NEW YORK.- For many years architects have claimed to be engineers of social change. They argue that a well designed school will result in children getting better examination results, and that a good hospital will help patients recover more quickly.

On the grand scale they claim that good urban design can improve the quality of life for whole cities, resulting in less crime, and healthier lifestyles for everyone.

Is all the ‘evidence’ anecdotal, or is there real data that proves that good design makes a difference? This conference will examine the impact architects can make. And it will debate some of the new ideas that are emerging to make towns and cities safer, greener and more attractive places to live and work.

The speakers include many leading international architects, and social and political leaders addressing real design challenges. There are also experts on social change, sustainability and diversity issues.

The whole programme has been designed to encourage networking between delegates and speakers, and there will be plenty of opportunities to ask questions.

The theme of the conference ties in with the theme of the 10th International Architecture Biennale, which will be taking place in Venice at the same time. Indeed, as part of the fee for attending the RIBA conference all delegates will receive a complimentary ticket to the Biennale exhibition.

Venice is one of the few cities in the world that can be truly described as unique. Over the last 1000 years Venice gained a reputation for its trading and diplomatic skills and it witnessed massive growth and prosperity. During this period thousands of exquisite buildings were constructed.

These days Venice is recognised as one of the most romantic and beautiful cities in the world, with its many fine restaurants, excellent hotels and wonderful historic buildings.

The hugely successful Biennale exhibitions, which have been staged in Venice since 1895, have helped to reinforce the city’s reputation as a centre for design, culture and new thinking.

The Veneto
The region surrounding Venice is called the Veneto, and this includes many historic cities, like Padua, Verona and Vicenza, all of which can be reached from Venice in around an hour.

The region is famous for its many superb Palladian villas, and its bustling industries – firms such as Benetton and Zanussi are based here.

For those who wish to explore further afield, Lake Garda and the Dolomites can be reached within two hours.

The venue
The conference will take place in the Teatro alle Tese, an historic warehouse structure that forms part of the Arsenale complex – the city’s original medieval naval dockyards.

The warehouse is being specially adapted for the RIBA conference, with a large stage, raked seating and an exhibition area.

The main displays for the Architecture Biennale take place in an adjoining building. In addition there will be opportunities for delegates to attend exclusive receptions at the Peggy Guggenheim museum (overlooking the Grand Canal) and in the Palladian cloister at the Cini Foundation, on the nearby island of San Giorgio Maggiore.