The Royal Institute of British Architects’ (RIBA) President Jane Duncan headed a delegation which toured Letchworth Garden City to discuss joint working on projects to reimagine the Garden City for the 21st Century.

The fact-finding visit included a tour of key Arts and Crafts buildings and the International Garden Cities Institute (IGCI) of which Jane Duncan is a Founding Partner.

The RIBA delegation also included Past President Ruth Reed, Policy Advisor Mark Crosby, Head of Client Services Linda Stevens and Specialist Conservation Architect and Chair of the RIBA’s Conservation Group Hugh Feilden.

RIBA President Jane Duncan said: “Good design and a strong community are both central to the identity of Letchworth Garden City. We are pleased to support the International Garden Cities Institute, through potential joint projects, in keeping these founding principles at the top of the agenda for new garden cities.”

David Ames, Head of Heritage and Strategic Planning for the Letchworth Garden City heritage Foundation said: “We are delighted that Jane visited Letchworth as President of the RIBA. It was also an excellent opportunity to discuss how the RIBA may be able to link with the IGCI, to ensure that good design is at the heart of the debate about new Garden Cities.”

The IGCI is a research, advocacy and resource centre for global Garden Cities.