Places for All

places for all

november2001 places for all places for all

november2001 contents

Introduction 2 Building for The Future 22 - the background 2 - determine the impact of development 23 - the approach 4 - re-use existing buildings 23 - the format 4 - consider future change 23 - the requirements 5 4- minimise environmental harm 25 - the main principles 5 - ‘green’ the city 25

Creating Diversity 6 Build on Local Character 26 - mix the uses 7 - study the context 28 - sub-divide development sites 8 - respond to the context 29 - build to higher densities 9 1- provide focal space 9 5 Appendices 32 Moving Around Easily 10 A - further reading 32 - provide convenient routes 11 - consider the wider area 12 - provide access for all 12 2- balance the needs of cars and pedestrians 13 Safe Places, Private Spaces 16 - define the public and private realm 17 - build in active frontages 18 3- design attractive streets and spaces 19 introduction

BIRMINGHAM is a varied city of places and spaces with their own feel and character. Unfortunately many areas have suffered from the comprehensive redevelopment introduction of the post war era that caused - in common with most other the background cities - over-scaled developments that put cars before people.

The value of good design has now been recognised in Birmingham with mixed use developments of attractive new buildings and public spaces in areas like Brindleyplace. Mistakes of the past are also being addressed through the redevelopment of the Bullring and Masshouse.

The commercial and creative success of developments in the city centre proves the value of good design. Yet there is still a huge task to be tackled in raising the overall design quality of developments, particularly outside the city centre. introduction

The value of good design has now been recognised with development like Brindleyplace.

We must make developments more sustainable. We need to The value of good use land efficiently, encourage walking, cycling and the use of public transport, and allow design has now access for everyone - including people without a car. All buildings should relate to their been recognised context, be adaptable, accessible and well insulated with quality as a main priority. It’s also in Birmingham. important that we use environmentally friendly materials, consider sustainable drainage, water and waste recycling and use alternative forms of energy.

It’s vital that everyone involved in development in the city adopts this approach to their work. If we all work together to achieve this everyone in the city benefits now and in the future - and we will truly be building places for all.

In common with many other cities Birmingham has suffered from over-scaled developments that put cars before people.

There is still much to be done to raise the quality of development, particularly outside the city centre. introduction

The principles are based on tried and tested methods of building successful places...

4 the approach to general design guidance

PLACES FOR ALL has been component. The two documents THE APPROACH produced as a response to the should be used in conjunction. Builds on the design lack of general design guidance The approach also builds on principles set out in the that relates to all types of national advice such as PPG3, Birmingham Plan and ‘Places development throughout the By Design, Places, Streets and for Living’. city. Until now design guides Movement as well as the work have been topic specific such as of the Urban Task Force. Focuses on five overriding car park or shop front design principles that cover a wide guidelines, or area specific such range of issues concerned as site briefs and quarter plans. This guide aims to be as with development. Good design however, should objective as possible, dealing Illustrates some of the ways to apply everywhere not just in key with basic design issues and achieve the principles. locations such as the city centre principles rather than personal and conservation areas. taste with the examples used to Similarly many developments illustrate general points. The today incorporate a mix of uses guide is intended to positively THE FORMAT influence the development so it is no longer enough to rely This guide is divided into five on guidelines for single use process as much as the outcome. main sections. Each section building types. ‘Places for All’ is starts with a general a sister document to ‘Places for The key is for developers to introduction outlining the main Living’ and adopts a similar employ skilled designers to issues followed by the approach and format. Many of provide the best solution for principles. These take the form the issues and principles are each particular context and to of policy statements with a similar but have been focused to take a holistic approach to justification. apply to all developments - not developments considering just those with a residential design at an early stage. introduction

...as well as drawing on the experience of recent examples from Birmingham and elsewhere.

THE REQUIREMENTS THE MAIN PRINCIPLES All proposals will be judged on The design statement should 1.creating diversity - The aim The principles are based on their own merits. Proposals that outline how the principles have must be to create or build tried and tested methods of follow the spirit of the guidance been achieved (or a justification within places that have an building successful places that will be received positively. of why they haven’t been accessible choice of closely have often been ignored or Conversely poor quality achieved). The degree of detail mixed complementary activities. forgotten until recently. They proposals that ignore the issues will depend on the size and 2. moving around easily - Places also build on the experience of and the requirements will be nature of the proposed should be linked up with short, recent successful developments unlikely to gain consent. To help development (see also ‘build on direct public routes overlooked in Birmingham and elsewhere. in assessing proposals and local character). For larger or by frontages. demonstrate that design and more complex proposals or other policy requirements have proposals on sensitive sites, 3. safe places, private spaces - The examples accompanying been taken into account, the perspectives and/or axonometric Places must be safe and the principles are not intended following should be produced as drawings may be requested. A attractive with a clear division as solutions but are included to a minimum: three-dimensional master plan between public and private illustrate the points. There can space. be many ways to achieve the Existing and proposed floor may also be required, particularly for large scale 4. building for the future - objectives. This guide is plans, elevations and relevant intended to support and sections. developments. For Buildings and spaces should be straightforward or small scale adaptable to enhance their long- encourage everyone involved in A plan showing the proposals the requirements will term viability and built so they delivering quality developments. development in its wider be dealt with on their merits. harm the environment as little It also highlights the role good context. design can play in achieving The involvement of the as possible. Contextual photographs. places that are successful and Planning Authority, the local 5. build on local character - sustainable in social, economic A topographical/tree survey community and other relevant Development must consider the and environmental terms. where appropriate (existing bodies at an early stage would context and exploit and and proposed). also be advisable to speed up the strengthen the characteristics A design statement. decision making process and that make an area special. arrive at a mutually agreeable solution. creating diversity

Development should address the needs of the whole community.

6 creating diversity DEVELOPMENT should address the needs of the whole community and avoid large single use developments especially where there is poor public transport access. This is socially divisive, encourages reliance on cars and puts many people at a disadvantage. While some uses - like large manufacturing plants - can be incompatible with other types of development, this should be an exception rather than the rule, and even then there should be good public transport access.

Development should address the 1 needs of the whole community. creating diversity

The Mailbox - high density mixed use.

Overall the aim should be to Whilst density is a complex MIX THE USES build, or locate within, subject, the key is to create good Locating compatible uses such accessible places with a wide places and provide the best as housing, shops, community choice of complementary design solution for the site and facilities, work and leisure activities. Such ‘walkable the character of the area, with opportunities near to each other neighbourhoods’ (see also the density figure used as a provides a number of important ‘moving around easily’)are best check. benefits. Providing a mix of uses suited to achieving higher should therefore be a main densities of development with consideration when developing a densities increasing towards the site. centre and along public transport corridors. PPG 3 The provision and nature of the suggests residential densities mix will depend on the context, should not fall below 30-50 the scale of the development, dwellings per hectare in order to market demand and relevant make an efficient use of land. planning policies. The City The City Council Unitary Centre, local centres and areas Development Plan suggests that with good public transport links This means there is: densities of at least 100 will provide the greatest The opportunity to walk, cycle dwellings per hectare will be potential for a diverse mix of or use public transport rather expected on sites within the City uses. Other less accessible areas than drive. Centre, 50 dwellings per hectare will have less potential. A mix of people who can in other centres and within support a good range of corridors well served by public facilities. transport and 40 dwellings per Surveillance of the area with hectare elsewhere. Whilst this is people present day and night. a useful guide, the issue of A reduction in market risk - density is very complex. There mixed areas can adapt more are many additional factors to easily to future trends. consider such as the context, the The opportunity to address form of development, the scale shortfalls in current provision of development, the total of uses and facilities. catchment population, the Locating mixed use in the degree of connectivity and the proper context will better measure of density. ensure its long term success. creating diversity

Narrow plots can add to the variety of uses as well as relate better to areas where this is a feature.

Where uses are mixed, this should generally be within streets and buildings and single Narrow plots can add a storey non-residential buildings should have other uses above such as residential or offices, greater variety of uses providing this relates well to the context. A management and maintenance agreement would also be beneficial. A vertical mix of uses can increase densities, provide SUB-DIVIDE DEVELOPMENT activity and surveillance SITES throughout the day and night When developing larger sites, and uses land efficiently. consideration should be given to Homes can become valuable dividing the site into narrower above places like shops where development plots developed it would not be viable to build and/or designed individually, them at ground level. particularly where this is a A ‘fine grain’ of uses can offer positive local characteristic. more diversity of design and Narrow plots can add a visual character in an area greater variety of uses and Management agreements for entrances encouraging more mixed developments can activity and diversity. ensure long term success. Narrow plots can offer more design variety and relate better to many areas such as parts of the Jewellery Quarter where this is a feature. Small plots also help to avoid blank walls when stepping up a slope. creating diversity

Higher densities should be encouraged particularly in the centre, local centres and routes which are well served by public transport.

SKETCH BY GEORGE LEICH

BUILD TO HIGHER DENSITIES PROVIDE FOCAL SPACE The City Centre, local centres On larger sites there will often and areas with good public be a need for high quality new transport links have the potential focal spaces such as squares to accommodate a higher and parks to complement any density of development. High new development. These should density is not a universal be functional providing for all solution however and it is crucial ages, accessible, serve a local that the form and layout should need and be well overlooked by relate to the local context. building fronts. A management Compact places make it easier More intensive development and maintenance agreement will Focal spaces can enhance the for people to walk and cycle to within the city can reduce the usually be required. character and the quality of facilities and use public amount of green field land the environment and can transport. used. become a valuable More people living and The same density can be recreational facility. working locally helps to provided in a wide variety of support better - and more - forms, some will be more local facilities and services appropriate than others such as shops and public depending on the context. transport. This also makes High density forms are not environmental initiatives like appropriate everywhere. Any recycling and combined heat aspiration to achieve higher and power schemes more densities must be balanced by viable. contextual issues if we are to avoid harming those characteristics that make an area special. Focal spaces can enhance the character and the quality of the environment. moving around easily

Places should be easily accessible to all.

10 moving around easily

POORLY integrated The aim should be to create developments that are difficult ‘walkable neighbourhoods’. As a to access without a car should guide ‘doorstep facilities’ such be avoided. Developments with as a convenience shop or a variety of uses mean little if newsagent should ideally be you cannot walk or cycle to within 2-3 minutes walk (250m) them easily from the local area of your home. 5 minutes walk or or from nearby public transport 400m should take you to a local stops. Local movement centre including local shops, a networks must be considered in post office and bus stops. A order to provide safe and train station or major public convenient links by all means of transport interchange and a transport. primary school should if possible be within 10 minutes 2 walk or 800m. moving around easily

Kings Heath - a ‘walkable neighbourhood’ with a network of public routes as well as a mix of uses.

PROVIDE CONVENIENT More connections to places Some routes such as canal walks ROUTES like shops, leisure facilities will require signage and A fundamental principle of this and parks make routes interpretation of the public design guide is to encourage between places shorter and realm. This should be well-integrated and well-linked encourage more people to sympathetically located and well places. Public routes should be walk and cycle. designed avoiding clutter and connected, short, direct, well lit, More people use public needless repetition. simple to understand, transport if it’s more Whilst signage and overlooked by frontages and accessible. interpretation can enhance related to desire lines. Good Linked streets make it easier the enjoyment of the public public transport links and easy to find your way around and realm, care needs to be taken access for pedestrians and allow people a greater choice to avoid spoiling the quality of cyclists should be inherent in of routes and variety of a place through developments. Apart from routes experiences. unsympathetic additions. through parks, canal corridors Commercial developments and pedestrianised areas, can flourish if they are located isolated pedestrian routes on main movement routes. should be avoided. Connected streets encourage more activity which help people feel safe and secure while avoiding over concentrations of traffic and congestion. The aim should be Linked streets allow more flexibility for change in the future. Linked streets can avoid to create ‘walkable wasted space such as large turning spaces for refuse vehicles. Isolated pedestrian routes can neighbourhoods’. feel intimidating. MAIN STREET moving around easily LOCAL CENTRE

SITE

MAIN STREET

Link the site to the wider area. Generally use the most connected and direct routes to the main streets and facilities (not all routes need to be through vehicular routes). MAIN STREET

CONSIDER THE WIDER AREA Proposals should consider a far wider area than the site itself, particularly on larger developments. Developments should not only be linked up within the site (where the scale of development allows it) but should integrate with existing routes so they connect to the An analysis of the wider wider area, in particular towards context can determine the main streets and public facilities. wider movement patterns (see also build on local informing which links would character). be beneficial to open up such as a route to improve access to local facilities or public PROVIDE ACCESS FOR ALL Designing for people with transport and which may be Developments should provide disabilities makes access problematic for example a for the needs of everyone easier for everyone. route that could encourage including people with disabilities ‘rat running’. It may also and those with prams and push- inform the potential for new chairs. This includes dealing commercial uses to be with approach and access to introduced and the size of buildings, adequate and development blocks. convenient parking for disabled Integrating the development people and use of colour and provides more convenient tactile materials to assist blind routes encouraging walking and partially sighted people. and cycling, makes it easier Designing for people with for people to find their way disabilities makes access around, can improve access to easier for everyone and public transport as well as encourages more people to relating better to the use public buildings and surrounding context. spaces. moving around easily

Streets should discourage speeding traffic and offer a safe and attractive space for all users. (Traffic calmed main street including cycle lane and wide pavements - Utrecht, The Netherlands).

BALANCE THE NEEDS OF CARS Streets should be designed to Pedestrian only streets must be AND PEDESTRIANS discourage speeding traffic. The designed and considered Streets should do more than just ratio of building height to width, carefully and should generally accommodate traffic. They street trees, building placement, only be an option in areas that should offer a safe and attractive road alignment, smaller corner are busy with activity and space for everyone who uses radii, surface textures and pedestrians at most times of the them. A range of street types physical traffic calming day and night. from home zones to boulevards measures are all ways to reduce Pedestrian only streets can can be designed to provide a vehicle speeds. offer an attractive car free high standard of urban design as Designing streets for low environment, especially in well meet the engineering vehicle speeds can reduce the busy city centre shopping requirements of any situation. severity and number of areas. On quieter streets and Making walking and cycling a accidents so streets become outside busy periods, large safe and pleasant experience attractive and useful amenity pedestrianised areas can feel can do much to encourage space. hostile and threatening and people to use cars less often. Reducing speeds through allow more crime to occur. design is self enforcing.

Streets should do more than just accommodate traffic.

Pedestrian only streets can offer an attractive car free environment but only when they are busy with activity. moving around easily

Buildings set back behind a large surface car park do little for the public realm or pedestrian access.

Secure cycle parking should be Car parking should not dominate incorporated in a convenient developments. The manner and location within developments. level of car parking will be Cycle parking makes it easier judged on the merits of each for people to cycle rather than situation and context. In general drive. however, large surface car parks in front of buildings will NOT be acceptable. The manner and level of parking provision can allow higher densities where this is appropriate with more amenity space and more active frontages and streets. Buildings set back behind a large surface car park do little for the public realm and make pedestrian access more difficult. Over provision of car parking can encourage car use and spoil the quality of a place. High parking provision is not appropriate where alternative means of transport are readily Car parking should available. not dominate developments. moving around easily

Single aspect flats hiding the impact of the multi-storey car park behind it - St. Pauls Square, Birmingham. safe places, private spaces

Streets and public spaces should feel safe and pleasant.

16 safe places, private spaces

PEOPLE need to be able to move around easily in places that feel safe and pleasant. Streets and public spaces should be designed so as many people as possible want to use them for a variety of reasons. At the same time people living in these areas need to feel their homes are private whilst having convenient 3 access to facilities. safe places, private spaces

Backs within a block

Fronts onto the street

Building fronts should face public space whilst backs should be private and be contained within a block.

SKETCH BY GEORGE LEICH

DEFINE THE PUBLIC AND PRIVATE REALM There should be a clear Fronts facing public space Buildings should generally definition of the public and provide natural surveillance reinforce and define streets and private realm. Building fronts so streets feel safer. spaces and follow a coherent should overlook public space, Fronts improve the visual building line usually set from the including streets, squares and character of the public realm. context. Some allowance can be canals. Backs should be private Backs facing backs within a made for corners, relief in and face other backs within a block increases security and massing and entrance features. development block. This privacy and hides ‘messy’ Buildings directly facing provides secure spaces such as features such as bin stores, public space, with a coherent courtyards, gardens or managed plant, loading bays etc. building line, increase contact semi private space including car High fences and walls and overlooking of the street, parking/servicing areas. Backing backing onto public space are and provide a sense of onto public space should be visually disruptive. They also enclosure. avoided. reduce overlooking of public areas and can compromise security and privacy. Perimeter block development can hide the large proportion of blank walls inherent in large buildings such as cinemas and retail People need to be able to warehouses. It also makes better use of limited design budgets by concentrating move around easily. most efforts on the public face rather than the private side, which is hidden within the block. safe places, private spaces

Frontages should be ‘active’...

BUILD IN ACTIVE FRONTAGES Where there is a slope, buildings Frontages should be as ‘active’ should sit on ‘real ground’ and as possible particularly at step down the hill if it is ground level. Main windows to desirable to go across rather more public rooms, and in the than along ground contours. right context, lively features such Large monolithic ‘slabs’ are not as balconies, roof terraces and acceptable. shop-fronts, should face public Stepping down the hill is space. Facing public space with visually desirable, allows deadening elements such as ground floor entrances and long runs of blank wall and windows and avoids blank external security shutters should walls at ground level. generally be avoided. ‘Active’ frontages with windows enliven public space and increases surveillance and security without using negative deadening features like security shutters. ...and avoid deadening elements such as blank walls and solid security shutters. The main access to buildings should be from the public realm with well-defined entrances at frequent intervals. Entrances - the transition between public and private space - should be Frontages should be as designed to be obvious and accessible. More entrance points ‘active’ as possible. encourage more life and activity onto the street. This can make places feel safe and secure. safe places, private spaces

Good public space enhances the city’s image Corners should be built positively. and provides a valuable amenity.

Corners should be built DESIGN ATTRACTIVE STREETS More detailed design Good public space enhances positively to enhance legibility AND SPACES considerations include: the city’s image, provides a and the visual surveillance of New streets and public spaces boundaries and transitions, valuable amenity and public space. Blank gable ends should incorporate a public amount and type of seating, improves the setting of and large areas of blank wall realm strategy in their design to lighting, choice of materials, surrounding buildings. It should be avoided. make them safe, pleasant and planting, level changes, public calls for careful design and Corners are prominent and useable by many people with art, information and signage and thought about the best use of important features that help different needs. General aspects management and maintenance. space. orientate people and enhance to consider include: local Features such as seating and The long term success of an the identity of a place. Badly character, existing landscape signage should be well designed, area is influenced by adequate designed corners are features, the size and type of and located where best needed management and particularly noticeable and space, location and prominence, whilst avoiding clutter. A maintenance to avoid a run detract from the townscape. connections to the wider area, management and maintenance down appearance. circulation patterns and desire agreement will be encouraged Management agreements can lines, variety of uses for shared areas not adopted by also avoid disputes over surrounding the space, ratio of the City Council. responsibility. building height to width, design of surrounding buildings and microclimate. Good public space enhances the city’s image. safe places, private spaces

Poor quality public space benefits no-one.

Public space that is poorly Streets and public space should located, low quality and of a be well lit, avoiding dark corners. form and layout that limits its It is also important to consider usefulness will NOT be the impact of buildings at night. acceptable. People use public space at all No-one benefits from left over times and so should feel safe space that serves little at all times. Considering the purpose. Public space should impact of a building at night be designed as an integral at the design stage can be and complementary part of dramatic and enhance the the development. city’s landscape.

Boundary treatment should enhance and define public space. Low quality treatment such as palisade or close board fencing is seldom appropriate for a boundary to public space. Good quality boundary treatments contribute to the visual character of an area, It is important to provide a good transition between public and private areas and offer security and a defensible space. consider the impact of buildings at night. safe places, private spaces

It is important to consider the impact of buildings at night. building for the future

It is important we do not lose valuable wildlife and recreational resources to inappropriate development.

22 building for the future

PLACES should be socially, environmentally and economically sustainable. The location, form and layout of development can reduce car use, resource consumption and emissions as well as creating places that people enjoy. Buildings and spaces should also be adaptable to enhance their long-term viability; and built to minimise adverse effects on the environment such as the release of harmful emissions 4 and wasteful use of energy. building for the future

Good quality existing buildings should always be considered for re-use.

DETERMINE THE IMPACT OF RE-USE EXISTING BUILDINGS CONSIDER FUTURE CHANGE DEVELOPMENT Good quality existing buildings The form and layout of Consideration should be given in should always be considered for developments should consider the first instance to the re-use rather than demolition future change for example environmental impact of and replacement allowing links not currently development. For example some Re-using buildings avoids the available (see also moving sites may be an important energy and resource depletion around easily). wildlife or recreation resource, associated with providing a It is essential that short-term subject to flooding or may be new building. decisions do not prejudice located close to hazardous Retaining and re-using beneficial future changes. substances making them existing buildings can avoid inappropriate to develop. wholesale clearance of areas, Consultation with the the loss of local character and appropriate bodies will be the break-up of communities. required. Many older buildings can be It is important we do not lose significant to the community irreplaceable ecosystems or and have historic and subject future occupiers to townscape importance. unnecessary dangers. A mix of building ages can offer more variety in the character of an area. A mix of building ages can Good quality existing potentially lead to a mix of rental profiles/sales values and homes offering more buildings should always choice to people. be considered for re-use. building for the future

Dutch sustainable housing design including solar panels.

Easily maintained buildings with a flexible internal layout and structure will be encouraged. The structure and layout of properties should have the potential to enlarge and adapt. Easily maintained buildings last longer and avoid creating a run down image. Flexible building plans can be easily adapted and allow conversion to other uses. This is more cost effective in the long term and makes for more sustainable places.

Provided there is no conflict with existing/proposed trees, underground services such as A stormwater wetland and balancing pond forms the electricity cables should be laid Since street patterns can focus of a housing redevelopment in London. where they are easily accessible survive for centuries, services with minimal disruption e.g. under the street are usually Photo: The Environment Agency under pavements with the most flexible, avoiding removable paving. Shared expensive re-routing to service trenches will also be accommodate redevelopment. encouraged. Laying services under removable paving results in less visual disruption if future access to services is needed. Shared service trenches minimise land take and costs and make it easier to avoid trees etc. building for the future

Retention of landscape features such as important trees can enhance developments.

MINIMISE ENVIRONMENTAL The design of buildings and ‘GREEN’ THE CITY Depending on the context, HARM spaces should consider the local Natural features such as planting new trees (including New and refurbished buildings microclimate such as ensuring important trees, wetlands and street trees and trees along should minimise environmental adequate sunlight and shade other valuable natural features transport corridors) and well effects. Measures to incorporate where required and avoiding should generally be retained and conceived and designed include high standards of turbulence from high buildings. sensitively incorporated into landscaped areas such as thermal and noise insulation, Care in orientation and developments. squares and parks will be environmentally friendly design can reduce energy use, Natural features provide strongly encouraged. This may materials, recycling and heating bills and the use of important ecological and be required by legal agreement. conservation measures and the fossil fuels and harmful wildlife habitats as well as Long term management and use of alternative forms of emissions in buildings. contributing to the special maintenance schemes should energy. Comfortable buildings and character of a place. also be adopted. The type of A safer and cleaner spaces are more popular - landscaped area will be largely environment benefits ensuring their long-term set from the context and type of everyone. success. development, however soft Low energy/water use reduces rather than predominantly hard the consumption of declining The use of sustainable drainage/ landscape can have a number of natural resources and the water systems will be benefits. level of environmentally encouraged. The ‘greening’ of cities can harmful emissions. The use of sustainable enhance their attractiveness Low energy use and heating/ drainage can limit the waste as well as their ecological water bills can free income of water, reduce ground water value. for other uses. pollution and the risk of Soft landscaping and green A good standard of noise flooding. space can reduce water run insulation makes high density off and can provide an mixed use development more important wildlife habitat. attractive and sustainable. The ‘greening’ of cities can enhance their attractiveness. build on local character

Nodal points (where routes meet) are often marked by landmarks and commercial uses.

26 build on local character

MANY developments in recent In certain circumstances years have ignored their local character may conflict with the context. Unsuitable building other principles, therefore forms and landscaping has solutions will be judged on their damaged the character of many own merits. Good planning and parts of Birmingham. Similarly, urban design reasons may routes through an area can be occasionally justify a confusing where they lead to development that departs unexpected dead ends and when significantly from its context for pedestrian and vehicle routes particularly high quality are separated. This undermines innovative proposals. Where local character and the legibility there is little of positive of places making it difficult for significance to build on, there is people to find their way around. an opportunity to create a new Proposals should demonstrate place with its own distinctive that they have considered the character. local context and the legibility of 5 the layout. build on local character

Existing routes and uses should be considered. As well as being a route, features such as railway lines and roads can be an Focusing on landmarks is often beneficial. edge/barrier and act as a transition between districts of differing character.

High quality contemporary design that has evolved from the local context and culture should be the aim.

This guide does not prescribe solutions for every detailed aspect of building in relation to local character. There is a danger that design guide ‘solutions’ with the tick and cross approach can themselves become standard solutions used everywhere. It is important to build on local character, not necessarily copy it. High quality, contemporary design that has evolved from the local context and culture should be the intention.

High quality contemporary design. build on local character

Street patterns and widths can vary enormously and require a differing response.

STUDY THE CONTEXT Reference to this analysis should Where development is be included in the design considered appropriate, the statement. The extent of the positive and negative analysis will depend on the characteristics of the site and nature and scale of the the local context must be development. Development analysed to determine their affecting listed buildings and special qualities. conservation areas will require particular care and thoroughness General features to consider in terms of its relationship. include existing routes and uses, A careful analysis of the local nodal points, landmarks, edges/ character will inform the best barriers, topography, existing response to the context trees and natural features, resulting in a more successful historic buildings and and appropriate development. archaeological features, views, Popular places are often street patterns and widths familiar and distinctive. Local including historic street patterns, distinctiveness is what gives building heights including floor an area its character and helps to ceiling heights, scale, massing people find their way about and building type. the city.

More detailed design elements Plot widths, include vertical/horizontal vertical/horizontal rhythm rhythm, relationship of solid to and features such as void, skyline, materials, corner windows are important treatment, colour, windows, considerations. doors, wall/ground level details, Left: Narrow plot, vertical landscaping, boundary treatment rhythm, narrow windows. and public art. Right: Wide plot, horizontal rhythm, wide industrial window plans. build on local character

Building height, massing and building types should vary according to the context.

RESPOND TO THE CONTEXT Responding to the context can The design should reinforce and ensure the unique identity of evolve local characteristics that a place is not harmed as well are considered positive. Care as avoid any potential adverse should be taken not to impact on neighbouring detrimentally affect positive buildings, landscape and townscape and landscape uses. features including neighbouring buildings, spaces, natural features and uses e.g. by significant overshadowing, removal of important trees, loss of important buildings, spaces and so on. Local characteristics considered poor in terms of urban design and which undermine the overall character of an area, should not be used as a precedent e.g. buildings that back onto the public realm or over-scaled buildings.

Responding to the context can ensure the unique identity of a place is not harmed. build on local character

Landscaping and public realm design should be appropriate to the context. build on local character

Contrasting characters - large scale City Core business district (top right of picture) making way to the industrial lower scale Jewellery Quarter (bottom left). further reading

32 appendix Afurther reading CITY COUNCIL POLICY further reading Birmingham City Council (1993). The Birmingham Plan (Birmingham Unitary Development Plan 1993). (Deposit Draft Alterations published May 2001). Birmingham City Council. Birmingham City Council (1997). Visions - Transportation Strategy. Birmingham City Council. Birmingham City Council (1997). The Design of New Streets, Residential Areas. Birmingham City Council Transportation Department. Birmingham City Council (2000). Affordable Housing (draft). Birmingham City Council. Birmingham City Council. The 45 degree Code Guidelines for House Extensions. Birmingham City Council. Birmingham City Council. Canalside Development in Birmingham Design Guidelines. Birmingham City Council. Birmingham City Council (1989). Access for People with Disabilities. Birmingham City Council. Tibbalds, Colbourne, Karski, Williams (1990). City Centre Design Strategy. Birmingham City Council.

GOVERNMENT GUIDANCE DETR (1998). DoE/DoT (2nd edn. 1992). Places, Streets and Movement, A companion guide to Design Bulletin Design Bulletin 32, Residential Roads and Footpaths - Layout 32, Residential Roads and footpaths. Considerations. HMSO. HMSO. DETR (1998). DoE (1997). Planning for the Communities of the Future. PPG1: General Policy and Principles. HMSO. HMSO. DETR (2000). DoE(1993). PPG3: Housing. PPG 6: Town Centre and Retail Development. HMSO. HMSO. DTLR (2001). DoE (1999). By Design Better Places to Live - a companion guide to PPG3. PPG 13: Transport. Thomas Telford Publishing. HMSO. DoE (1994). PPG 15: Planning and the Historic Environment. HMSO. DoE (1994). Circular 05/94 Planning Out Crime. The Stationery Office. further reading

RECOMMENDED READING OTHER USEFUL TEXTS Bentley I et al (1985). Aldous T (1992). Responsive Environments. Urban Villages: A concept for creating mixed-use urban Butterworth-Heinemann Ltd. developments on a sustainable scale. Urban Villages Group. Cooper Marcus C & Francis C (1998). People Places, Design Guidelines for Urban Open Space. Arnold H F (1993) (2nd edn.). Van Nostrand Reinhold. Trees in Urban Design. Van Nostrand Reinhold. DETR/Commission for Architecture and the Built Environment (2000). BRECSU (1997). By Design - Urban design in the planning system: towards better Planning for Passive Solar Design. practice. BRE. Thomas Telford Publishing. CAE (1999). Jacobs J (1961). Designing for Accessibility (an essential guide for public buildings). The Death and Life of Great American Cities. Nutmeg House. Penguin. Civic Trust (1998). Llewelyn -Davies (2000). Sustainable Renewal of Suburban Areas. Urban Design Compendium. Joseph Rowntree Foundation. English Partnerships/The Housing Corporation. Coleman A (1990). Rudlin D & Falk N (1999). Utopia on Trial. Building the 21st Century Home. Hilary Shipman Ltd. Architectural Press, Butterworth-Heinemann Ltd. Colquhoun I (1999). University of West of England (1995). RIBA Book of 20th Century British Housing. Sustainable Settlements - A Guide for Planners, Designers and Architectural Press, Butterworth-Heinemann Ltd. Developers. Colquhoun I & Fauset P G (1991). University of West of England. Housing Design. Urban Task Force (1999). B T Batsford. Towards an Urban Renaissance, Final Report of the Urban Task Force. Coupland A (ed) (1997). E & F N Spon. Reclaiming the City Mixed Use Development. E & FN Spon. further reading

Devon County Council (1991). Llewelyn-Davies/LPAC (2000). Traffic Calming Guidelines. Sustainable Residential Quality - Exploring the housing potential of Devon County Council. large sites. LPAC. Duany A & Plater-Zyberk E (1991). Towns and Town Making Principles. Lynch K (1960). Harvard University Graduate School of Design. The Image of the City. MIT Press. Environment Agency. Environmental Good Practice Guide, Urban Redevelopment for McGlynn S & Hayward R (eds) (1993). Industrial Uses. Making Better Places. Environment Agency. Architectural Press, Butterworth-Heinemann Ltd. Essex Planning Officers Association (1997). Newman P & Kenworthy J (1999). The Essex Design Guide for Residential and Mixed Use Areas. Sustainability and Cities, Overcoming Automobile Dependence. Essex Planning Officers Association & Essex County Council. Island Press. Goodchild B (1997). Places, Summer 1997 Vol. 11 No. 2. Housing and the Urban Environment, a guide to housing design, Streets: Old Paradigm, New Investment. renewal and urban planning. Sherlock H (1991). Blackwell Science. Cities are Good for Us. Hertzberger H (1991). Paladin. Lessons for Students in Architecture. Southworth M & Ben-Joseph E (1997). 010 Publishers. Streets and the Shaping of Towns and Cities. Hillier B (1996). Mcgraw Hill. Space is the Machine. State of Western Australia (1997). Cambridge University Press. Liveable Neighbourhoods Community Design Code. Jacobs A (1993). Western Australian Planning Commission. Great Streets. Transport 2000 (1999. MIT Press. Living Streets. Llewelyn-Davies/LPAC (1998). Transport 2000. Sustainable Residential Quality - new approaches to urban living. LPAC. acknowledgements/contact

36 acknowledgements contact

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS CONTACT Thanks to all those who gave Kenny Brown help and advice including the Principal Urban Designer use of material. Design Policy Planning Department Particular thanks to Colin Smith Birmingham City Council and Bharat Patel from the Alpha Tower Planning Department Graphics Suffolk Street Queensway Team. Birmingham B1 1TU

Tel: (0121) 303 3223 Fax: (0121) 303 3193 E-mail: [email protected] notes

37 notes

38 places for all