From its creation in 1999 to its demise as a government-funded organisation 11 years later, the Commission for Architecture & the Built Environment (CABE) fronted a national drive in England for better design in the built environment. Whilst not universally supported at home, its scope and ambition were certainly impressive, and as an organisation it was unique on a global scale. As such the study of this exceptional initiative offers an unparalleled opportunity to shine a light on the often unfathomable processes of governing the design of development. This paper reflects on the organisation in two key ways. First, from the narrow perspective of CABE’s impact: what worked and what did not; and what can we learn from CABE. Second, what does the experience tell us about the nature and purpose of design governance and about the role and legitimacy of government within this most “wicked” of policy arenas
