a European Observatory on Social Housing where the quality of urban space has to be adequately taken into account and provide input for European Charter on Housing

-

That the ACE significantly influences the thinking in the IG-UL on urban issues.

WGUI-3

Prepare a position of the ACE in relation to the work of the EFAP and the activity of MSs when taking the initiative in the framework of their Presidency of the EU related to the issues of urban quality and propose relevant input to that work

Leipzig Charter
Territorial Policy
Urban Development Policy

That the ACE influences the quality and implementation of the measures proposed in the Leipzig Charter.

WGUI-4

Review existing public opinion polls on the urban/architectural quality of urban areas and propose a framework, in cooperation with the Secretariat of Commissioner Figel, for a Euro-barometer survey in this area.

-

A clear demonstration of the importance of architectural quality in the eyes of the public that will spur the EU into making greater efforts to ensure good urban quality across the EU.

WGUI-5

Monitor the development of the eligibility criteria for urban projects with special regard to the Structural Funds (2007-2013), the European Investment Bank grants and the Council of Europe development Bank loans.

Regional Policy

Proposals that are coherent with other work on this theme in this WG an in the WGH.

WGUI-7

Draft a proposed ACE Policy on the Urban Environment, that takes into account the economy of urban development in a way that highlights how greater involvement of architects can help to deliver high quality for the citizens of Europe.

-

A stronger and more complete policy statement of the ACE on this important topic that will permit it to be more present in the development of EU policy.

WGUI-8

Following a study of the indicators of urban quality adopted by some EU Member States and other organizations working in the urban development sector, draw up specific indicators that can be used notably in public procurement and selection of quality based projects and sustainability

Regional Policy

Help in raising the profile of architecture in the mnds of policy makers and the public in general. The resulting indicators should also be beneficial to the profession and society at large.

WGUI-9

Pursue and strengthen cooperation with the EU Institutions active in the field of Urban Environment such as URBACT II, CECODHAS and ERAN.

-

Participation and contribution to political activities at EU level.

Ref:

Task

Relevant EU Policy

Expected Output

WGR-1

Preparation of a guidance note on the way in which architects engage in research that highlights the different forms of research undertaken by the profession and the benefits of such engagement for the MOs of the ACE and for individual architects.

FP7
ECTP
NCTP

A clear guidance document that achieves the joint objectives of setting out the way that the involvement of architects can influence the quality of research and that motivates the profession to engage more actively in research

WGR-2

Track the work of the ECTP with particular attention being paid to the evolution of the FP7 and to how the role of architects and architecture in the specific programmes can be promoted.

FP7
ECTP

Succinct, focussed suggestions for incorporation by the Comm in the specific programmes of the FP7.

WGR-3

The WGR is charged with the establishment and maintenance of a database of expert nominees (drawn form the MOs) that the ACE can draw on for project or representation work.

FP7

A comprehensive listing of current and potential experts categorised so as to make selection procedures simple, reliable and transparent.

WGR-4

The WGR is kept informed of the involvement of the ACE in EU-funded Projects.  It is called upon, from time to time, to express its view on the merits of engaging in projects and it highlights the views that should be incorporated by ACE experts in these projects.

FP7
Comm

Clear, succinct and timely guidance when the WGR is requested to give it.