Gimme Shelter (Jagger/Richards) the Rolling Stones

oh, see the storm is threatening
my very life today
if i don't get some shelter
yeah, i'm gonna fade away

war, children
it's just a shot away
it's just a shot away
(repeat)
yeah

oh, see the fire is sweeping
down through the streets today
burning like a bright red carpet
another fool who lost the way
rape, murder
it's just a kiss away
it's just a kiss away

If you are anything like me you will have broken all your new year’s resolutions by now – just in time for Lent and another period of self-imposed guilt-enforced austerity! But how lucky we are – even those devastated by floods in the Lake District have a roof over their heads and have only lost their possessions, not their lives - unlike those thousands in Haiti who one month on still lack that fundamental human need – shelter.

The images of frightened faces in the rubble sell papers and probably most of us feel helpless to deal with a catastrophe on such as scale, but they can also inspire some people to get involved in a very real way. Places Matter! is working with the Stephen Lawrence Trust to inspire our disadvantaged young people in Liverpool and Manchester to become involved and aware of their built environment and the potential to discover a worthwhile (if not lucrative!) career helping to design and create shelter for our society. Thanks to all the architects and other designers from the region for their voluntary help – they are also giving something in a very real way.

New Year is also a great time for reviewing what you have been doing and planning the future – but I’m not sure you could find a fortune-teller who would put their predictions in writing! Places Matter! has just completed a very useful business planning session at Chester Zoo – great meeting venue – but strange to see kangaroos hopping around in the snow! We have clarified our purpose “To achieve excellent design in the built environment” now and in the future through our 4 programme strands: Design Review, Education, Skills and Training,  and Research .

Most of our budget and focus of activity is directed towards Design Review as we work to raise the aspirations of clients and commissioners of design proposals. If you are interested in observing a Design Review Panel meeting in action in your area please contact us.