Liveable Autumn 2012 Urban Design Group Journal cities 124 Urban Issn 1750 712x — £5.00 urban design in Delivering quality Atkins’ interdisciplinary approach allows us to develop the middle east multi-layered solutions to complex urban problems that encompass vehicle, pedestrian and spatial issues – on Design urban places schemes of all scales and sizes. By embedding best practice and exemplar design in all that we do, we have developed a strong track record in facilitating the delivery of some of the most successful and award winning public realm schemes and masterplans.

Our offices in the UK and across the Middle East are working with public and private sector partners to improve the fabric of towns and cities around the globe – designing and delivering schemes that encourage cycling and walking and put sustainable travel at the heart of the built environment.

URBAN Find out more at DESIGN www.atkinsglobal.com GROUP URBAN DESIGN GROUP NewsUDG Update

It is customary for an incoming Chair to use more information about that, as we want to view from the their first column as an opportunity to set hear YOUR views on what we do and what we out their aspirations for the two years of should be doing. chair their tenure. However, I find myself writing But back to the Games. We were told that this as we are approaching the mid-point of London would put the city before the sport the Games of the XXX Olympiad, and as we when it came to designing the Olympic Park. are constantly reminded, it is a once-in-a- This was a reaction to the unused, leftover generation event, I don’t want to miss the buildings from past games, and came with a opportunity to write about it, which means promise that London would not be left with I will try to cover both! similar white elephants. But what of the However, I want to start by paying tribute urban design legacy? Barcelona is normally my predecessor Amanda Reynolds (and no, hailed as the first Games to leave a last- we are not related – I know it’s a question on ing urban design legacy, but will we see the many people’s minds!) for all her efforts over same? Is the park more than a collection of the past two years. Together as a group we iconic buildings in a nice landscape? How have achieved a lot in this time, and I hope does it function as a place, a community, or that is something I can continue. a new piece of the urban fabric of London? So what are my aims? I want to look I am not sure that we have the answers to at strengthening links with the other built many of these questions yet, but no doubt we environment professions, expanding our will in time. Once the afterglow of the Games relationships to work together in devising so- success has faded, many of the athletes will lutions to the challenges our towns and cities soon be getting back into training and look- will face in the future – starting with a joint ing forward to Rio in four years time, but I event on Water Sensitive Urban Design in the suspect that our own Olympic journey will autumn. We are also going to be undertak- just be starting. ing a major review of the membership in the Paul Reynolds coming months, so please keep an eye out for •

policy on Architecture and Place-making is- If you are interested in receiving a quote UDG News sued by the Scottish Government. The image when your renewal is due, please consult the presented by such policies is often domi- UDG website. nated by ‘top-end’ buildings on capacious plots but, to have wider relevance, they must UDG Website Upgrade National Conference on Urban address quality in the places where the bulk We are grateful to our volunteer web de- Design 2012 of the population live and work. Function signer, UDG member Ed Povey of Brightpie The UDG’s 30th conference will be its biggest matters as much as aesthetics. The second (www.brightpie.com), who has migrated the and most ambitious yet. Tackling the core challenge is turning place-making policy into website to a more reliable service provider issue of the Value of Urban Design, we hope action. Clients need to be aware of the value and added new features which will shortly be to attract developers, house builders and of place-making; politicians must take an ac- introduced to offer members a better service. politicians so that they can see what quality tive and visionary lead; and the procurement urban design has to offer their businesses process needs to have place-making and sus- The UDG is about YOU and communities. tainability deeply embedded. UDG Scotland The UDG lives on enthusiasm, ideas, advice With over 30 speakers and workshop will be submitting a response. and good will. Please keep in touch and let leaders, the conference will bring together us know if you have suggestions of things we the latest and most in-depth thinking on the New Research Initiative can do to help improve the practice of urban value of urban design. Many thanks to Louise The UDG has made funding available to design. Thomas and Georgia Butina-Watson (Oxford support an applied research project. If you Robert Huxford and Louise Ingledow Brookes University) for putting together the would like to apply, please see full details on • programme. the UDG website and submit your proposal by 9 November 2012. Should all countries have a policy on place-making? Insurance for Urban Design Francis Newton, co-convenor of UDG Practices Scotland, recently attended a workshop at The UDG bespoke insurance scheme for ur- Architecture and Design Scotland on the draft ban design practices is proving to be popular.

Current subscriptions Annual membership rates UD practice index and on the udg website) Urban Design is free to Urban Design Group Uk individuals £40 uk students £20 Local authorities £100 (including two members who also receive newsletters and International individuals £50 copies of Urban Design) the directory at the time of printing Recognised practitioner in urban Uk libraries £40 design £80 International libraries £50 UDG Office Practices £250 (including a listing in the UD Individual issues of Urban Design cost £5 Tel 020 7250 0872/0892 practice index and on the UDG website) Email [email protected] Education £100 (including a listing in the Contents Contents

This issue has been generously sponsored by Update FRANCIS TIBBALDS AWARDS ATKINS Lifetime Communities 3 PRACTICE SHORTLIST Garden Cities 3 Allies and Morrison, District//S, Lebanon 34 Cover How to create a Quality Town 4 Atkins, Belfast Streets Ahead 36 Kuwait City CBD, Photograph by UDG Chair’s Event: Women in Urban Burns & Nice, Leicester Square 38 Jody Sanders, Spindrift Consulting Design 4 Fletcher Priest, Stratford City/ Urban Design and Localism 5 2012 Athletes Village 40 Future Issues Urban Design Group AGM 6 NEW Masterplanning, Filwood Park, Issue 125 – Mixed Streets Design Council Cabe – Australia 7 South Bristol, 42 Issue 126 – The Value of Urban Design The Urban Design Library #6 8 Richard Partington Architects, The Urban Design Interview - Katy Neaves 9 Derwenthorpe Phase 2, York 44

Liveable Autumn 2012 TOPIC: THE MIDDLE EAST PUBLISHERS AWARD BOOK REVIEWS Urban Design Group Journal cities 124 URBAN ISSN 1750 712X — £5.00 Introduction: Farnaz Arefian 10 Introduction, Alastair Donald 46 Challenges of Sustainable Development Eran Ben-Joseph, Rethinking a lot, URBAN DESIGN IN Delivering quality Atkins’ interdisciplinary approach allows us to develop THE MIDDLE EAST around the Persian Gulf, Ahmad Zohadi 12 MIT Press 46 multi-layered solutions to complex urban problems that encompass vehicle, pedestrian and spatial issues – on DESIGN urban places schemes of all scales and sizes. By embedding best practice and exemplar design in all that we do, we have developed a Revisiting Open Space in Beirut, Fadi Peter Bishop and Lesley Williams, strong track record in facilitating the delivery of some of the most successful and award winning public realm schemes and masterplans. Shayya, 14 The Temporary City, Routlegde 46 Our offices in the UK and across the Middle East are working with public and private sector partners to improve the fabric of towns and cities around the globe – designing and delivering schemes Urban Space Diversity in Doha, Richard Brook and Nick Dunn, that encourage cycling and walking and put sustainable travel at the heart of the built environment. Qatar, Ashraf Salama 17 Urban Maps, Ashgate 47 Working in the Middle East, Jody Andrew L. Dannenberg et al, Sanders 20 Making Healthy Places, Island Press 48 Growing Trends in Urban Design Projects in Katherine Farley and Deborah Berke, Iran, Farnaz Arefian, Bahman Adibzadeh and Urban Intersections: São Paulo, Shapour Divsalar 22 WW Norton & Co 48 Approaches to the Public Realm, Jonathan Tarbatt, The Plot, RIBA Paul Fraser 26 Publishing 49 Urban Design in Egypt, Rania Raslan and Ali Bakr 28 Practice Index 50 Dubai Pedway Development Strategy, Education Index 56 URBAN Becci Taylor 30 Find out more at DESIGN www.atkinsglobal.com GROUP Urban Design Education in Iran, Iraj Etessam Endpiece URBAN DESIGN and Jahanshah Pakzad 32 Severance disagreement, Joe Holyoak 57 GROUP

Design’ and will take place at the University WEDNESDAY 28 NOVEMBER 2012 DIARY OF of Oxford’s Saïd Business School and the Kevin Lynch Memorial Lecture 2012 University of Oxford Brookes. Experts from This year’s lecture will feature speakers from EVENTS a variety of backgrounds will examine the the team behind the landmark publication many different arguments around the value of Responsive Environments who won the 2012 urban design – including financial, social and UDG Lifetime Achievement Award. Unless otherwise indicated, all LONDON environmental benefits – and consider how events are held at The Gallery, 70 Cowcross best to convey these to clients and decision- DECEMBER 2012 (DATE TBC) Street, London EC1M 6EJ at 6.30 pm. Tickets makers in the face of spending cuts and risk Urban Design Group Christmas Celebration on the door from 6.00pm. £3.00 for full price aversion. The UDG’s annual celebration of the UDG members and £7.00 for non-members; The conference is being run in full col- festive season – as always held in a quirky £1.00 for UDG member students and £3.00 laboration with Oxford Brookes University’s and inspiring setting. for non-member students. For further details Joint Centre for Urban Design (JCUD), which see www.udg.org.uk/events/udg is celebrating its 40th anniversary, and it will JANUARY 2013 (DATE TBC) also include a hands-on master class working Mixed Streets THURSDAY 9 OCTOBER 2012 on one of Oxford’s major development oppor- Picking up the theme of Urban Design issue SUDS & Green Infrastructure tunities, walking tours and the UDG’s unmiss- 125, this event will look at the future of mixed An evening looking at the latest practice in able annual dinner in the beautiful setting of streets, including long term economic and making the most of water and nature in the Pembroke College. social changes and the decline in place- built environment, with presentations from based retail through to practical urban CIRIA (the Construction Industry Research WEDNESDAY 14 NOVEMBER 2012 design options. and Information Association) and Peter Urban Design Practice: An International Owens of Colour Urban Design Ltd. Review – Launch Event Official launch event for this excellent new 18-20 OCTOBER 2012 publication, edited by Sebastian Loew. The The National Conference on Urban Design evening will feature speakers with diverse This UDG’s 30th conference will address international experience plus the opportunity the timely theme of ‘The Value of Urban to purchase the book.

Issue 124 – Autumn 2012 – Urban Design — 1 Leader A REALLY USEFUL SOURCE

Following a British summer dominated by water emotional associations? And will it mean that shortages, intense rainfall and the Olympics, organisations charged with making large-scale two past issues of Urban Design have proved urban change be trusted to deliver, and in a very useful in setting the context to what the way that affects people positively? country has witnessed. Issue 116 (Autumn This issue celebrates the growing 2010) on Olympic legacies drew together a significance of urban design in the Middle pertinent collection of Olympic master planning East, from the qualitative values that it brings tales, from London 2012 to Berlin 1936, with to development to the need for more cultural Kotzen and Güler following up with a critique and socially-relevant design solutions. The of London’s plans in Issue 118. Given the contributors represent the rich mix that is the widespread scepticism about the value of the Middle East, from Egypt to Iran, Lebanon to Olympics coming to London and its impacts, it Dubai in United Arab Emirates, and reflect on is interesting to consider the design processes how social and political shifts are changing and new places afterwards. Whether a people’s expectations of how they want to live. spectator, visitor, competitor or armchair critic, We are also delighted to feature this the drama of human achievement and effort year’s Urban Design Awards entries – the six which has taken place in Stratford and other shortlisted Francis Tibbalds Practice Award venues cannot be easily dismissed. case studies, and the six shortlisted books Has early cynicism and concern for the loss reviewed for the Publisher Award. The ideas of less glamorous places been overturned and design quality captured in both of these by positive associations and a sense of categories shows that urban design continues belonging? Emotional experiences, good to evolve better ways of communicating and or bad, colour so much of how we view the building places. urban environment, and change constantly • Louise Thomas as we do. Will the 2012 legacy include these

Urban Design Group Editorial Board Design Chairman Paul Reynolds John Billingham, Matthew Carmona, trockenbrot (Claudia Schenk and Anja Sicka) Patrons Irena Bauman, Alan Baxter, Tim Catchpole, Richard Cole, Alastair Donald, www.trockenbrot.com Sir Richard MacCormac, Dickon Robinson, Tim Hagyard, Joe Holyoak, Liezel Kruger, Helle Søholt, Lindsey Whitelaw and John Sebastian Loew, Jane Manning, Malcolm Printing Henry Ling Ltd Worthington Moor, Judith Ryser, Louise Thomas © Urban Design Group ISSN 1750 712X

Office Editors Advertising enquiries Urban Design Group Louise Thomas (this issue) Please contact UDG office 70 Cowcross Street and Sebastian Loew Material for publication London EC1M 6EJ [email protected] Please send text by email to the Tel 020 7250 0892 [email protected] editors, images to be supplied at a Email [email protected] Book Review Editor high-resolution (180mm width @300dpi) Website www.udg.org.uk Richard Cole preferably as jpeg

2 — Urban Design – Autumn 2012 – Issue 124 Update Lifetime Communities The Gallery, London 8 May 2012

Three speakers gave a well-illustrated view of what lifetime communities are and why we should be planning for them. The demo- graphics of our ageing population mean that we will need to accommodate an extra 3.8 million pensioners over the next twenty five years. David Birkbeck of Design for Homes showed how extra care flats can be integrat- are so high and space standards so low. The outlined the background to the HAPPI Report ed within high density mixed development speakers argued that the market will drive Housing our Ageing Population: Panel for without feeling like a care home. Flexible change increasing range and housing types Innovation established in June 2009 to tackle layouts also include generous balcony spaces as developers follow the equity held by this the question: ‘what further reform is needed to enjoy the sun. older age group. Even though only about to ensure that new build specialised housing Community greenhouses form part of the 3,000 out of the 250,000 new homes built meets the needs and aspirations of the older green communal spine of the HTA designed during the boom years were specifically for people of the future?’ Hanham Hall – a CLG zero carbon lifetime the elderly, developers such as Berkeley The panel looked at twenty four schemes neighbourhood to the west of Bristol. The Homes see this as a market for innovative in six countries and found the best exam- houses are designed with sit-out spaces solutions and new ways of financing projects. ples in Scandinavia. The Neptuna scheme alongside the public realm to facilitate neigh- The view, however, that older single people at the heart of the B001 project in Malmo bourliness, and the management company is living in large properties can be persuaded was described as a social anchor to the new charged with encouraging resident interac- or inveigled to move out freeing up space for community, as its older residents and friends tion. HTA’s Steven Newman emphasised his families, goes against the grain of a group patronised the ground floor cafe of their five practice’s belief that a sustainable commu- with social links in their existing neighbour- storey block, and it had become the commu- nity needs a sizable stable population who hoods. Perhaps small infill schemes of extra nity hub of the Western Harbourside. wish to remain in the area. To provide a range care flats in back gardens that are too big for Seeing the older population as social and choice of accommodation to suit future elderly homeowners to manage is an answer. bonders for fledgling communities was a changes in residents’ needs 23 of the 195 Politicians call that garden grabbing, butExecutiv e Summary recurring theme in the innovative projects units reserved for the 50+ age group. ‘tenure-blind intergenerational integration’ is described by Andy von Bradsky, of PRP Archi- The well-engaged audience questioned a nicer if longer description. tects. Schemes including Kidbrook (illus- whether Scandinavian examples were rel- Malcolm Moor trated here), Lewisham and Portobello Road evant to the UK situation where land prices • Executive Summary

is inappropriate, as are bolt-on estates. Re-imagining Garden Imagination and quality are the essential Cities for the 21st principles. Henderson identified five issues for Century action: vision, leadership and governance; unlocking land at the right price; investing in The Gallery, London 23 May 2012 infrastructure and balancing risk and reward; planning ahead; and co-ordinating skills and delivery.

The UK needs more, better-quality and greener housing. range of employment opportunities and cultural Garden cities: a solution to the housing crisis, These require political support and long Many younger people want somewhere affordable to bring services; a complete mix of housing, including social up a family, and many of the older generation are looking and affordable housing; walkable neighbourhoods, tree- a new world of co-operation and community term commitment. A local development to comffostered.ortably ‘downsize’. P eopleHe w antcontrasted to live within lined a streets typical and high-qualit reary design; parkingvibrant parks; and positive, healthy, vibrant communities with easy access to opportunities for residents to grow their own food – the natural environment. Alongside providing homes, we while also promoting access to nature and spirit in the context of high design quality liv- framework could give the long term view and also needcourt to create housingjobs and support gro wthlayout in sustainable andopport unitiesthe for Garden biodiversity. City ap- locations and bring about a transition to a green economy. ing. These were the themes of Kate Hender- context, and Letchworth provides a stew- proach. In spite of the lowerFurthermore, thedensity Garden City pioneers achieved understood the The purpose of this report is to highlight ways in which powerful opportunity that new communities provide to sustainable new communities can be delivered using introduce governance structures that put local people at son and Patrick Clarke’s joint presentation to ardship model. Even the New Homes Bonus Gardenin Cit they principles. second, The potential to createClarke new claimedthe heart of their communitthaty plotand in ownership costs of Garden Cities and Suburbs as modern, healthy and community assets. an eager and full audience. could provide a way of de-risking infrastruc- desirablewere living and cheaper working communities in is immense.the Garden City. He claimed While there is no ‘silver bullet’ solution to unlocking the Over the last century Garden City ideals have proven to potential benefits offered by new Garden Cities and They presented work done for the Town ture investment. Best value development be outstthatandingly with durable. Places more like Letc hwcommunalorth and Suburbs todaopeny, a Garden space, Cities and Suburbs the Expert Welwyn Garden Cities and Hampstead Garden Suburb Group convened by the TCPA identified the need for and Country Planning Association (TCPA), should not be seen as the highest price for have Gardenstood the test of timeCity and remain presented highly desirable urgenta more action in fiv esatisfying principal areas, to address liv bar-riers today. Not only are they beautiful places, but they offer to the development of a new generation of world-class and Chief Executive Kate Henderson focussed homes, but should include social benefits. high-qualitingy lif environment.estyles that promote wellbeing; a wide communities. on the opportunities presented by current Partnerships between landowners and local I was unconvinced3 by this comparison – it government statements. She saw these as authorities would be needed, backed up with did not appear to be a testing of equals. If providing hope for a resurrection of Eben- compulsory purchase orders if necessary. A the commercial world of private enterprise ezer Howard’s original ideas. The TCPA has fuller version of Henderson’s presentation is is to be convinced, more work will need to established a Garden Cities and Suburbs available at: www.tcpa.org.uk/data/files/Cre- be done. Herein lies the rub: we live in a dif- Expert Group to act as catalyst to joint work- ating_Garden_Cities_and_Suburbs_Today.pdf ferent world to Howard and Unwin, gone are ing. The original Garden Cities movement had Patrick Clarke focused on reviewing Ray- the days of cheap agricultural land. Gone too a philanthropic basis, while today’s govern- mond Unwin's 1912 pamphlet Nothing gained are the days when central government would ment policies could act as a stimulus, given a by overcrowding! This was an important text consider compulsorily purchasing develop- recent mention by the prime minister. underpinning the Garden Suburb movement. ment land… Within a Garden City, housing alone is not Most significant was Clarke’s translation of Richard Cole enough – jobs are needed as part of a port- Unwin's ideas to current housing and how • folio of measures. Plot by plot development a higher quality of layout design could be

Issue 124 – Autumn 2012 – Urban Design — 3 Update

to generate ideas are part of this story. How to create a Maintaining coordination with the move to quality town Local Economic Partnerships was their latest challenge. The Gallery, London 12 June 2012 Allison Westray-Chapman demonstrated her ability to galvanise enthusiasm for quality places, no doubt a key part of the success at North East Derbyshire Council. Her back- With uncertainties about the government’s ground is in economic development but she commitment to urban design, it was encour- described how to win members over, gener- aging to hear of continuing leadership and ate local resources (with a lot of blagging) ambition by local authorities. All represented and turn around an authority to a culture of at the event were winners or shortlisted for design excellence but without a major budg- the Francis Tibbalds Public Sector Awards et. Links with a local college and in-house are advocates for quality place making (see training followed a skills audit. The Urban UD issues 117 and 121). The speakers’ diverse Design Academy provided a model for train- backgrounds (in economics and animal be- ing and development that reached members, haviour) were a reminder that place-making officers and groups beyond the authority. should not be isolated to a single department Urban designer Stefan Kruczkowski or officer within a local authority. speaking for North West Leicestershire Simon Eden, Chief Executive of Win- District Council, described its political ambi- chester City Council, set out how ten local tion to make places better and how a local authorities in South Hampshire have come accreditation scheme for new developments, In response to questions, the speakers together in a Quality Places Charter, and ‘Ourplace’, was raising consumer aware- agreed that places mattered rather than emphasised that if elected members do not ness. Developers can gain a rating for their numbers, and that to have a vision you have understand place-making, then progress will development at the point of sale and all de- to believe in your area. With cutbacks in be impossible. The type of language used is velopments were gaining A or A* ratings. This specialist urban design staff, the speakers therefore very important. In Hampshire, joint authority understands that granting planning argued that design adds value, and that to working across boundaries allowed urban de- permission is where it can exercise its great- keep members involved they should be taken sign to be brought in strategically as part of est power. Interestingly all three districts are to see good examples of urban design. As Al- an Economic Growth Objective with 80,000 using Building For Life (BFL) as policy and lison cleverly said, no local authority should homes and five new communities of up to to promote the marketing of new develop- ever be ashamed of what it has permitted. 8,000 people. Design awards, engagement ments, and NE Derbyshire has nine trained Tim Hagyard and a Practitioners Group of Urban Designers BFL assessors. •

(Kent County Council) hold senior positions built environment professions and requires UDG Chair’s Event: in the public sector or private consultancies cooperation with a large range of disciplines. Women in practising globally. Clients vary as well, ranging from developers Discussing first degrees and women’s to public authorities and local communities, Urban Design careers, the panel asked where were the fe- and women are skilled in flexible and open male 40% of students who study architecture communication. Opinions differed about The Gallery, London 20 June 2012 in the UK, as just 15% are now practising it? whether women showed solidarity to each Perhaps a girly attraction to the artistic side other in the competitive world of architec- of architecture did not match the tough world ture, which favours individual affirmation of practice. Very few women become engi- over collective aims. neers – 5-10% in the engineering profession, Perhaps the most difficult issue remains and only a third of RTPI members are women. work-life balance for women with a career. Landscape architecture has a more feminine Two of the speakers had house-husbands, edge with 45% women practitioners but only one no family commitments, while the other 17% in senior positions. Even in academia, three were juggling work and family. Child- less than five women are heads of schools of care is wanting in the UK and there is a lack of architecture. family-friendly policies. It may not be chance According to these statistics, the glass that practising female architects are often ceiling for women professionals is real in the married to other architects, allowing them built environment, although most speakers greater freedom to adapt their involvement had not experienced deliberate discrimina- in the firm to family commitments. Most of tion during their studies or at work. Not the speakers had strong female role models Outgoing UDG Chair Amanda Reynolds ended reaching the top had more to do with self- in their mothers, who were professionals or her term in discussion with five other women imposed limitations, lack of assertiveness, business women, giving them the drive to about their experiences of professional not aspiring to managerial heights, prefer- persevere in the profession, despite its male education, a career in the development ring project work to board rooms with male domination. industry, work-life balance and their role dominated developers. Women may also be There was consensus that gender was not models. The six women Amanda Reynolds (ar perfectionists and never satisfied with what relevant to surviving the current economic urbanism), Irena Merryweather (DLP design they produce. climate, but being able to adapt to new cur- consultancy), Kathryn Firth (London Legacy A recurrent assumption was that women rent policies and change. Women could po- Development Corporation), Tava Walton (Dar are good at teamwork and handling com- tentially help each other through mentoring Group), Alison Peters (urban regeneration plex situations. Thus they are attracted and celebrating their professional excellence. and design consultant), and Theresa Trussell to urban design which reaches across the • Judith Ryser 4 — Urban Design – Autumn 2012 – Issue 124 Update

and building networks. Independent prac- Independent Urban titioners will be given the opportunity to Designers – list their services and provide an illustra- tion of their work alongside key contact Urban Design details in the Directory, which features the UK’s leading urban design practices. The Directory entry 2013-15 Directory will be produced by Louise Thomas (joint editor of this journal) and will be specifically targeted at the development industry, public agencies, other professions, local communities, major public libraries For the first time, the very popular biannual and the usual UDG members in the UK and Urban Design Directory is inviting independ- overseas. The cost will be £75 per entry. To ent urban designers to subscribe to a new find out more about deadlines and format, section, aimed at promoting local knowledge please email [email protected]. •

our speaker Richard Simmons to express re- couple of days had failed to produce results. Localism cent changes to the English planning system. The issue may have been a lack of acceptance The Gallery, London 11 July 2012 He identified the concepts that underpin by the local community. Was there a role for localism including emergence (small-scale the expert? He cited an article in the Localism rules producing large-scale organisation), issue of Urban Design UD123, which identi- the wisdom of crowds, and nudge theory fied the absence of experts at the neighbour- (influencing individuals and groups). Hav- hood level as a barrier to achieving inclusive ing introduced localism as ranging from design. The future was for the community to the community being a consultee, to the be in overall control, but with advice from community being both client and builder, experts in a supporting role – an adjustment he asked: who will fund community engage- for the role of the urban designer towards ment? What is the role of urban designers in facilitation. developing smart communities, and should The ensuing discussion got lost in Neigh- they get paid for it? Will community activists bourhood Plans and residential development, promote or oppose? How will national in- rather than how people can use their enter- frastructure schemes like HS2 be reconciled prise to turn around a local economy. Past with the localism agenda? UDG Chair Amanda Reynolds spoke about What if the potential of the web and the potential for neighbourhood involve- mobile computing could be harnessed to ment in improving the public realm. People Communities in charge of their own destiny! support a local community? Michael Kohn understand the public realm: litter, poorly Victorian style municipal entrepreneurialism! of SliderStudio introduced the concept of maintained pavements, neglected trees and These were the bold phrases from ministers hyper-local websites – using the web to be landscaping, safer attractive streets and in the first days of the coalition Government. local, rather than global. He demonstrated hence a friendlier, happier neighbourhood. Two years on, with the Localism Bill and a the idea with Stickynotes – a website where From these issues, perhaps a stronger local National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) anyone can add notes onto a web-based map democracy would emerge that could tackle in place, where does localism stand? and local photographs. questions of long-term development, local The purpose of planning is to help The democratisation of planning and the transport, and economic development. The achieve sustainable development, and transfer of skills from the professional to risk is that this vitality and entrepreneurial- sustainable means ensuring that better lives the public was, in Joe Holyoak’s view, one of ism will die when confronted by bureaucracy for us does not mean worse lives for future the key challenges for localism. The Urban and procedure. generations; while development means Design Assistance Teams of the 1980s, was Robert Huxford growth. These were Greg Clark’s words in the one attempt at local action, but his experi- • introduction to the NPPF, and repeated by ence was that parachuting-in experts for a

Urban Design, with presentations drawn from local government; green infrastructure; The Value of leading developers, local authorities and spatial layout and property valuations; to Urban Design over 40 abstracts submitted from the UK and deliver better places, and design quality. overseas. The JCUD is running a hands-on • Social and community value - on why com- 18-20 October 2012 master class offering delegates a chance to munities need urban designers; building redesign Oxford’s last city centre regenera- community; cycling and design-led safety; tion area, with parallel walking tours around and urban design skills in disadvantaged its oldest and fast-changing areas. To book neighbourhoods. Looking forward, on October 18 – 20 the your space, please contact louise.ingledow@ • Better place-making - on the aesthet- Urban Design Group will hold its 30th Annual udg.org.uk or tel 020 7250 0892. ics that people value; empowering conference in partnership with the Joint Cen- local communities through plot-based tre for Urban Design (JCUD), Oxford Brookes The topics are in three areas: urbanism;sustainable urban neighbour- University, which is 40 years old. Running • Adding economic value - addressing the hoods; values and choices in the 21st cen- over three days in Oxford, the conference value of urban design to developers on tury suburb; and innovative urban design will address the central topic of The Value of mixed use and residential schemes and for teaching. • Issue 124 – Autumn 2012 – Urban Design — 5 Update

A survey of course content has been under- Urban Design Study Tour Urban Design Group’s taken, along with a survey of practitioner’s The 2012 UDG study tour visited Bordeaux Annual General research needs and usage. The results were and other Baroque towns in France and sent to the Design Council in support of their Germany. UDG Executive Committee member Meeting design research initiative. Alan Stones led a group of more than twenty participants to Paris, Nancy, Karlsruhe and The Gallery, London 20 June 2012 Events Group Mannheim, before moving on to Bordeaux to The events group, led by Paul Reynolds, has see the highlights of this spectacular city, led provided a varied programme of more than by Sebastian Loew. Trustees Report twenty events this year. Highlights included At the end of a busy year, the UDG elected the National Conference on Urban Design Research Initiative Paul Reynolds as its new chair. Outgoing 2011 at the University of Greenwich spon- Mike Biddulph, winner of the UDG’s first chair, Amanda Reynolds contributed greatly sored by Savills, entitled Cities 2030: Live- Research fund, presented his findings on the to raising the UDG’s profile and brought her Work-Play and focusing on the action that impact of Manual for Streets at the UDG con- energy to its campaigns and new initiatives. urban designers should take now to improve ference in 2011. A second round of research Membership subscriptions were slightly down the quality of urban life in twenty years’ time. funding will award £5,000 to a candidate for on the previous year’s figures, but featured an This year’s Kevin Lynch Memorial Lecture applied research on the positive impact of increase in Recognised Practitioner subscrip- featured Professor Christopher Alexander, good urban design. tions and libraries in the UK and overseas. winner of the UDG’s first Lifetime Achieve- Subscription rates remain unchanged for ment Award, in conversation with UDG patron Email Newsletter 2012-13, making it the eighth year since the John Worthington on his career and unique Urban Update – the UDG’s email newslet- last increase. views on architecture. ter service is now received by at least 1620 individuals, and is a concise monitoring Digitisation of Urban Design UDG Regions service of UK government websites, as well The digitisation of the journal is continuing, UDG’s activities in the regions take place as research in a wide range of urban design- with scanning completed and the process of thanks to volunteers who run events locally: related areas. creating versions of issues 10-30 underway. • Scotland – Convenors Francis Newton The first 10 issues of Urban Design are already and Jo White continue to organise events Street – Young Urban Designers available on the website. in Edinburgh and Glasgow, including an Network evening with Collective Architecture on Led by Katy Neaves, assisted by Niltay Tosun- Urban Design Directory Integrated Infrastructure Erdem, the London group STREET has run a John Billingham, who originally devised the • East Midlands – Convenor Laura Alvarez series of popular walking tours around Lon- Directory in 2006, has now stood down and ran an evening event in March on SuDS and don including Chiswick, Kingston and Exhibi- Louise Thomas has kindly agreed to take over Urban Design, which has been developed tion Road, plus Brighton in September. the production of the Directory from 2012. into a roadshow for other regional profes- • She is inviting members to become involved sional institutions in the new 2013-15 edition. • North West – STREET North West, based in Manchester and led by Emma Zukowski Financial Review 2012 National Urban Design Awards has run events in collaboration with North The National Urban Design Awards, first West Young Planners, including a net- Totals launched in 2007-08, were celebrated this working event, A Night at the Museum, INCOMING RESOURCES year at the Awards evening in February 2012, and tours of New East Manchester, Media Subscriptions £77,400 with over 150 guests from the professions, City, Corridor Manchester and the Co-op Publications and Awards £11,324 clients and policy-makers assembled at the headquarters Donation from Urban Design Royal United Services Institute on White- • Wales – Jonathan Vining and Jessica Services Ltd £11,038 hall. Awards were made in the categories of Richmond in Cardiff and student Serena UDSL Contribution to Office Costs £5,000 Practice, Student, Public Sector, Publisher Yao have been active in South Wales, and Activities to Generate Funds and Lifetime Achievement, the latter going to it is hoped that this will generate new Interest Received £740 the team behind Responsive Environments. events and initiatives in the future Inland Revenue: Gift Aid £5,192 The event was sponsored by Atkins (winner • Yorkshire – the new regional network in Miscellaneous Income £468 of the 2011 Practice Award), Tibbalds and Yorkshire, launched last year by Robert TOTAL INCOMING RESOURCES £111,162 Routledge, with the Francis Tibbalds Trust Thompson, was an important supporter continuing its generous support through of Sheffield Urban Design Week in October RESOURCES EXPENDED the provision of prizes for the Practice and 2011. Publications & Awards £29,587 Student winners. General £76,098 Plans are taking shape for the next UDG Patrons Development Expenditure £2,500 Awards evening in February 2013 at the The UDG’s patrons have all had an active Governance costs (accountancy) £1,080 Royal Overseas League Club, London. John involvement over the past twelve months. Billingham, who devised and developed the Contributions of particular note include John TOTAL RESOURCES EXPENDED £109,265 Awards, is handing over to Ivor Samuels, the Worthington’s central role in the Changing NET INCOMING RESOURCES new Chair of the Awards Group. The UDG is Chelmsford event in June 2011; Irena Bauman AND NET MOVEMENT IN FUNDS £1,897 greatly indebted to John for his hard work, as topic editor of issue 122 of Urban Design commitment and vision in making the Awards on Temporary Urbanism and the event in FUND BALANCES and other initiatives such a central part of the April 2012; Lindsey Whitelaw as member of BROUGHT FORWARD £121,526 group’s activity. the judging panel for the 2011-12 Awards and FUND BALANCES presenter of the Public Sector Awards; and CARRIED FORWARD £123,423 Education Group Alan Baxter who continues his long-standing The Education Group continued its work and committed support of the UDG and our CURRENT ASSETS £126,212 throughout 2011-12 led by Katy Neaves and goals. CURRENT LIABILITIES £2,790 Duncan Ecob with two meetings this year. TOTAL NET ASSETS £ 123,423

6 — Urban Design – Autumn 2012 – Issue 124 Update

IDC SA and Cabe entered into an agree- Design Council Cabe ment under which Cabe would provide prac- – Australia tical support to set up a state-wide Design Review process using its practice knowledge, advise on the alignment of the Design Review within the SA planning process, and modify, reset and distribute a number of CABE’s It may surprise some to learn that as a pub- existing publications. Pulling together Cabe’s lic sector body, CABE was restricted to work- way of doing Design Review into a best ing in England only, until March 2011. Since practice manual as well as preparing for a then we have begun exploring how we can three-day training programme for staff and work further afield and this article describes panel members at Adelaide happened with our first foray to Australia. In October 2011, unparalleled efficiency. we went to Adelaide to work with colleagues Design Review is not difficult and yet at the Integrated Design Commission and there are few that do it well. I have recently talk to them about Design Review. Working heard several reports of Cabe’s Design overseas has only become possible due to Review, my favourite being ‘Cabe delivers the surgical removal of CABE from the public the Rolls Royce of Design Review’, which I sector – a procedure aptly known as declas- suppose was the reason that IDC SA was keen sification. We merged with the Design Coun- to set this up properly – securing a licence cil to form an enterprising charity in April to use our methods and knowledge. They 2011. What initially seemed like a marriage wanted to know what makes the quality of of convenience has in fact worked well in our service excellent and the impact of our terms of bringing together two like-minded advice beneficial for all. Of course, the qual- organisations, working in different sectors to ity of advice is only as good as the Design form a single centre of excellence in design Review panel members but the impact of and innovation. CABE, now known as Cabe at the advice depends heavily on a robust and the Design Council, brought with it all of the defensible process. Good governance and intellectual property accumulated since its watertight policies is what makes the differ- inception in 1999. ence between Design Review advice that can CABE had always participated enthusias- stand public scrutiny or not. tically in the exchange of ideas and sharing of The best practice manual starts with the knowledge with partners in other countries. principles of Design Review through to prac- The Australian Urban Design Initiative, aka tice: what we do, how we do it and why do ‘CABE downunder’, was the outcome of one we it that way. Amidst other important things such healthy dialogue. Government Archi- happening at that time, such as the min- tects in the Australian states still play an im- ing boom, getting press coverage for Cabe’s portant role in the planning arena. However, Design Review training in Adelaide was great. the need for an independent view has been But being able to see our advice having an There is a tremendous opportunity to missed and talked about for years. Much of impact on the shaping of IDC’s processes, learn from other organisations that advocate this discussion comes together in the report in the short three-day visit, made it very the importance of design-led thinking being by Adelaide Thinker in Residence, Professor worthwhile. central to growth, innovation and develop- Laura Lee on An Integrated Design Strategy Cabe was publicly funded but it is soon ment. Our work with IDC is a first step for us for South Australia – Building the Future. going to be industry funded. This does not towards the creation of a global platform for Professor Lee advises on an Integrated Design mean we are becoming a commercial con- sharing knowledge and disseminating learn- Strategy that provides a holistic framework sultancy. We continue to be an independent ing. We expect there will be more opportuni- to guide design, planning and development in organisation that aims to improve the quality ties in other countries and look forward to South Australia. of design outcomes in the built environment these with confidence. Integrated Design Commission SA, for the benefit of the public, and we charge a Menaka Sahai, Senior Advisor, Cabe at the established in July 2010, sits within the fee for our good work. •Design Council Department of the Premier and Cabinet. The These top-level changes have had an Commission is working with State and local impact on our delivery processes, as they government and the design, planning and should. The transition from the Royal Fine development sector to enhance quality of Art Commission (1924-1998) to the Commis- life through a multi-disciplinary, design-led sion for Architecture and the Built Environ- approach. The Commission is a team led by ment (1999 – 2011) led to transformational Government Architect Ben Hewett, and Timo- changes in Design Review, most notably that thy Horton, the Commissioner for Integrated Design Review became a more transparent Design provides independent, strategic and accessible process. In the context of the advice to the Premier of South Australia. localism agenda and National Planning Policy Conversations between Cabe and IDC SA Framework (NPPF), there is yet another had been ongoing and when the opportunity opportunity for a similar transformational arose in the summer of 2011, the partnership change to Design Review. As a tool to assess started to take shape. The knowledge-sharing design quality, Design Review has found a programme would be aligned with Design place in national policy guidance for the first Council’s charitable objectives. In addition, time and bears far greater responsibility ‘to sharing our intellectual property for public get it right’, than ever before. Working with benefit was not only appropriate, but was IDC gave us an opportunity to rehearse and also in fact an obligation as it realised a take stock of the principles and practice of return on investment. Design Review in England.

Issue 124 – Autumn 2012 – Urban Design — 7 The Urban Design Library

utopias. Meanwhile the reality of recent new technology that reached a cul-de-sac in The Urban Design post-war comprehensive planning suffers the hi-tech movement. In Crosby’s own call Library # 6 scathing criticism for its inhuman scale, lack to rediscover ‘a complex language of orna- of identity, and reliance on the car. ment, a means of communication’ through Theo Crosby: How to play the We learn the rules of the game, and the signs, symbols and necessary monuments we environment game (Penguin need to question them. Crosby condemns a see the seeds of postmodernism. Learning Books and Arts Council of Great system of controls that produces Croydon from Las Vegas had been published the year Britain, Harmondsworth, 1973) by default, and traces its legislative origins before. in nineteenth century reform. We see the How to play the environment game unintended side-effects of different forms of marked a watershed in Crosby’s beliefs. Hav- taxation on urban development. The book ing been involved in The Festival of Britain incites us to exercise and explore our legal and CIAM in the early 1950s, Crosby attended rights; ‘a society that accepts the workings of Independent Group meetings at the ICA its bureaucracy without protest deserves to and organized the seminal exhibition This be strangled with red tape.’ is Tomorrow in 1956. In the 1960s he acted We also learn how to bend the rules. A as the hidden hand behind a young wave of profile of infamous developer Harry Hyams progressive architects as technical editor of analyses his shrewd tactics to extract capital AD magazine and head of Taylor Woodrow’s value from empty buildings. Another section experimental Design Group. on monopolies in the building materials in- If Crosby had been known up until this dustry resulted in the London Brick Company point as an advocate of the new, the second forcing Penguin to withdraw the publication half of his career seemed to be spent in de- over price-fixing allegations. My own copy fence of the old. Crosby championed crafts- still has the offending sentence blanked out manship, co-founded the Arts & Architecture with a sticker. Society in 1982, and become an influential Taken together, the dissonant voices and advisor to the Prince of Wales. After a short- conflicting agendas that Crosby assembles lived spell as Head of Architecture at the RCA present a planning system that ‘is a remark- where students rejected his conservative ap- able instrument, though it produces some proach, his career returned once again to the terrible melodies… We find the process South Bank where his long-running campaign bewildering and regret most of its results.’ for the reconstruction of Shakespeare’s Globe Crosby uses the book as a vehicle to voice using traditional methods and materials was Planning is rarely found on the walls of an his own regrets about the products of the posthumously realised. art gallery. But from April to June 1973, Theo planning system. In hindsight, these signal But there were constants in Crosby’s dis- Crosby’s exposition of how we make our built the course of urban development for the next parate career. He consistently sought to blur environment was drawing 500-600 visitors a few decades. We see out-of-town hypermar- disciplinary boundaries, challenge establish- day to London’s Hayward Gallery. kets drawing trade from town centres and ment attitudes, and force the architecture The exhibition, designed by Crosby’s the continual erosion of high streets all over and planning professions to engage with the newly founded genre-busting practice Penta- the country by chain stores replacing local popular. Setting aside stylistic preferences gram, featured ‘regulation avant-garde trap- traders. Houses are described as generally and outdated solutions, I think it is this last pings like video tape machines for the visitors minimal in size and quality, with systems of populist aspect that makes How to play the to play with’. But How to play the environ- tenure tailored to produce the maximum of environment game still important today. ment game was more than an art show. For social division. Development is based entirely Then, as now, the planning system is a social Crosby it was a strictly popular project, and on short-term economies and short-term product; ‘our buildings and cities reflect he went about restructuring his brief from the profits, with increasingly powerful property only too accurately the complex tissue of Arts Council to reach the widest audience. developers and pension funds changing the our culture, of our social attitudes.’ Crosby A condensed version of the exhibition was shape and scale of the environment for the contends that changing the way we make our sent to tour suburbia in a van, accompanied rest of society. built environment relies on changing the pub- by guest speakers including Sir John Summ- It was obvious in 1973 that these were lic’s expectations of their surroundings, and erson. Most significantly, Crosby rebalanced destructive paths. ‘One doesn't need a big enabling their participation in the process. As the £20,000 budget away from the gallery computer to reveal that there must be limits David Knight wrote earlier this year, ‘Planning space and towards the catalogue, a heavily- in the foreseeable future to most of today's must be made popular: something people subsidised Penguin pocketbook described as particular forms of material-crunching understand, like and do.’ ‘the complete protest textbook: a 260-page growth… things cannot go on as they are for The numerous headlines on the Coali- crash course for environment street fighters’. much longer.’ Yet they have. Almost 40 years tion’s reforms to the planning system suggest Also designed by Pentagram, the book on, and Crosby’s concerns are depressingly that planning matters and involvement are is packed with activist black and white col- topical, particularly given the claim that ‘in important. To avoid asking the same old lages, cartoons, infographics, and aerial the next thirty years we will build almost as questions of our built environment in forty photographs. An open-ended set of instruc- much as has been built in all history until years, we might start with an exhibition of tions, it describes how the environment game today.’ the first products of Localism in the Hayward is played out through complex interplays, If the issues are clear from the book, so Gallery. conflicts of interest and compromises. Crosby are the reasons for our inability to tackle Finn Williams, founder of Common Office and invites the reader to join in the game. them. Where Crosby’s questions remain just •urban designer at Croydon Council We learn the game theory, and how it as relevant, the solutions he puts forward is (or isn’t) applied in practice. The tightest seem relatively retro. These are a schizo- READ ON history of town planning so far skips from phrenic mix of radical socialist utopias based Jacobs J (2004) Dark Age Ahead (Random House) Ancient Athens to the Athens Charter in on a belief in technology, and common- Provoost M (Ed) (2008) WiMBY! Hoogvliet: Future twenty-five pages. Cameo contributions from sense truisms founded in tradition. In the Past and Present of a New Town (NAI Publishers) Ankers S, Kaiserman D, Shepley C (2010) Grotton ‘urbanauts’ including Archizoom, Archigram megastructures proposed by Paolo Soleri and Revisited: Planning in Crisis? (Routledge) and Buckminster Fuller offer technological Archigram we see an extrovert acceptance of

8 — Urban Design – Autumn 2012 – Issue 124 Urban Design Interview

What do you think are the most important urban design courses. I would like to help the The Urban Design skills of an urban designer? Urban Design Group to improve these rela- Interview: I believe the urban designer can bring two tionships, whilst raising awareness on what important skills to the table. The first is the urban design is with students that might be Katy Neaves ability to get under the skin of a site and considering a career in the built environment. understand its surrounding context. The second is to manage and draw the most out Finally, who would you like to see inter- of the project’s consultant team. The latter viewed by UD? is through an understanding of what each I studied at KvL in Copenhagen for a semester consultant can offer the project. and learned a lot from my tutor Malene Hauxner. She taught us how to pull apart a What would you like to be doing in ten townscape into its different elements and years’ time? analyse its form. Unfortunately she passed I would like to still be working in the built away at the beginning of this year, but she environment field in some way. has released a trilogy of books looking at 20th century landscape architecture and how As an urban designer, do you have a role it relates to social changes. It would have model? been great to see her interviewed. I have had a series of mentors who have guid- • ed me through my career rather than one role model. This has included James Gross, who introduced me to urban design in my first job at Babtie Jacobs, and Nick Pyke, who guided me through the process of undertaking visual impact assessments. I also have a fantastic What is your current job and how long have design team supporting me at Turley Associ- you been there? ates. Outside work I have learnt a lot from or- I am currently working as Senior Urban ganising walking tours for Street:London, the Designer for Turley Associates heading up young professional arm of the Urban Design the urban design team in the London office. Group, and lecturing at Kingston University. It I have been working for Turley Associates for is fantastic to see students being excited by almost five years, and within this role I also the built environment as I was. coordinate the national urban design team. I am currently championing the Urban Design If you were to recommend an urban design Group’s Recognised Practitioner in Urban scheme or study (past or present) for an Design status within our team. I am also an award, what would you chose? executive committee member of the Urban I have a love/ hate relationship with Milton Design Group and I have a particular interest Keynes. For a town that is only 45 years’ old it in education and mentoring young urban has a very distinct character that other new designers. towns have not been able to copy.

Can you describe the path that you fol- Where is your favourite town or city and lowed to become an urban designer and why? what motivated you? Leeds is one of my favourite cities as it is I originally trained as a Landscape Architect where I studied as a student. I found it very at Leeds Metropolitan University in the mid legible, which was helped by John Thorp’s 1990s and went on to do a Masters in Urban vision – the now retired civic architect. I Environmental Design at the same univer- believe every city would benefit from having sity. I am now a dual qualified Recognised a civic architect, or an urban designer, who is Practitioner in Urban Design and Member of not influenced by whichever political party is the Landscape Institute. I became an urban in power. designer as I always had an interest in cit- ies and strategic landscape planning, and Where is your most hated place and why? found that as a landscape architect you are I am a glass half-full person so I do not re- typically not brought into a project until the ally have a most hated place. Although the scheme has been pretty much resolved. I also 7:29am train to Waterloo on a Monday morn- love walking around and getting lost within ing would come close! the built environment! What advice would you give to UD readers? What do you find exciting about your work? I guess I am preaching to the converted but I enjoy my work because I visit many great I am surprised at how many people do not places within the United Kingdom and look up and appreciate the buildings that abroad. I recently had the privilege of visit- surround them. ing a Napoleonic fort which overlooked the Milford Haven waterway in Pembrokeshire. I What should the Urban Design Group be have also had projects in a number of English doing now or in the future? cities including London, Sheffield, Birming- As an executive committee member of the ham, Reading and Manchester. Urban Design Group I have taken up the ↑ Napoleonic fort in Milford mantle from John Billingham to champion Haven links with the various universities that have ↑↑ Central Milton Keynes

Issue 124 – Autumn 2012 – Urban Design — 9 Topic RE-INTRODUCING THE MIDDLE EAST

Caspian Sea

Tehran syria • lebanon Beirut • iraq israel iran Alexandria • Jordan Shirin-Shahr• kuwait Bam• Egypt Persian Gulf Doha oman Dubai •Qatar Saudi arabia • United Arab Red Emirates Sea

oman

Arabian Sea yemen

This reintroduction of the Middle international companies for many East provides a view of its diversity years. The boundaries of the Middle from an urban design perspective, East are blurred; the region including and also marks the forthcoming west Asia and North Africa, otherwise international conference on Urban known as the Near East, is home to Change in Iran, at University College some of the oldest human endeavours London on 8-9 November 2012 in building cities and the origins of (www.urban-change-in-iran.org). urbanism. It also represents a high Even before the economic rate of global urbanisation from 43 downturn, British companies per cent in Egypt to 92 per cent in have sought out better markets the United Arab Emirates, and great in the Middle East, which has richness - socially, geographically, been an attractive destination for culturally and climatically.

10 — Urban Design – Autumn 2012 – Issue 124 Topic

The fast-growing trend of urban begin to assert their needs in public change as a result of population space design and use. Becci Taylor and economic growth, with the describes the challenges that need for reconstruction after climate brings to designing better various damaging events (man- pedestrian routes in Dubai with made and natural), ensure this Pedways, linking destinations and region’s continuing appeal to urban public transport services. professionals. Lastly Iraj Etessam and In the articles presented here, we Jahanshah Pakzad show the see both the region’s variety and evolution of urban design education shared ground through the eyes of in Iran, as an independent but home-grown and visiting designers, interdisciplinary course, which journalists and academics. From has influenced the new trend Dubai, Ahmad Zohadi reviews of introducing urban design to the challenges of sustainable projects. development in the Persian Gulf Given this diversity, there remain area; Fadi Shayyar gives an account a number of questions for debate: of Lebanon’s open space provision • Who is urban space designed for? through three case studies in Beirut, • How are end-users involved in and its significance for local culture. shaping spaces? Ashraf Salama presents research on • How is society represented when people’s perception of urban spaces urban designers work? and centres in Doha, Qatar, as a • Can we interweave the aspiration way to understand social diversity of a global city with localism? and needs. As a western female • Should sustainability be a top- practitioner Jody Sanders reminds down approach or build on us that the region is more open than today’s socio-economy and the media portrays. behavioural cultures? The growing trend of urban • How do we change the planning design projects, which we present system – through large-scale on Iran, shows new ways of thinking, projects or small reforms? from employing urban design • Do we get what we want or what as the coordinator for new town the market thinks we need? Are development, unifying concepts for our beliefs and ideas strong change in popular places, to post- enough to combat market forces? disaster reconstruction strategies. Paul Fraser describes changing What do you think? approaches to the public realm Fatemeh (Farnaz) Arefian, urban designer and in Kuwait, and highlights the •architect, co-founder and former head of the urban design department, Aseman Naghshineh consultancy, Iran; Director constraints against delivering the of Civitas Phoenix; PhD candidate at the Bartlett Development Planning Unit, UCL on post-disaster reconstruction suggested sustainable solutions. Urban Change in Iran, 8-9 November 2012, UCL will bring together knowledge of the dynamics of urban change and Rania Raslan and Ali Bakr consider urban management in Iran's built environment in its broader regional context, and will explore how knowledge can inform the socio-political changes practice underway in Egypt and associated behavioural factors, as people

Issue 124 – Autumn 2012 – Urban Design — 11 Topic The Challenges of Sustainable Development around the Persian Gulf Ahmad Zohadi calls for a rethink to design approaches

Therefore it is essential to take account of all of these factors: ecological, geographical, traditional, demographical, religious and more, when we are planning any sustainable urban development. Various experts and researchers have highlighted the necessity of developing new design solutions and guidelines for urban design and architecture for the Persian Gulf region. Their research outcomes encourage further and more detailed research and practical applications of the findings by major institutions. This article offers a brief review of the latest recommendations for more environmentally and culturally sustainable designs than the current planning, design, construction practices and models that are in use today. Current practice for the most part demonstrates serious shortcomings, due to high resource consumption, urban pollution, a loss of quality and urban cohesion, as well as lacking an indigenous sense of cultural identity.

Outdated approaches In almost every field of urban life, Middle Eastern countries are at a critical threshold, particularity the oil-rich states, which include Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Qatar, United Arab Emirates, Oman, Iran and Iraq. Acquiring enormous wealth and at the same time seeing current political reform, the eastern region countries of the Arabian Peninsula in particular, are seeing extensive developments which with more advanced and broader visions could be greatly improved to adapt to the environment and cultures of this high radiant-energy gain region of the world. In proposed building designs or those recently built, there are good intentions by all decision- makers. However the development and building models used are mostly based on obsolete and irrelevant prototypes of urban design and architecture, which will compromise their cost Sustainable urban development in the Persian effectiveness, longevity and historical value. Gulf region is as important as everywhere else in Furthermore, they will burden their governments the world, and in designing for it many factors with long-term urban infrastructure energy waste, should be taken into consideration. These can high operation and maintenance costs, while be divided into two categories: the first is the generating significant urban pollution. physical or phenomenal factors, and the second If we look at the situation on a larger regional is non-physical factors. Both of these should be scale, there is an ecological concern due to simultaneously considered and incorporated into extensive oil and gas exploration and drilling any sustainable plan. Examples of physical factors activities, in addition to the massive oil tanker and are environmental, ecological and geographical; other commercial shipping traffic, which provide and the non-physical factors – traditions, religion, the economic life of the region. As increased wealth beliefs, and history – affect and make up the leads to population growth along the shoreline and cultural identity of any society. These in turn create increasing recreational tourism, the ecological and shape all aspects of society including art and well-being of these zones and its sea life has to be ↑ Dubai. Photograph architecture, because our cultural beliefs shape the preserved and protected. Added to that is global by Arup way that we view ourselves and perceive the world. warming, and the forecast sea level rises which

12 — Urban Design – Autumn 2012 – Issue 124 Topic will have direct impact on the future coastal developments. Therefore, there is an urgent need for an integrated land-sea strategy for sustainable growth on local and regional and global levels.

Social needs In addition to these physical shortcomings, there are other hidden disadvantages that will eventually rise to the surface in society when cities develop rapidly, but without consideration of the cultural identity of the people living there. This can lead to many problems, such as a lack of cohesion among residents, a loss of sense of belonging, and feelings of despair as residents feel disconnected and alienated from their culture, religion, tradition and history. These non-physical factors are as important as physical factors if we are to have real sustainable growth and development. Consequently it is essential to design a plan which is in harmony with any given society's cultural identity. For instance, Islam is the predominant religion in the region and Islamic values and guidelines have shaped the value-system, beliefs and ways of thinking, therefore the Islamic style should be incorporated and considered in design when developing a new sustainable urban project. Of course, religion is not the only factor, other regionally and nationally specific historical beliefs and trends should also be considered.

Climatic and geographical factors can also lead to diversification in customs and lifestyles, and as a result create different and unique forms of architecture

Demographic factors should also be considered, a society can consist of many different races with different languages, customs, traditions and belief systems. In designing a sustainable urban development we need to make sure that all of these groups' unique characteristics are taken into account and are symbolically represented in urban design and buildings. Such demographic considerations have been slow to emerge or even non-existent in current developmental liveable on hottest days of summer. Seeing rows of ↑ Naghshe Jahan, Isfahan. plans, especially in the Arab States, where a large these striking yet functional architectural elements Photograph by Alireza percentage of migrants have lived there for decades, creates a unique urban scene. Ghezelayagh ↑↑ Wind towers in Qeshm but their cultural identity is ignored or barely Island - traditional urban noticeable. If not addressed, this may lead in the A vision fabric. near future to social problems which will affect the There are clearly compelling reasons to undertake ↑↑↑ Traditions and patterns future stability of these countries. more extensive research in order to find, develop of life in the Gulf Region Climatic and geographical factors can also and apply potential new design solutions, which lead to diversification in customs and lifestyles, could give birth to more sustainable human and as a result create different and unique forms communities and urban systems in the Middle East. of architecture; these should be incorporated in My vision is not against using the latest modern design, because they symbolically represent and methods in construction. My position and beliefs are part of the area’s identity. For instance the hot are that contemporary architecture and urban and harsh climate of the desert region in central design should consider, keep and use its traditional Iran near the city of Yazd, and in southern parts and cultural identity, address ecological concerns, of Iran on Qeshm Island in the middle of Persian while incorporating new methods, technologies Gulf, had forced the indigenous people to invent and systems where they may be more practical and a type of architecture suitable for those weather suitable for today's needs. Ahmad Zohadi, editor • •in chief, Architecture and conditions. There we find wind-catchers built on Art Magazine, 2A, based in the roofs of buildings, which help to reduce the Dubai. temperature inside, making it cooler and more www.2amagazine.com

Issue 124 – Autumn 2012 – Urban Design — 13 Topic Revisiting Open Space Provision in Beirut Fadi Shayya reports on how public space is provided and used

practice is capturing the vibes of the city and its residents, and transforming spaces accordingly. New developments are thriving in post-war Beirut to serve a growing population and an increasing market demand to invest in property. Through three new projects in municipal and metropolitan Beirut, this analysis looks at the dialectic relationship between urban design and social practices, which shapes contextually adapted understandings of place, though highly dependent on western design models and influenced by global trends.

Meandering Open Space In the renowned Beirut Central District, a new mixed use development is emerging under the name of District//S. With about 50,000 sqm of floorspace, the urban design of District//S claims to favour a relaxed informality to its urbanism, rather than foreign spatial development patterns and typologies such as grid layouts and high rise structures. The project’s urban design plan promotes a low-rise, dense urban form and an organic layout for pedestrian spaces meandering between the buildings. With 129 residential units and 41 retail units, the main feature of this private development is its open space where one piazza, two courtyards and four landscaped pedestrian lanes are designed to animate the residential quarters and provide places for retail, leisure and entertainment. District//S is marketed as a city within the city offering a variety of residential typologies within a contextual communal atmosphere. The design implies a predominantly residential scheme from the first floor upwards combined with commercial space at ground floor level. Besides the business dimension, the design aims to connect retail use with the public or privately-owned public space to create a vibrant social place. The pedestrian space is designed to operate day and night, with shops, cafés, restaurants and gyms.

In a country like Lebanon with a notorious Linear Open Space reputation of being chaotic and hectic, it might be Water front City is another new mixed use hard to believe that the professions which promote development in the Dbayeh area that is part organisation and structure, such as urban design, of a growing greater metropolitan region. The have considerable impact on shaping urban private development is located along the coastal settings. Yet, Beirut’s reconstructed downtown highway north of municipal Beirut and away from is probably the model that comes to mind most its demographic and real-estate saturation. The often, and is praised and critiqued in public project sits on a linear-shaped area of reclaimed discussions. land along the Lebanese coast. A review of the current urban design scene in The developers state that the first phase of Beirut reveals insights into the intrinsic dynamics the project will provide 270 apartments, various of this profession and its spatial manifestations. retail units, parks and a marina-front promenade. What might appear to be part of a global copy Similar to District//S, the pedestrian walkways and culture, in fact has a flip-side that reflects a range parks of Water front City are directly connected ↑ District//S, Beirut, image of contextual aspirations and lifestyles. Apart with the retail and entertainment activity on the by Allies and Morrison from images of chaos and idealism, urban design ground floors to create a vibrant social space. The

14 — Urban Design – Autumn 2012 – Issue 124 Topic

public and privately-owned public spaces of the high-density Haret Hreik with a breathing space site are designed in a linear structure following the for pedestrian and retail activity alike, and together geometry of the development, and include direct with good municipal governance to maintain it, it visual connections to the sea. shall sustain public life in the area. Once again, the prime focus of urban design is to create safe and secure communal spaces. In order Comparative Perspective to operate in diverse modes and with different District//S and Water front City are both new intensities of use during the day and night, those private developments undertaken by business- same spaces (or part of them) have associated retail oriented companies who own the development and leisure uses at ground level. lots. The District//S project is being developed on one main parcel (Lot 1075), while Water front City Pavement Open Space occupies many parcels. Urban design can make On the opposite side of the city, the Waad Rebuild use of a single lot’s spatial layout or the merging of project is Beirut’s southern suburbs’ newest and intersecting and leftover open spaces from many largest development to-date. Unlike the previous lots to make one continuous open and landscaped two cases, Waad Rebuild is a reconstruction pedestrian experience, with retail and leisure project in the aftermath of the 2006 war on activities. On the other hand, Waad Rebuild is a Lebanon that left areas of the suburbs and south reconstruction project undertaken by a community- Lebanon entirely razed to ground. The project’s based organisation Jihad Al-Binaa Association, to main goal is to rebuild 266 buildings – mainly rebuild private lots and enhance the public space, residential – to re-house displaced people within neither of which is owned by them. Hence, their an integrated architectural, engineering, social vision is about the design of the public realm in the and environmental vision. Pre-war Haret Hreik streets. was among the areas in the southern suburbs Each of the three projects is designed for that witnessed fast, unplanned growth and different clientele, mainly categorised by income included many informal construction practices. levels. District//S and Water front City are designed The Waad Rebuild project was an opportunity for middle and high income groups, with a clear to reorganise the built environment (though not choice of prominent urban locations in the centre comprehensively), to manage traffic and parking, of the capital and directly by the seaside. Both and to create more public spaces ‘better than it developments are high quality projects with many was… without foreign claims of modernisation’ complementary services, where the proposed retail (Waad Rebuild, 2007). use associated with the open space is expected The main urban design strategy entails to be high quality too. By contrast, Waad Rebuild respecting building setbacks and using parallel is designed for a mix of income groups that used parking spaces in order to widen the pavements to live and work in the same area. All buildings as much as possible and provide for linkages and are of a very good standard (some even better continuity. The new pavement space will promote than they used to be), but not all buildings are pedestrian activity and serve the retail and leisure necessarily high-end or have complementary uses on ground floor levels. It will also provide services. Consequently, the proposed retail uses ↑ Water front City, Beirut

Issue 124 – Autumn 2012 – Urban Design — 15 Topic

→ Waad Rebuild, Beirut for meeting and debate on different political and cultural issues; they used to host activists, artists, actors, politicians and many others. What is important is not the absence of public space, but rather its form and how it might or not be a host to the city’s vibrant public sphere. Residents of Beirut enjoy some public urban parks and a lively public seaside corniche, but most of their socialising, free time and political and cultural deliberations take place in spaces of consumption, like cafés and restaurants, on street or inside shopping malls. Thus, many privately-owned consumption spaces in the city become meeting places for Beirut’s public – a practice that has intensified with the prevalence of the consumerist culture and building more restaurants and cafés. Observers and professionals might agree that the resulting spaces in all three earlier developments will be exclusive or partially- accessible destinations, with District//S and Water include different trades on the street level (retail, front City’s high quality nature and Waad Rebuild’s workshops) and in the basement level (light political and sectarian homogeneity. Nevertheless, industries, parking and printers). the practice of urban design in Beirut is understood Despite the conceptual and structural differences to provide alternatives that respond to social needs, between a business-oriented company model regardless of space ownership. Common among the and a community-based organisation model, three developments is that urban design, both in and the different nature and objectives for new its programmatic and place-making dimensions, developments and reconstruction projects, responds to a need for more quality open space for common to these three projects in Beirut is the growing population. The proposed typology urban design’s concern with open space and the that mixes open spaces with commercial activity level of social activity in it. The spatial product is a successful model, rooted in old Mediterranean of urban design in the two development models traditions of similar public spaces and not just seem to be rooted in the New Urbanism tradition, imported western models. especially in their promotion of open space and pedestrian activity – be it public or privately-owned Conclusions public space – and mixing uses for better place- The three projects show neither a home-grown making. This is the dialectic relationship between trend in urban design nor innovative theories. urban design and social practices – shaping our However, all three design provisions of open space contextually-adapted understanding of places. are model examples of how practitioners of urban design understand local culture and decide how to cater for the Lebanese love of interactivity and leisure. Unlike many cases in the United States The manifestation of this public where urban designers like Michael Sorkin describe sphere has mainly been observed the end of public space in light of the emergence through a vibrant street life and of a mall culture, public and privately-owned public spaces in cities like Beirut can been seen as café culture examples that promote a vibrant political sphere, in addition to retail and leisure activity, and albeit differently than in street protests. Space for the Public Sphere What seems like a global trend and universal Beirut’s public sphere has always been a liberal and practice is in fact more contextual than it appears. dynamic one renowned for hosting diverse local The argument is not for or against a culture of and regional political thought, social practices and consumption, but it is about understanding how cultural undertakings. The Lebanese people are urban design in Beirut can provide more social generally known for being proponents of political interaction spaces, even if they are political ones. deliberations and cultural discussions that create Unlike New York’s privately-owned public space and promote this public sphere, despite instances policy that provides open space for the public in where deliberations ironically become armed exchange for additional floorspace for developers, conflict. in Beirut there is no such policy. Developers and Together with the fact that public space in the urban designers understand the social and cultural form of urban parks is scarce and a foreign concept, importance of providing open space aside from a the manifestation of this public sphere has mainly mere money-generation perspective. The District//S been observed (at least for the past century) and Water front City projects are yet to be built, through a vibrant street life and café culture. The while the Waad Rebuild project was completed in Fadi Shayya, Group modern history of the city is rich with numerous May 2012. Until all three projects are fully realised •Leader in urban planning, incidents about political protests in the streets and and in use by urban residents, this article can only Dar Al-Handasah (Shair and squares around Beirut’s cafés. Until recently, the offer an analytical view of the practice of urban Partners), and editor of At media and the public were contesting the closure design in Beirut. the Edge of the City (2010), • and coordinator of www. of two old cafés in a bustling main street of the city discursiveformations.net. Hamra Street. The two cafés were urban symbols

16 — Urban Design – Autumn 2012 – Issue 124 Topic Urban Space Diversity in Doha Ashraf Salama examines the city’s public spaces through different perceptions

Cities have always been highly differentiated places opportunities for different socio-economic expressive of heterogeneity, a diversity of activities, groups. It involves three dimensions: the first is entertainment, excitement, and pleasure. They have the physical, the second the social and emotional, been and still are the melting pots for formulating and the third is about types of activities and use. and experimenting with new philosophies, and Investigating these three dimensions gives a religious and social practices. They produce, comprehensive insight into urban space diversity. reproduce, represent, and convey much of what counts today as culture, knowledge, and politics. The City of Doha Urban spaces within cities are no exception; they Historically, Doha was a fishing and pearl diving are places for the pursuit of freedom, un-oppressed town. Today, it is home to more than 90 per cent activities and desires, but also ones characterised of Qatar’s 1.7 million people, and over 80 per cent by power, systematic oppression, domination, are professional expatriates from other countries. exclusion, and segregation. In dealing with these Until the mid-1960s, the majority of buildings were polar qualities, diversity has become one of the new individual traditional houses, and during the 1970s, doctrines of city planners, urban designers and Doha was transformed into a modern city. However, architects. It continues to be at the centre of recent in the 1980s and early 1990s the development urban debates. Little is known, however, about process slowed, due in part to the political how planned public urban spaces produce social atmosphere, the first Gulf War and a reliance on the diversity, which aspects of diversity can be planned resources and economy of neighbouring countries. for, and what can be achieved spontaneously. This Current pervasive development in Doha is article examines some of these ideas within the characterised by fast-track urbanisation, resulting context of the City of Doha, capital of Qatar. in new urban nodes used by different groups for different purposes. While this unprecedented urban What is Urban Diversity? growth continues to be the subject of discussion, In recent rhetoric, diversity denotes a mosaic of little attention has been paid to other issues, i.e. people who bring a variety of ethnic and cultural the resulting spatial experience, attitudes towards backgrounds, styles, perspectives, values and emerging urbanised spaces, and whether these beliefs as assets to the groups and organisations spaces are diverse enough to accommodate the with which they interact. However, in urban multicultural society that the city enjoys. discourse it also has multiple meanings such as mixing building types, physical forms, and Approach and Methodology people of different social classes, racial and ethnic Using an attitude survey, Doha’s urban spaces backgrounds. While some theorists attribute have been studied as perceived spaces and diversity to homogeneity within heterogeneity, experienced spaces by different groups. The social differentiation without exclusion, others urban spaces have been selected according to the associate it with socio-political aspects of development density, commercial activity, and assimilation, integration and segregation. public accessibility, and 490 survey responses Contemporary literature suggests that urban were received from Doha’s inhabitants. The space diversity involves the creation of vital urban methodology adopted is multi-layered and involves places while offering functional and behavioural two investigations: first, an analytical description of ↑ Doha, Qatar

Issue 124 – Autumn 2012 – Urban Design — 17 Topic

year olds, 21 per cent 30-45 year olds, and 18 per cent 45-60 year olds. As the population of the city is so young, the over-60 age group is just 2 per cent – the same as in the population. Cultural groups were generically classified as Africans, Americans, Arabs, Asians, Europeans and Qataris. Representation of these groups broadly reflected the figures currently estimated for the city’s population: 37 per cent Qataris, 28 per cent Arabs, 14 per cent Asians, 11 per cent Africans, 5 per cent Europeans, and 5 per cent Americans, but Qataris in the city generally do not exceed 20 per cent.

Preliminary Findings The findings based on the gender, cultural background and age group were analysed and major differences between males and females were revealed. For example, while 35 per cent of males believe that the city has one centre, only 8 per cent of the females agree. Yet, there is agreement between males and females on perceiving the peripheries, where 64 per cent of males and 69 per cent of females believe that the city has several peripheries. Similarities were found in male and female respondents’ perceptions of the Aspire/ Villagio and Souq Waqif locations as centres. Differences were found however in responses to the peripheries – 35 per cent of female respondents identify Ramada Junction as a periphery, while only 10 per cent of male respondents agree. Strikingly, while male respondents identify each of the Water Front spaces (a, b) near the Sheraton Hotel and nearby Main Restaurant as peripheries, none of the female respondents identify them as peripheral spaces. This is due to the openness, green and tiled areas, opportunities for walking, jogging, biking, sitting and enjoying the scenic view of Doha’s skyline, and taking photographs. The age groups revealed dramatic differences in their responses. Souq Waqif is perceived as a centre eight spaces that are believed to represent different by 65 per cent in the 20-30 age group, while to all urban and spatial qualities for different groups; other older groups it received 100 per cent of the and second, an attitude survey, which explores responses. By contrast, the Musheireb Intersection how the identified urban spaces are perceived and perceived as a periphery by 83 per cent of the experienced. Using definitions of the spaces as a 15-20 age group, had between 26-33 per cent of city ‘centre’ or ‘periphery’, two major questions responses by the 20-30, 30-45 and 45-60 age were posed: groups. Yet the two spaces are in the same vicinity. • How does the city’s population perceive Amongst respondents from different the identified key spaces – as centre(s) or backgrounds more differences exist. While 73 per peripheries, and cent of Arabs, 75 per cent of Qataris, and 85 per • How are centre(s) and peripheries experienced cent of Asians believe that the city has more than by different genders, age groups, and cultural one centre, less than 40 per cent of Americans backgrounds? and Europeans agreed. Similarities were found in perceiving peripheries however; virtually all The term centre here means an urban node visited believed that the city has several peripheries. most by the inhabitants, while the periphery is The majority of Qataris identified Souq Waqif as an urban area rarely visited. The spaces selected a centre, which can be attributed to the historical reflect different spatial qualities, these are: significance of the Souq in a rapidly growing city. Aspire/ Villagio Mall; Al-Sadd Commercial Strip; All Americans, most Asians and Africans identify Musheireb Intersection; Ramada Junction; Water the Aspire/Villagio urban space as a centre, due Front a: Near the Sheraton Hotel; Water Front b: to the familiar mall atmosphere and availability Near the Main Restaurant; Water Front c: Near of sport facilities. Respondents from Arab and Museum of Islamic Art; and Souq Waqif (traditional Asian backgrounds identify Al Sadd Commercial marketplace). Strip and Ramada Junction as centres, reflecting a Fortunately, the respondents actually tendency to favour dense urban areas, similar to represented the city’s population in their overall the environments that they are from. Despite their ↑ Souq Waqif, Doha profile, with 260 males and 230 females; the age geographical location, the majority of respondents ↑↑ Ramada Hotel Junction, groups were also well represented with 12 per from European and American backgrounds Doha cent being 15-20 year olds, 47 per cent as 20-30 identify the Water Front spaces as centres, perhaps

18 — Urban Design – Autumn 2012 – Issue 124 Topic due to tendency to favour open spaces and an association with natural settings rather than with dense urban fabric.

Reflections The results show that urban spaces lack clear conditions amenable to creating urban diversity. Nevertheless, they corroborate the initial inquiry that urban spaces are perceived and experienced differently by different groups based on their gender, age, and cultural background. However, the lack of previous empirical studies on urban spaces in Doha represents an important limitation. While these are based on a perceptual approach, there are limits to the conclusions that can be drawn from the results of a questionnaire where there is room for subjectivity. Other approaches could be through focused interviews, systematic observations, and behavioural mapping studies. Urban spaces mean different things to different communities within the city of Doha and are used differently. The juxtaposition of the results with an understanding of urban space diversity shows that the urban spaces lack one or more of the three important conditions that contribute to the achievement of diversity. The results reflect the dynamic nature of urban spaces identified as centres, supporting the assumption that urban spaces in the centre are not necessarily unique. The results, however, indicate that urban spaces on the peripheries are emerging to compete with those in the centre. Understanding what constitutes centres and peripheries in the minds of the city’s inhabitants will contribute to understanding their spatial experiences and attitudes. While future development plans for the city may seem to address particular sections of the population and cater to specific age groups or cultural backgrounds, a more responsive approach to the design of urban spaces is needed. Urban design focuses on creating built environments that promote opportunities and experiences for all city inhabitants. Therefore, it is crucial that most urban spaces and activities are accepted and enjoyed by the majority of the population. Urban development processes must consider the development of spaces based on the perception and understanding of different groups, in order to make successful inclusive urban places that are relevant to the diversity of the city of Doha. •

Professor Ashraf ↑ The Water front, Doha •M. Salama, Chair of ↑↑ Aspire/ Villagio Mall, Architecture and Urban Doha Planning, Qatar University ↑↑↑ The Water front, Doha

Issue 124 – Autumn 2012 – Urban Design — 19 Topic Working in the Middle East Jody Sanders describes her experience as a professional consultant

the Middle East comprises a huge range of places, all with their own approaches to business, culture, and unique design challenges to overcome. To-date, I have worked in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Al Ain, and Kuwait, and visited Doha and Oman and there is a huge amount more to see.

Different Sexes at Work Media representation, perceived cultural values, some personal experiences and those of colleagues have led many western development professionals to believe that it is difficult to work as a woman in the Middle East. The common themes are that a woman working in a professional capacity will be considered inferior to her male colleagues, that travel and site visits will be challenging, and that she will be subject to behaviour which will make her feel uncomfortable. None of this is entirely untrue, it does happen, but neither is it confined to the Middle East. Plenty of difficult site visits take place in the UK too. In the Middle East you should, as anywhere, research and prepare for your environment. A fact that may be surprising is that there are a lot of Middle Eastern women working in urban planning, particularly in the UAE. With encouragement to achieve academically, and access to high quality and cheap childcare, there are many local women involved in the public sector, which has proved to be one of the most interesting aspects of my experience, and has improved my understanding of the impacts of local culture and family life on design. My own experience as a female professional has generally been positive. If we are confident but respectful of the people that we are working with, they will usually respond in kind. The ‘So, you practice in the Middle East quite a bit? majority of the Middle East has embraced western How does that work out for you?’ I am asked this working practices and that includes women in question a lot. Given that designers from Europe the workplace. I have to admit however that I have been working in the Middle East for decades personally have drawn the line at working in Saudi and that the use of western companies by Middle Arabia where they think so little of my intellect that Eastern developers is common place, this might the authorities won’t even let me drive a car! Overall seem like an odd question, except that I am a Middle Eastern clients are enthusiastic and keen to woman and a sole practitioner. I am often asked engage in the design process regardless. You may how I find working in the region, both dealing with need a firmer handshake and learn to be very clear differing cultural attitudes to appropriate female on the points that you want to make – but those are behaviour, and with working practices that tend to useful skills the world over. favour large consultancies. Attitudes to women travelling around varies, The first myth that I frequently have to dispel depending on how conservative the place is. As a is that all of the work is in Dubai and that it is short-stay visitor it is too hot to walk many places, representative of the whole region. The Middle taxis are cheap and public transport is generally East includes eighteen nations as diverse as Kuwait, woeful. But there are cultural clues to follow, for Lebanon, Saudi Arabia, Turkey, Yemen and Iran as example in Kuwait women do not sit in the front well as the United Arab Emirates (of which Dubai is of taxis – which can make things tricky if you want only a seventh). Dubai and Abu Dhabi in particular to undertake a site visit without throwing up in have hit the headlines for the spectacular speed the back seat over your map! Living arrangements and unique style of their urban development in are not dissimilar to home in the UK, save for the ↑ The water towers, the last thirty years, But in a post boom world, it is obsession with fast food. In some countries, people Kuwait City important for urban designers to understand that can be uncomfortable with you sharing a flat with

20 — Urban Design – Autumn 2012 – Issue 124 Topic

male colleagues if you aren’t married to one of notice, and able to tailor your contract to suit a ↖↖ Salmiya skyline, Kuwait them. The advice of more experienced ex-pats is particular project. Keeping in touch with colleagues City invaluable for this intelligence. who work in large consultancies means that they ↖ Jebel Hafet Hot Springs, Al Ain Avoiding uncomfortable situations also means call when a crisis unfolds, and by being flexible ↑ Traditional Dhow, Kuwait dressing appropriately, and like design parameters, and hard-working (self employment is a fantastic you will experience a range of approaches across motivator) you get invited back for the beginning the region. The majority of places that I visit are of the next project. I have now reached the point quite happy for western women to have their where my business is included in tenders by larger heads uncovered provided that it is teamed with practises because my experience of the region is an appropriate outfit; no low-cut necklines or understood to be valuable. The route to working in short hem lines. Places of religious significance are the Middle East for a small business is, in my view, different: donning a headscarf at the mosque is no through supporting larger businesses. hardship to see many beautiful buildings. When working in someone else’s offices, it Working in the Middle East pays to know the dress code; I have worked in What are the key challenges of working as an local municipal planning offices which tend to urban designer in the Middle East? There is still a be conservative, whereas local offices of western long way to go in terms of achieving the rigorous companies are often casual. A colleague who standards in sustainability that we are used to in works in Doha has to keep her elbows covered in the UK. Approaches to transport and utilities can the office, but is allowed to wear a skirt. In Al Ain be professionally challenging as there is often quite jackets were required in public parts of the office a gap between an expressed desire to achieve best as were trousers. In Kuwait jeans and a shirt were practice and what will actually be agreed. Standards acceptable – but sometimes with a headscarf when are stringent, but not always in a way that promotes out walking by myself, as my blond hair attracts good urban design. unwanted attention. The local and national governments make the UK system look lightweight. Departments are All Alone? usually top-heavy and compete with each other I am often asked by others in small practices how to – knowledge is power – and this can turn the win work in the Middle East, as the opportunities decision-making process into a game of snakes and are not usually publicly tendered. The answer is ladders (as described by Selma Hooley of Halcrow, piggy-backing. Many projects in the Middle East a veteran of Middle Eastern projects). Negotiation are large in scale, even in the recession. All land skills akin to those at the United Nations are vital – is owned by the State and gifted to its occupier; you will spend as much time getting things signed this means that most are linked to the State either off, as you will designing them. directly or through state-owned development Abandon all preconceived ideas about how a companies who frequently partner with western family/ household unit uses its home, interacts with businesses. This large-scale, state-controlled the public realm and how a house should look, and format means that, as so often happens in the UK, prepare to learn anew – the Middle East is diverse, the public sector tendering process is tortuous and it presents the urban designer with some and biased towards bigger businesses who can fascinating encounters. meet the government’s rigorous requirements. All Being a woman and/or a sole practitioner is no of my projects have been working as a consultant barrier to working in the Middle East. You will need for large multi-disciplinary consultancies, who to be prepared and adapt to a different cultural either want someone with a particular specialism environment, and you will find it very different. that is not available in-house – in my case marine However with patience, good manners, and a strong master planning and development; or, need work ethic you will also find it challenging and additional support but are still under embargoes rewarding in equal measure. which prevent them from hiring full-time staff; • or even need someone to crisis-manage a project, unaffected by office politics and focused on results Jody Sanders, urban •designer and planner, to justify their fee. Spindrift Consulting, Being a sole practitioner or small business often specialises in marine master allows you to be more flexible; travelling at short planning and development

Issue 124 – Autumn 2012 – Urban Design — 21 Topic Trends in Urban Design Projects in Iran Farnaz Arefian, Bahman Adibzadeh and Shapour Divsalar show the influence of new approaches

Iran is a vast country, rich in climatic, geographic and cultural diversity, from mild, humid and evergreen areas in the north near the Caspian Sea, to cold, mountainous snowy regions in the west, central deserts, and to hot and humid areas in the south on the Persian Gulf. Such diversity has historically been reflected in a unique urbanism and rich vernacular architecture. However since the establishment of the national planning system more than fifty years ago, Iranian cities have suffered from ruthless standardisation damaging historical identity, climatic design and urban spaces. These are the consequences of identical design codes and building regulations across the country, as well as the land use based planning system. This is changing now, and this article reviews signs of new trends in Iran today.

New towns: windows of opportunity There has been a drive to create new towns in Iran, using urban design techniques and led by the New Towns’ Development Corporation, within the Housing and Urbanism Ministry; one of the first examples is Shirin-Shahr New Town. Shirin-Shahr uses urban design as a means to coordinate various disciplines to develop an urban design framework, in place of its previously approved master plan. It covers 1082 hectares, and is thirty-five kilometres south west of Ahvaz, in south west Iran. It lies at the heart of five important sugarcane and by-product plants and development complexes adjacent to the sugarcane fields – Shirin- Shahr is Persian for sweet city. Since construction started in 1995, Shirin- Shahr’s broad land use based master plan has been inadequate at directing piecemeal developments to form an integrated urban environment. As a result the Shirin-Shahr Urban Design Framework (UDF) was developed in 2005-6, and the project become Iran’s second experience of using urban design at a larger scale for new town development. Qualitative urban design concepts provided coherence between discipline-based studies, and the core direction for policies and activities, from the large to small scale. The earlier experience of introducing an urban design strategy was run by the young urban design consultancy Aseman Naghshineh for AAlishahr New Town, and so the same team was commissioned for Shirin-Shahr’s UDF. However the second project faced various limitations from the outset, for example minimising structural changes from the previous master plan in order to avoid the ↑ The evolution of the bureaucratic ministerial approval mechanisms. Shirin-Shahr Urban Design Despite these limitations the project was an Strategy for the market places and high streets. opportunity firstly to localise design codes, based Images courtesy of Aseman on contemporary interpretations of climatic and Naghshineh traditional design styles, restoring the continuity

22 — Urban Design – Autumn 2012 – Issue 124 Topic of urban identity in the region; and, secondly to learn lessons from historical urbanism on the importance of urban social life and functions, at easily accessible nodes in the urban structure. Many questions had to be tackled: What lessons can be drawn from historical/ traditional urban morphology, open space and neighbourhoods? How do people interact in their immediate neighbourhoods? What kind of behaviour fills urban spaces and adds life to places? What kinds of spaces support urban life? Should shopping areas be complexes, centres or linear streets? How can traditional bazaars provide design models for new places? What lessons can be learned from environmentally-friendly architecture in the region (traditional, historical and modern)? And how realistic is this window of opportunity given existing decision-making processes? However what brings life is people, and without them the best designed and built spaces are ghost towns. The first generation of residents in a new town are there for specific reasons, e.g. out of necessity, joining the property ladder, seeking a better quality of life with the same living costs, bigger homes, clean air, more greenery, or a peaceful life. It also means the challenge of attracting a population before urban amenities are established; incentive policies for the first generation of residents are critical. While the pace of growing a fully functioning town differs from one to another, experience shows that emphasising its regional role and branding it distinctly are the most Historically, Shemiran was a tourist destination effective factors in its success. For Shirin-Shahr, especially during the summer. For many, Tajrish this means a service-based urban environment for symbolises a gateway to cooler weather, quality the local economy and its surrounding industrial family time and a balance of leisure and nature. environment, the national centre of sugarcane People are attracted by nut sellers, and eat fresh trading and science base, with a proposed Museum walnuts, grilled corn, fruit and kebabs; and climbers of Sugarcane and its by-product development prepare themselves for mountain climbs. It has also activities, plus related higher education. To allow been a meeting point at Imam Zadeh Salleh holy for uncertainties, the phasing of activities was shrine for religious groups, with three mosques and linked to population growth and triggers, rather the traditional bazaar, where there are great tastes, than simple timelines. smells, sounds and colours. Seeing new towns as urban nodes with the Tajrish today is one of the largest city centres potential for organic growth from incremental in Tehran and one of three cultural and historical development (rather than a big mega-scaled places (Ray, Tehran, and Shemiran). However, the architectural project) demands design codes and natural and social qualities of Shemiran have been flexible policies to shape them. Adequate design spoiled in recent decades due to overpopulation, codes supported by briefing staff within the rapid housing and office development, and damage urban management body, who will be involved in to the mountain sides of Tajrish. The river valleys implementing the development programme, is are polluted, heavy traffic dominates the area, central to delivery of the UDF. and pedestrians are at risk, especially en route to the holy shrine, mosques, bazaar and mountain Urban Space and Symbolism: gateways. Re-organising Tajrish The Beautification Organisation took the The Organisation of Tehran Beautification (Sazman initiative to restore the identity of Shemiran, and Zibasazi) is a specialist independent body related commissioned a mountain-side urban design to Tehran Municipality, and its role is to improve project for the Tajrish area from consultancy Raz citizens’ urban life quality through innovative Andishan Omran (RAO) in January 2012. The work activities, such as looking after Tehran’s townscape, will be concluded in January 2013, but the key the quality of urban furniture, and large-scale objectives are already emerging in their designs: projects such Tajrish, Shemiran in Tehran. • Safeguarding Tajrish Bridge and Quds Square as Shemiran Province north of Tehran is a beautiful the gateways to the Alborz Mountains settlement in the Alborz Mountains with rivers, • Preserving and maintaining the eco-system valleys, springs, and aqueducts nearby. Tajrish • Emphasising social values dates from 1543AD; sitting at 1607m above sea • Maintaining current functional characteristics level, it is 400m above Tehran. It includes two • Integrating it into the national tourism ↑ Tajrish Bridge before urban nodes: Tajrish Square (now called Quds programme ↑↑ Tajrish Bridge today Square) and Tajrish Bridge, where three river Preserving historical places and cultural ↑↑↑ Sketch for Tajrish • Bridge proposals. valleys – Darabad, Golabdarreh, and Sa’dabad – join memories Images courtesy of Raz beneath the large square. • Reflecting vernacular architecture and urbanism. Andishan Omran

Issue 124 – Autumn 2012 – Urban Design — 23 Topic

Urban projects like Tajrish acquire national importance, and the concept of Ghadamgah is an attempt to use the ritual symbolism that represents people’s beliefs and values to improve and maintain the quality of public spaces. This is seen as the main driver for the project’s deliverability. The Ghadamgah Planning Association will facilitate deliverability while preserving its core principles, and consists of representatives from the bazaar, the holy shrine, mosques, residents and neighbourhoods, Shemiran Municipality, Tehran City Council and Municipality, designers and other effective stakeholders.

Urban Design in Reconstruction: Bam One of the worst earthquakes in the last decade hit the ancient city of Bam, in Kerman Province, Iran, on 26th December 2003, resulting in 30,000 people dying with 20,000 injured and over 60,000 made homeless. The catastrophe destroyed more than eighty per cent of the city. The unique character of Bam was as an historic garden city on the old Silk Road, home of the huge ancient citadel Arg-e-Bam (a World Heritage Site), and with an economy based on date palm trees. Some 32,119 houses were built within the urban housing reconstruction programme, led by the Islamic Revolution Housing Foundation (IRHF), which managed the early recovery phases. Owner-driven and in-situ reconstruction projects were the two main approaches used. In line with current disaster recovery strategy, the goal for Bam was set as sustainable housing reconstruction through community mobilisation and participation. Working to an action plan Ghadamgah (a Sacred Path): and within funding and administrative policies, Symbolism and urban design architectural practices were commissioned to As the diversity of these objectives indicates, it assist local residents in the reconstruction of is complex to re-organise and restore the special their own homes. The architectural design factors identity, city centre role and collective memories included cultural needs, climatic issues, physical associated with Tajrish. details and regional identity. In creating the much needed sense of place, a While the urban housing reconstruction symbolic concept called Ghadamgah was employed, was linked to urban development studies, the which means sacred path and is a philosophical and overall policy was to focus on concurrent and ritual idea. Ghadamgah interweaves four meanings parallel initiatives, working towards a long- a) a representation of the place; b) characterised term town planning strategy, as well as housing by a path; c) scaled by a footstep; and d) leading to reconstruction. Regular coordination between ritual events. The ritual is the departure point to a these groups of activities was carried on under continuous urban space where citizens are freed the supervision of the High Council of Bam’s from the outside world, resting and comforted from Architecture. the chaos and pollution around Tajrish. The urban design scale was changed to human sized steps Exploring new territory within a network of the paths. All of the paths end In 2005, sometime after the start of the housing with a view or landscape signifying a respect for reconstruction programme there were necessary nature, mosques, or informal social activities. The amendments to the existing detailed master project policies are as following: plan. Concerns and questions were raised by • Prioritising pedestrians while re-organising the practitioners and researchers, and opportunities area were highlighted to address the shortcomings of • Protecting the area from negative environmental the existing planning system. The main points impact were that: • Balancing the economic and social prosperity of • Small scale of reconstruction activities Tajrish can endanger the integrity of the city and • Understanding social and physical planning neighbourhoods ↑ Spatial analysis. needs • The nature of urban spaces created as a result ↑↑ Safeguarding the garden Establishing a local resident-centred association of individual housing reconstruction was city identity and enhancing • social life in green spaces. to support and guide the Ghadamgah project, and variable Images courtesy of Aseman • Preserving and retrofitting the historic urban • Whether ‘business as usual’ was a good enough Naghshineh fabric. aim for the city formation

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• Whether to overturn standardised planning approaches, which had damaged so many urban spaces and neighbourhoods even before the earthquake.

To address the two concerns of reconstruction and better design practices, IRHF set out the following approach: • Urban design guidance was to be a fundamental approach • Nodal urban design projects were to be urgently commissioned • Clear documentation and records were to be kept of the results of previous stages of work. It was also hoped that the nature of the projects and their outcomes would shape the necessary amendments to current urban planning processes and programmes – confirming the need for urban design principles to be used in developing such programmes. While the urban design guidelines for Bam were seen as fundamental, streetscape projects for seven significant roads or nodes were introduced as urgent actions. Seven urban design firms were commissioned. To integrate the post-disaster reconstruction activities with the urban design projects, each practice was responsible for working within the reconstruction process as well; they were to provide planning, architectural and engineering services for the reconstruction of individual commercial units along the main roads.

Urban design guidelines at Bam were seen as fundamental

Observations The introduction of urban design projects in Bam was an avant-garde step linking reconstruction activities with an urban design approach through participatory methods. It was achieved through calls for qualitative approaches to city design and the need to improve Iran’s planning system. However, post-disaster reconstruction has the same road was underway. This methodology ↑ Proposal for Imam always been a complex environment full of increased the complexities of the project, but Khomeini Square which uncertainties and sensitivities, and the recovery provided opportunities to discuss qualitative issues has the most urban identity along the road process entails complex administrative, social and with residents and made the urban design projects ↑↑ The morphology of physical dilemmas, which need to be addressed more like community development programmes. various typologies in Bam within the overall strategy. The complexity of urban Given the globally acknowledged complexities housing reconstruction programmes is typically of post-disaster reconstruction, trying other higher than those for rural housing reconstruction, approaches and using urban design projects and according to the World Bank. programmes as urban development tools resulted in Detailed master plans were constraints to valuable lessons being learned. The collective effort the preferred multidisciplinary and qualitative in Bam alongside other attempts at re-shaping Fatemeh Arefian, urban approach, and some issues surfaced that could the existing planning system positively influenced •designer and architect, former head of the urban only be resolved at a strategic level after thorough the transitional phase – moving towards spatial design department, Asman examination of urban plans at a larger scale. One planning from the traditional planning system. A Naghshineh consultancy, example of this was the conflicting roles of a major movement that is evident in the newly introduced Iran. road, which made it very hazardous, and not just a strategic plan of Tehran. Dr Bahman Adibzadeh, matter of streetscape design. Without tackling such • architect, Director at Raz Andishan Omran (RAO) problems at the larger scale, projects would have consultancy and lecturer at been just cosmetic changes, which did not improve Shahid Beheshti University, pedestrian safety or enhance social interactions. Tehran, Iran. Another important issue was that urban design Dr Shapour Divsalar, urban practices also had to work with local people and designer, Technical and Urban Projects Deputy, support them professionally in reconstructing their Organisation of Tehran buildings along the roads until planning permission Beautification (Sazman was granted, while the urban design project for Zibasazi)

Issue 124 – Autumn 2012 – Urban Design — 25 Topic Approaches to the Public Realm Paul Fraser considers the changes to public and private space quality

By pushing vehicle movement and servicing underground, and adopting an integrated approach to utilities design, streets take advantage of development massing for shade, with orientation channelling the prevailing breeze. High profile examples include Masdar in Abu Dhabi and Msheireb Downtown Doha in Qatar, both taking cues from historic Arabic settlements like the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Shibam in the Yemen. These districts are unusual and the contrast in quality between streets and spaces delivered by the private sector and the surrounding public highways is usually significant. Much of the urban landscape is dominated by oversized streets determined by the perceived needs of vehicles and utilities providers than pedestrians. The quality of materials and detailing is often questionable, and the use of high kerbs to deter vehicles creates poor accessibility. The situation is changing however, with several initiatives driving change in the quality of the public realm. Abu Dhabi is addressing these challenges through ongoing improvements to its Urban Street Design Manual (USDM) and the Walking and Cycling Masterplan for Abu Dhabi commissioned from Atkins by the Department of Transport. This Attitudes and approaches to the public realm in strategy – to make a coherent pedestrian and cycle the Middle East are changing. For years the design network across the whole Emirate – retrofits new of the pedestrian environment was a by-product infrastructure into existing streets. of highways engineering, and anything other than In Qatar, Atkins’ work for the Central Planning commercial on-plot landscape was not regarded as Office (CPO) is about adapting the transport important. Walking has long been seen as second network for more multi-modal trips. The successful class travel, and combined with hot summers and integration of bus, metro and cycling infrastructure low fuel prices, the car and its needs were king. in existing streets will be essential for tourists to More recently, many of the city authorities have the 2022 World Cup, and will leave a legacy for taken a more strategic approach commissioning residents beyond the sporting venues. design guidance to promote walking and cycling in both their own highway renewal programmes The Technical Challenges and private developments. This acknowledgement While sustainability and design guidance has been of the value of a high quality public realm is cause developed, delivery constraints can water down for optimism, but the pace of change is slow, public realm design visions. One example is the particularly for public highways. A number of key Estidama Pearl Rating System in Abu Dhabi, which themes appear to be driving the change in attitudes makes provision for thermal comfort by stipulating and priorities. They vary across the region, but a minimum percentage of pedestrian routes that include: should be shaded to encourage walking. There are • Easing congestion and moving towards several difficulties with achieving this in practice: integrated multi-modal transport systems • Constraints on the use of water and local • Economic diversification, the impact of reservations about treated sewage effluent for demographics on public realm use, and public irrigation mean that extensive tree planting is spaces as destinations, i.e. in Dubai often excluded from street renewal schemes; • Upgrading infrastructure for major national • Concerns about dust and sand accumulation events i.e Qatar World Cup 2022 creating large cleaning bills for shade canopies • Creating 21st century public facilities, for mean that they are not seen as a practical pedestrians in Makkah for the Hajj and Umrah. solution for mass shading; and Very wide utilities corridors often result in large ↑ A temporary events •  boulevard planned for New development versus retrofit unused areas on footways – people choose to the Dubai International New city districts in the Middle East are revisiting walk alongside buildings to take advantage of the Financial Centre the traditional tenets of Arabic urban form. shade, rather than out on the open.

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There are areas where the existing guidance could be strengthened: While research shows that the use of high albedo (i.e. low heat absorption) materials can play a major role in achieving thermal comfort, design guidance often does not include it. Black macadam is the worst material for solar absorption – often about 4 ° C hotter than concrete – yet it is still the preferred choice for city roads, driving up ambient temperatures. The configuration of tree planting for efficient irrigation and thermal comfort can help the sustainability of a project. A strong research paper would help to calibrate design solutions, aid species selection, and convince clients of the cost/ benefit case for trees. There are also practical considerations around repair and reinstatement works by local contractors. An equivalent to modular, simple and flexibly laid interlocking setts is needed for easy maintenance and management, unless the highways authorities could control workmanship standards more tightly.

Public Spaces Delivered by the Private Sector As in the UK, there is a great contrast between the quality of most public spaces and those delivered by the private sector. In contrast to many public highways in the Middle East, private developers are delivering some of the highest quality landscapes anywhere in world. The level of investment in commercial real estate, in tandem with competition to attract businesses and expats with environments and lifestyles of a global quality, is driving delivery with elements dating back to 2000BC. This has ↖↑ Pedestrian and bus standards higher. Designers have more flexibility led to the development of remarkable pedestrian infrastructure planned for due to private procurement and maintenance infrastructure to ensure the efficient and safe Abu Dhabi ↑↑ King Abdul Aziz Road, arrangements. Finer quality hard materials and movement of the Hajjis, and this trend is continuing Makkah – artist’s impression street furniture can be specified, and the level of to deal with ever larger demand. detailing can be enhanced with the certainty that it The Makkah authorities embarked on an can be delivered and maintained. ambitious programme of development and Landscape design is also grappling with infrastructure building to prepare the city for aesthetics in both public and private schemes – how growing visitor numbers, including the King Abdul to respond to the Arabic context amid so much Aziz Road – a 3km long ceremonial approach to the international post-modern architecture? With Haram to be built in the heart of the existing city. urban forms and building typologies so far removed The boulevard and associated development will link from the heritage of the region, Arabic geometries to the proposed Haramain high speed rail link (to have become the staple of designers, along Jeddah airport) and local metro and bus services. with creative responses to climatic constraints. The public realm design responds to the Interestingly, this has become a consultancy varying pedestrian numbers predicted along service in its own right, with specialists advising its length, while allowing efficient interchanges designers on the creation and application of locally with other modes of transport. Atkins has also appropriate geometric patterns. had to design for seasonality and climate on this Private sector developers have also realised the project – the ability to demount some elements of potential for spaces to become attractions, capable street furniture to allow the boulevard to adopt its of boosting visitor numbers and complementing maximum capacity mode for the short Hajj season. key tourist attractions. The fountains at Dubai Legibility was also a key concern; Hajjis arrive Downtown have become a magnet for visitors, from every Muslim nation, with varying degrees bolstering visitor numbers to the adjacent Dubai of mobility and literacy, placing unique demands Mall and rapidly becoming a global icon on a par on public information systems for the organising with the Bellagio in Las Vegas. Ministry. Accessibility has to include seating to allow regular opportunities for rest, while not Pedestrian Infrastructure for the obstructing the main busy pedestrian routes. 21st Century For many, the Hajj is a unique event, and the Of course, the Middle East is not just about business boulevard will become part of their memory of the and tourism, it is also the centre of one of the most significant spiritual journey of their lives. The largest annual convergences of people in pilgrimage scale of investment in schemes of this magnitude – the Hajj season in Makkah. Up to three million and profile further underlines the importance that people arrive in the city during a four week period is now being attached to the Middle East’s public to perform the Hajj, placing unique demands on streets and spaces. Paul Fraser, Principal the city streets. The ritual has an ancient history, • •Urban Designer, Atkins Ltd

Issue 124 – Autumn 2012 – Urban Design — 27 Topic Urban Design in Egypt: the New Dimension Rania Raslan and Ali Bakr consider the impact of political changes

Background it is evident that people will do what they need to Egypt has almost 85 million inhabitants and a 2 do, and used to do, traditionally in their cities, but per cent growth rate, with Cairo home to 11 million perceptions of urban space over the last sixty years people, and Alexandria 4.5 million. The rate of have changed as a result of these regimes: urbanisation in Egypt is forecast to be 2 per cent • The high rate of urbanisation in search of better between 2010 to 2015, and 43 per cent of Egyptians living conditions has helped to ruralise our cities, live in cities, rather than rural areas. Regarded as a and changed perceptions of urban spaces. developing country with the largest population in • The need for income and high rates of the Middle East as well as the Arab World and North unemployment has put pressure on Egyptians Africa, Egypt plays a key role in the area, politically to travel to other Arabian countries and the and economically, due to its location, population Gulf area in search of work. Egyptians’ lengthy mass and human resources. stays in these other countries have affected their Under English occupation, Egypt was a kingdom traditions and habits, which in turn has affected and many Egyptian cities adopted western city perceptions and use of urban spaces. design principles, such as the gridiron system and • The pressure from the three consecutive outward-facing buildings. This created a certain Egyptian rulers meant that Egyptians have lost image for the cities, with constant reminders of their sense of intimacy and belonging with their that period evident in seven key urban design cities and societies. characteristics: a dense city form, a quality of the public realm, legibility, diversity, continuity and All of these pressures on Egyptian citizens have enclosure, ease of movement, and adaptability. made their behaviour in public space seem Since the revolution in 1952, Egypt witnessed uncivilised, as in many developing countries, and its republican era, led for six decades by three the new political changes have directly affected presidents with military backgrounds. In the Nasser social and behavioural dimensions. era, the country adopted Marxist disciplines as In Egypt, people have started to find the power well as Arabian Nationalism, making Egyptians to change their lives for the better. Urban spaces highly dependent on the regime. In the Sadat must now therefore meet the expectations of era, the president embraced capitalism with no their potential users and offer the right mix of preparation for his citizens on how to adapt to environmental, economic and social conditions. such a transformation. In the Mubarak era, which Several situations show how different pedestrian lasted for three decades, the regime valued wealth behaviour is now after the revolution of 25 January and commerce, and political decisions favoured 2011. business and its demands. Pedestrian behaviour ↑ New crossing on Al-Kornish Arabian Spring in Egypt In many Egyptian cities, pedestrians crossing the Road, Alexandria From the perspective of Egyptian urban designers, road behave differently from those in developed

28 — Urban Design – Autumn 2012 – Issue 124 Topic countries. Pedestrians in Alexandria as in all Conclusion Egyptians cities, would cross streets from every After the January 25th 2011 revolution, everything direction, indicative of their attitudes to rules about in the field of urban design and its constituents, public space use. which relate to Egyptians’ behaviour should be The Al-Kornish road is one of the main high- re-thought to meet our new desires for urban speed roads in Alexandria, some 17 kilometres spaces and cities. ‘Good’ spatial behaviour is an long, and with several types of activities taking indicator of successful urban design that meets the place along it, from recreational, residential, people’s needs, while, ‘bad’ spatial behaviour can entertainment and commercial uses. This be an indicator of wasted resources and a cause for promenade has a number of pedestrian tunnels occupants’ dissatisfaction. which in most cases see a great deal of use. A year Egyptian urban designers must look hard at ago, pedestrians protested against the rules of several aspects of urban design. There are many the Al-Kornish road, which was intended to be a specialists that work and operate within the recreational avenue along Alexandria’s beaches, but urban environment who have been attracted to had become unsafe to cross. They were demanding pedestrian flow studies to understand the way that their rights to cross the road safely, rather than people move in an urban setting. The importance risking their lives daily. of pedestrian movement and behaviour makes it the main component in the analysis and design of urban spaces, transportation facilities, pedestrian When designs and rules meet their walkways, traffic intersections and markets. These needs, people will follow them behaviour patterns give real and valuable indicators about nations and cultures in the study of urban regardless of their culture, gender, design, describing the relationship between people or socio-economic background and their surroundings as an interdisciplinary field. In order to understand their behaviour in relation to other elements of urban form – space and the Now, a new crossing has been installed to presence of other people – one must start from the re-connect both sides of the road, and during the small scale. first days and weeks, the situation was disaster. In addition, understanding the way in which Neither pedestrians nor drivers were familiar with people move through towns leads to better the new crossing, and it took a while for pedestrians predictions about pedestrian movement, and this to get used to crossing in that spot. Then they enables urban designers to create better urban recognised the importance of the crossing for them, spaces, where social life can be stimulated or help and began to obey a rule created to save lives. in identifying the likely impacts of pedestrianising In this case the road designers had not taken a city street, for example. In the context of urban into consideration that the culture of Alexandrian design, human spatial behaviour becomes a term citizens is strongly related to the lovely beaches. It that describes the relationship between the built was not acceptable to construct a high-speed road environment and its human inhabitants; a new in the city where pedestrians need to cross to sit by dimension of Egyptian urban design should be the Water front, watch fishermen in the morning formulated to meet our new needs in our urban or sip a cup of tea, eating a corncob or a hot sweet spaces as well as our cities. potato at night. The Water front provides an escape • after work or on the weekends. Yet when designs and rules meet their needs, people will follow them regardless of their culture, gender, or socio- economic background.

Queuing In most developed countries, a queue is a necessary part of daily life. But in Egypt people are not generally familiar with queues; they do not always follow any lanes or queuing conventions. For example, Egyptians had never taken part in elections before and the first opportunity to choose a parliament and president were open to them. So, when it came to the election process, people behaved differently. Egyptians themselves were surprised with the self-organised queues that formed, despite the huge differences between participants in various social and economic backgrounds. People used the streets and the inner courtyards of the election control centres as new urban spaces, without getting bored even though some queues were long and extended for hundreds of metres. People were keen for the elections to be Rania Raslan, Ph successful, and so were happy to queue and acted •D Candidate, and Ali in a civilised manner. As an urban designer, you Bakr, Professor of Urban and Regional Planning, need to meet other people’s needs because they will Department of Architecture, never conform to your ideas, if they go against their Faculty of Engineering, own needs and wishes. Alexandria University, Egypt

Issue 124 – Autumn 2012 – Urban Design — 29 Topic Dubai Pedway Development Strategy Becci Taylor describes innovative design solutions for streets in extreme temperatures

Walking in a hot climate improve the utility of the metro system to its A study undertaken by Arup in 2009 explored the passengers. feasibility of a system of city walkways to extend Keen to build on the metro’s initial success, the catchment of the public transport network, Nasser Abu Shehab, Director of Strategic Planning including the then recently opened Dubai Metro. Department at the Dubai RTA, the Dubai Road and This was a novel and visionary approach for a Transport Authority (RTA) asked Arup to develop transport authority in this region to take. proposals to extend the size of walking catchments, Dubai’s blue skies and warm weather have made it a with particular emphasis on low energy options. popular magnet for tourists. But getting around this The study that Arup undertook, the Dubai Pedways sprawling city during the hot and humid summers Development Strategy, aimed to make walking a can be a challenge. Air-conditioned cars prevail as preferred mode of transport in Dubai; extend the the most comfortable option for many in the heat of catchment of the metro network; and, investigate summer. Pedestrians face a number of difficulties, the potential for elevated and/or below ground including the poor continuity of footpaths, pedestrian links across the city (Pedways) in dominance of traffic, and the fact that whole discussion with potential investors and developers. communities are divided by 12-lane highways. Pedestrian benefits Thermal shock Arup’s approach was to provide a balance between Dubai’s new metro system has so far exceeded the two temperature extremes experienced its initial targets for passenger use. However, from air-conditioned buildings to the outside. A the local climate means that unless people live range of options was devised to minimise energy within a few paces of a bus or metro stop, they demand, whilst maintaining a comfortable face an uncomfortable walk in the heat. Dubai’s pedestrian environment. Thermal modelling was air-conditioned buildings are regularly set at used to analyse transient comfort for each option, temperatures of around 18ºC, which means considering walking speed, metabolic rate and that people can experience thermal shock when walking distances along the Pedways. The thermal they walk out into temperatures that can exceed sensation of walking in the winter sun was used 45ºC in the summer. Providing protection in the as an acceptable upper limit for comfort. The transitional spaces and the main pedestrian routes studies concluded that a combination of shade, ↑ Sections through proposed between the new Dubai metro stations and major air movement and thermal mass significantly Pedways local destinations would, therefore, significantly improved the thermal sensation within a Pedway to

30 — Urban Design – Autumn 2012 – Issue 124 Topic acceptable levels of comfort, increasing pedestrian safety and mobility without the need for excessive air conditioning.

Design principles The Dubai Pedway concept provides quick and convenient routes while protecting pedestrians both from traffic and the sometimes aggressive heat in Dubai. A number of social, economic and environmental design principles were identified for the Pedway network: • Transport and Movement – to increase access and connectivity to public transport services, and reduce private vehicle use and related congestion and carbon emissions • Health and Wellbeing – to provide opportunities for health benefits for users with walking becoming a preferred mode • Economic Activity – to provide opportunities for revenue generation and local businesses. • Community – to link key destinations and communities, for greater cohesion within neighbourhoods; and, to create a system that is accessible for all following the RTA’s Guidelines for Design of Accessible Transport in the Emirate of Dubai • Energy – to minimise energy requirements by using orientation and passive design through natural day lighting and ventilation • Public Realm – to create comfortable, safe and convenient routes with good levels of natural surveillance and activity.

The overall objective of the Dubai Pedways study was to demonstrate the thermal performance of a range of pedestrian environments in the Dubai climate, and thereby identify appropriate technical and architectural typologies that deliver the optimal solutions. Anecdotally, pedestrian movement seems to be increasing in certain areas of Dubai, particularly the beach resorts and marinas. However, the hot and humid summer temperatures are still cited as a major deterrent. In order to improve external comfort, some low-cost solutions can be implemented: • Limiting walking distances between cooler spaces, through massing and layout • Controlling solar gain and the mean radiant temperature of surrounding surfaces, through shading • Increasing air movement through orientation and mechanical measures.

Testing best practice As part of the Pedway study, a review of international best practice relevant to the Dubai climate and urban context was undertaken, and The study created a flexible framework for ↑ Still image from 3D included Mumbai, Hong Kong, Toronto, and Pedway development and implementation that pedestrian modelling for Chicago. Structures elsewhere included shading could be developed organically, connecting more Dubai Trade Centre District ↑↑ Visualisation of a with high thermal mass to avoid solar gain, while and more commercial and leisure buildings naturally ventilated Pedway capitalising on the heat retention of the structure to become a vital part of the city’s transport with fans and canopy roof itself to keep cool, with fans to create additional infrastructure. It also explored funding and revenue ↑↑↑ Pedestrian comfort airflow. The review also highlighted the need for models that would offset the capital costs, including levels in low energy Pedway (red), sunlight (black), and in supporting policies and programmes. commercial sponsorship opportunities such as shade (in green) The suitability of areas for Pedway connections retail kiosks and advertising space. • within Dubai was also assessed, and design • Becci Taylor, Associate, guidelines for Dubai Pedway Planning were Arup worked closely with Nasser Abu Shehab, Director prepared. Three areas in Dubai were considered in of Strategic Planning the conceptual design – Dubai Trade District, Wafi Department at the Dubai RTA City/Healthcare City and Deira City Centre. on this project

Issue 124 – Autumn 2012 – Urban Design — 31 Topic Urban Design Education in Iran Iraj Etessam and Jahanshah Pakzad describe the evolution of Iran’s skill base

from rural areas, towns and cities, up to regional levels. The department’s research programme included research methods to investigate the country’s needs in relation to the socio-economic and physical development of its cities, also focusing on cultural values. It was only in 1975 that the University of Shahid Beheshti and Iran University of Science and Technology started to admit students for master’s degrees. After the Islamic Revolution, from 1984 onwards, with the establishment of the Islamic Azad University (a private university) and Tarbiat Modares University, students were accepted for urbanism courses at postgraduate level at these universities too. The syllabus for city planning and design was always within the Master of Architecture curriculum.

FORECAST DEMAND With nine hundred large and small cities and a high forecast demand for specialists, Iran needed some 18,000 urban professionals in various fields. However, in 1990, the total number of active professionals was only 1,800, just ten per cent of the forecast demand. From 1989, after the Iraq-Iran war (also known as the first Persian Gulf War), there was a drive to launch urban development courses initially in Tehran, and later in other cities by public and private universities. This has led to 146 departments offering architecture and urbanism courses by 2012, of which 119 are related to architecture and 69 are dedicated to urbanism. Prior to this widespread knowledge about urbanism and due to the lack of urban specialists, it was architects who undertook most of Iran’s urban planning. However, when urban planners eventually got involved, their perceptions of the city were based on quantitative measures, while urban development projects were in need of qualitative approaches to city planning and A NEW FIELD design. This quantitative approach to urban Architecture has been part of the Iranian planning damaged Iranian cities and influenced educational system for over seventy years. In 1939 mainstream ideas. architecture was established as a course at the To tackle the issue, trained professionals were University of Tehran; in 1963 it became part of the needed to advocate the forgotten qualitative courses provided at Shahid Beheshti University, aspects of city planning and design. Based on the and was then followed by a number of other suggestion of a group of university professors, universities. Education in urbanism however is not two courses for urban design and planning were that old in Iran; and education in urban design as an set up. In 1989 urban planning and urban design independent course is even more recent. were offered as two separate but complementary The first department of urban planning was majors. In the early years, 18-20 students were established in 1965 in Iran at the School of Fine accepted by each department per year, and only Arts, University of Tehran. The scope of urban students with a previous degree in architecture planning education was to teach the principles and were eligible to study urban design. However methods of urban planning and design to students, later students with a previous degree in urban ↑ Arg Urban Design who would then be knowledgeable enough to studies were admitted as well. An urban design Framework, courtesy of Hadi rationalise, organise and deploy the potential of major usually takes three-and-a-half to four Zamanifard other related disciplines in the built environment years including the time to undertake the final

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dissertation. Contextualising urban design concepts countries, this change has caused concern about the ↖↑ Shamsolemareh Urban and techniques was high on the agenda for the quality of learning and training in this area, and has Design Brief and Framework, university professors, who had been educated in the repeatedly been the subject of complaint by tutors courtesy of Hadi Zamanifard UK and Germany. and students alike. Another concern is that recent Many Iranian cities have historic or old centres students from a wide range of backgrounds from containing valuable elements and traditional urban physics to religious studies have been accepted onto fabric in their urban morphology and architectural postgraduate courses in both urban planning and styles. To respect, protect and learn from the design. This has significantly affected the level of globally-renowned Islamic urbanism of the country, learning, as bringing these students up to speed on a syllabus on urban design in the historic urban basic design concepts in a short period of time is environment was introduced. The workshops on sometimes impossible. urban design in historic places were complementary The following courses are among the most to the syllabus on theoretical principles of urban important in urban design postgraduate taught design, for example. Working on the historic urban programmes: fabric in Iran offers a rich environment for learning • Theoretical Principles of Urban Design the principles of Islamic urbanism, exemplified • Techniques of Urban Design Workshop in the country’s older cities. Being the home of • Progression of Ideas in Urban Planning masterpieces in Islamic urbanism, for example • Environmental Psychology Isfahan, Kerman and Yazd, the country also • Infrastructure enjoys climatic, morphological and geographical • Urban Design Workshop (covering micro-macro diversities which provide opportunities for students scales and simple-complex levels) to appreciate a variety of contexts and enhance • Final dissertation or thesis (for examination) their experience. The three-and-a-half to four year period of The critical lack of tutors in the field of urban the postgraduate urbanism course was however design also led Shahid Beheshti University to insufficient to create a resourceful workforce in the establish the only PhD courses in urban design in field. Due to the tremendous demands of Iranian the country in 2005, and urban planning in 2009. society for practical experts in urbanism who could Other universities still accept PhD students in urban work in government, public and private agencies, studies. especially in relation to the fast growing number of The Centre of Excellence in Urban Design, CEUD, Iranian municipalities, a bachelor’s degree course hosted by Shahid Beheshti University is a young in planning – called urban engineering – was also research centre that plays a vital role in highlighting established in 1999. The establishment of this the importance of the qualitative approach to city undergraduate degree programme became the planning and design, the role of urban designers, foundation for planning education. It provided and the quality of urban design education in the better and stronger planning students to then join country. Its aims are that trained professionals the master’s degree programmes and, in general, who are concerned about the quality of urban life help the technical and scientific progress of and cities will be the source of their improvement Professor Iraj Etessam, municipalities and the whole country. over the long term, reclaiming urban spaces and •founder of the Department of returning them to pedestrians. Urban & Regional Planning, CHANGES TO COURSES • University of Tehran. At present due to new regulations introduced Professor Jahanshah Pakzad, Director of the in 2010, the duration of all taught postgraduate Centre of Excellence in courses has been reduced to two years. While two Urban Design, at Shahid years of master’s studies is common in many other Beheshti University

Issue 124 – Autumn 2012 – Urban Design — 33 Francis Tibbalds Award Shortlisted Projects District//s Allies and Morrison describe a contextual master plan in Beirut

Allies and Morrison are the masterplanners and architects for District//S – a 42,000 sqm scheme of high quality residential accommodation situated on the edge of Beirut’s historic city centre. Twenty two new buildings provide 109 apartments ranging in size from 150-600 sqm, and a network of pedestrianised public spaces – a piazza, a sunken garden and a series of lanes – creates a vibrant public realm for a cosmopolitan mix of cafes, shops and galleries. Buildings are clad in stone and incorporate tall, oversized timber shutters – a contemporary response to the traditional Lebanese balconies and shutters which jut from buildings in neighbouring areas. Eight jewel-like penthouses overlook a series of connecting rooftops with pools and terraces, creating a private landscape raised above the city.

Principles & Process The site was formerly owned by Solidere, who are responsible for the regeneration of the historic city of Beirut. It was then sold on to Estates Development SAL on the basis that it meets the requirements of the city’s masterplan and, in design terms, reaches the very high standard that Solidere has set. Our starting points were the site and its relationship with the city of Beirut itself. We wanted to avoid a selfish generic design which, like so much current architecture, could be anywhere in the world. We wanted to create a place with generous reference to particulars of its context, which includes both a powerful topography and the infectious optimism and energy of a city we have come to admire. Our first visit to see the site was also our first visit to Beirut. Such moments can be overwhelming. Those first impressions, which can never be relived, can provoke strong initial responses. And we found that the more we visited the city and the site for District//S, the more we learned – but also the more our first ideas were reinforced. Looking back, it is clear that three initial observations were key to the concept that we developed. The first thing we noticed was the shape of the site. It seemed like a rectangle that had been broken. The natural break created a space that suggested a new informal square at the heart of the project.

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↓ Oversized timber shutters are a contemporary response to the traditional Lebanese balconies and shutters ↙ Twenty two new buildings ↙ View through the model provide 109 apartments ↓↓ Eight jewel-like ranging in size from 150 to penthouses overlook a series 600 sqm, and a network of connecting rooftops with of pedestrianised public pools and terraces, creating spaces a private landscape raised ↙↙ Model of the scheme above the city

This beneficial fracture would also form a intimate. We recalled how a Japanese that it is as important to understand new route that would thread through the calligrapher, when placing the bold black the physical context of a site as it is the site and connect it to the city. And so the brush stroke on the page, thinks also of the political context. Beirut, as a city, is rightly new District //S would be sewn into the beauty of the white space contained within immensely proud of its history and is fabric of old Beirut. the structure of each letter. confident in its aspirations. And as with Dividing the site created two distinct The third thing we noticed was the every project, everywhere, there is no places – two courtyards. It seemed right way in Beirut’s topography produces shortcut to ensuring that the proposed that these spaces should also connect wonderfully detailed silhouettes. Busy at project fits absolutely with both the needs to the network of neighbouring streets. street level, with every wall punctuated of the city and its ambitions. A vision of small lanes, passages and with balconies or loggias in discourse with • informal spaces formed in our minds: the outside, Beirut also offers yet another these would be the capillaries to conduct urban layer with its beautiful rooftops. The the energy of life and business. It already topography of the city encourages you not seemed to us that District //S would be a just to look up, but also to look down. pleasant place to visit and live in, a place So it seemed important that District//S where human interaction took place on should have three distinct layers: a busy a human scale in an unceremonious and street level with shops, lanes and gardens, relaxed environment. a middle layer of well-planned apartments The second thing we noticed was the each with balconies and loggias, and a elegance of Beirut’s historic buildings. We top layer of villas and terraces that would enjoyed the variety of form and detail. As draw inspiration from and add to the individual buildings they are appealing, rich composition of Beirut’s above-street but it is as a group that they define the city. silhouette. We thought, therefore, that District//S We knew from the beginning that should be not one building, but a District//S had all the right ingredients collection of harmonious structures. Each to be a memorable place itself. We were building could be different from the next sure it would be an enviable place to live. but, together, the whole would be greater And we hope those first impressions that than the sum of its parts. generated our ideas will have matured Sketching the possibilities quickly into a design that is much a part of Beirut’s revealed how important the spaces history as it will be of its future. between the buildings would be. Each palazzo would be simple and individual, Lessons Learned but the spaces that conducted the cross- In order to meet the aspirations of the breezes would be complex, inviting and city and the approvals process, we feel

Issue 124 – Autumn 2012 – Urban Design — 35 Francis Tibbalds Award Shortlisted Projects Belfast Streets Ahead Atkins shows how the city is changing

was a need to synchronise design and implementation activities with major developments such as the Victoria Square shopping centre.

Sustainable design elements The overall composition of the principal paving surfaces were considered to best address the performance requirements and particular site conditions. This minimised onsite construction activities thereby reducing labour requirements and significantly reducing noise and dust pollutants, a primary cause of concern for those affected by the works during construction. The drainage was integrated seamlessly into the design and considerable time was devoted to assessing existing infrastructure, re-using and modifying drainage where feasible as opposed to BACKGROUND planned and impromptu events and wholesale replacement. Belfast, a city rich in historical and celebrations. This requires an inherent Associated street components such as cultural diversity, is undergoing a flexibility in the designs. The spaces seating, lighting, bollards, bins and cycle momentous programme of transformation themselves – supported by a complex racks were reviewed to determine their to compete as a European city of choice. underground duct and IT network and sustainability regarding the use of recycled The £28 million investment, the city’s in-ground power supplies – are simple and materials or their ability to be recycled in most significant to-date, is being put into clutter-free providing ease of movement. later years. The durability, maintenance creating a more captivating and inviting and management requirements of all city centre. The project, Belfast Streets The masterplan specifications were embedded into the Ahead (BSA), is already delivering real Atkins worked alongside AECOM, who design process which has delivered benefits, with new businesses and tenants were the masterplanners on this project. well considered, robust and sustainable choosing to invest in the city. Phase 1 of The masterplan sought to create an improvements that will benefit today’s the project, completed in October 2011, improved walking environment, by users and future generations to come. has revitalised 14 faded city centre streets, creating a series of changing experiences This proactive approach to enhancing the retail environment and through the streets to spaces such as sustainability was recognised with the making the city more accessible. Arthur Square and Castle Place. The spaces CEEQUAL Whole Project Award, Excellent provide the natural points of pedestrian Award achieving a score of 78.1% for THE AIM orientation and connections to the wider areas 1 & 3. This major achievement was BSA looks to improve the appearance street network. The design of the streets awarded for: and quality of Belfast’s city centre to provided a framework around which street • Reducing energy requirements of the attract investment from outside Northern activation could be encouraged, and the completed scheme by introducing Ireland, encourage business development, alignment of furniture and banding, whilst efficient street lighting monitored increase tourism and contribute to a addressing the engineering and technical remotely and able to reduce use during reduction in crime, by making the city demands of vehicular segregation and off-peak periods centre safer and more people-friendly, drainage provided a visual marker to • Reducing future maintenance with well-lit and active streets. subtly influence the location of street requirements and agreeing activities associated with the businesses. management and maintenance THE DESIGN This soft approach maintains the eclectic methodology for all paved areas Much of the project area falls within mix and styles that are typical of Belfast’s • Materials selected for durability with Belfast’s designated conservation area. streets, thus avoiding the appearance high-quality materials designed to BSA seeks to deliver a responsive and of forced management and sterilisation deliver a long design life contemporary environment, looking of character that is so vital to street life. • Minimising off-site disposals to landfill to the future whilst being respectful of This approach provides flexibility and • Increasing the recycling content. the past. It strives to create sustainable as such streets have developed differing spaces, seeking the right balance to deliver characters, adding to the diversity of CONSULTATION a visually appealing and stimulating city, Belfast’s urban mix. To deliver real benefits, the design whilst accommodating many associated No buildings facing the street were was developed in an inclusive manner, city management activities along with included in the scheme, however there informed through consultation with

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↙ Close up of lighting masts on Donegall Place ↓ Arthur Square, with the ‘Spirit of Belfast’ sculpture ↘ Arthur Street ↘↘ Combined plan

user and stakeholder groups. BSA placed THE CHALLENGES AND LESSONS design amendments, adjustments and considerable emphasis on engagement LEARNT innovations to take cognisance of the and consultation to harness users’ valued BSA raised some unique challenges on-site constraints whilst at the same time input in informing the design process including uncoordinated underground delivering the client’s vision to budget. and outcomes, such as the critical need to services and the presence of a sub ground ensure the requirements of all users were structural concrete slab which had been THE ENRICHMENT OF BELFAST met by the proposals. This was especially structurally compromised through years BSA has vastly enhanced the city centre, important with regards to those with of utility repairs and diversions. It was including provision of new street mobility and visual impairment. Through thoroughly examined to determine how furniture, street lighting, signs and detailed consultation with these groups much could be retained and re-used landscaping. A new traffic layout in the initial idea of promoting ‘shared space’ with the aim of reducing excavation Donegall Place has enabled the pavements within Donegall Place was re-considered requirements. Atkins designed a bespoke to be extended, which along with the in light of the real challenges this presents solution to retain as much of the existing upgrading of the surrounding streets has to the visually impaired. For example, slab, reducing cost and delivering made Belfast city centre more pedestrian guide dogs are trained to cross streets by sustainability benefits whilst integrating friendly, more attractive to shoppers and locating kerbs. Shared space proposals the existing drainage network into the to all who visit the city, augmenting Belfast would have removed these key wayfinding paving layout delivering great benefit as a premier European capital city. elements, creating a significant without significant cost and disruption. A sense of place has been created disadvantage to the visually impaired. Great care was taken in the paving through the use of public art, like the Keeping Belfast moving during detailing, reducing the requirement for 7m high Spirit of Belfast, a £200,000 construction again was a key requirement. onsite cutting to a minimum, reducing sculpture made of four curved stainless The Contractor, Farrans Construction noise and disruption. This in-depth steel parts. Ltd devised and implemented a continual appreciation of buildability has ensured Sculptor, Dan George described it as consultation process supported by a delivery on the quality, time and budget a ‘child for the people of Belfast’. The dedicated information helpline and full targets. coloured lighting is designed to reflect the time business and trader liaison role. Construction timing sequences and texture and lightness of linen, while the This responsive approach enabled the their subsequent impact on retail and metal reflects the strength and beauty of programming of works to be maintained movement patterns was vital. Atkins, shipbuilding, two important aspects of whilst also maintaining business and working with partner Farrans, with Belfast’s history. trader confidence in the project and their dedicated design and programme Eight feature lighting masts were also its objectives. This approach has been co-ordinator managing the works installed along the east side of Donegall recognised with Farrans winning programme, provided a seamless Place, celebrating Northern Ireland’s Considerate Constructor Awards. delivery to the client and stakeholders. industrial maritime heritage, each one Where conflicting views occurred on This collaborative approach to commemorating one of the great White the design proposals, the team resolved planning, designing and delivering this Star Line ships built in Belfast by Harland them by managing the process through multidisciplinary project delivered and Wolff. Strip lighting will illuminate transparent stakeholder management efficient construction phases to agreed each mast at night. These additions have tracker sheets, where each stakeholder dates and programmes which have been given Belfast individuality, providing group would be able to see and respond to instrumental to maintaining businesses interest for all who visit the city leaving each concern raised. Through this process and traders confidence and support them with positive memories of Belfast. an acceptable resolution was reached throughout the works. • and subsequent planning approval was These challenges amongst others granted. required the team to develop numerous

Issue 124 – Autumn 2012 – Urban Design — 37 Francis Tibbalds Award Shortlisted Projects LEICESTER SQUARE RE-DESIGN Burns + Nice describe changes to one of London’s most famous squares

BACKGROUND marble busts and the London Plane trees; URBAN DESIGN Context Leicester Square, despite being an in addition the gardens are required to be Leicester Square is an historic public entertainment and tourist destination, physically enclosed by the London Squares open space located in the heart of central had become disconnected from its Preservation Act 1931. These constraints London; by the mid-19th century the surroundings, rundown in appearance were positively overcome: new railings character of the Square and its connector and a place where antisocial behaviour and gates were introduced framed by the streets began to change as elegant had become a major issue. The vision was innovative informal seating element – a town housing blocks were replaced by to re-establish Leicester Square as home sinuous white ribbon. The gardens and the commercial and cultural buildings. But the of cinema and the entertainment gateway wider square take their design reference central garden area and the footprint of to the West End; to make it a vibrant from the historic fountain at the centre. the surrounding buildings changed very landmark and principal meeting place Everything radiates out from the fountain; little, particularly as the land use as public where people can sit, relax and enjoy the the pathways widen towards the gates gardens has been protected by law since atmosphere. giving the illusion of greater distance the 1870s. Leicester Square and the surrounding and space; the gardens and ribbon are streets form one of London’s most framed by a carpet of dark granite, the Principles intensely used urban spaces with 250,000 shape of which creates a legible link to the The wider urban design principles have visitors each day, over 50 film premieres surrounding square. been to re-establish Leicester Square each year and more than 250 servicing The form, colour and shape of the within its London context by defining deliveries to businesses and eateries every ribbon are derived from the sculptural the area as a distinct ‘city quarter’ or city morning. A design competition was held in language and material of the fountain; block to greatly enhance its connections June 2007, the submission by Burns + Nice this has also influenced the curvilinear to its neighbouring areas Covent Garden, for the square and the surrounding streets form of the thresholds at the gateways Piccadilly, Chinatown and Trafalgar was selected by Westminster City Council. within the wider city block. The ribbon Square. The city block is subdivided provides informal seating opportunities into distinctive urban components: Scheme description and a meeting place at any time of the the connector streets, the square and The new design used the historic qualities day or night; it activates the edge creating the gardens, and at its core, the listed of the area as its inspiration – the late a new spatial event within the adjacent Shakespeare Fountain. 19th century form of the central gardens pedestrianised and alfresco dining areas. surrounded by the wider urban square The organic shape of the mirrored railings Concept and connector streets – and translated behind the ribbon blurs the experience The re-design of Leicester Square offered these into a contemporary vocabulary of being inside or outside the enclosed the opportunity to consider the garden, that integrates the gardens with the gardens. A new sustainable lighting square and connector streets as one entity, surrounding streets. The constraints scheme contributes both to place-making and create a coherent design that captures included the retention of listed structures and legibility, as well as enhancing the the intrinsic qualities of the London such as the Shakespeare Fountain, four new modern character of the space. square and its gardens. There was also the

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↙ Layer diagram showing the design rationale ↙↙ The 200m long white Ribbon is illuminated from beneath, the Shakespeare fountain is encircled by 40 up-lit water jets, both the gardens and the adjacent Swiss Court have contemporary bespoke light columns with multi-directional luminaires, all street lighting is wall mounted opportunity to express the unique historic LESSONS LEARNED ↓ The connector streets qualities of the site that have been eroded The key to the success of the scheme was ↙ The fountain, the Ribbon, through the various changes in its basic the council’s support of the vision from the carpet, the animated edge, the square design over the last century. inception to its realisation on site. The ↓↓ Lighting contributes to Other overarching aims included strength of the design was its buildability place-making and legibility creating a sequence of urban events that which enabled positive consultations to give legibility and meaning to the area, occur leading to a successful delivery. and using lighting to create positive Establishing a robust and meaningful connections within the city block and consultation strategy through meetings, surrounding streets. The introduction newsletters and informative signage was of a unifying design language for the city an important part of the project process. block created an integrated scheme. The This continued throughout the life of the threshold of the city block is expressed by project including the construction period. introducing a paving design which reflects The scheme demonstrates how the form of the ribbon. The concept behind improvements within the public realm the gardens included: contribute to regeneration by improving • Extending the experience of a London the existing economic context, and square through the ribbon and black assisting in creating a confident and stable carpet environment for investment. It has already • Reinforcing the sense of place, become a catalyst for incoming investment extending and enhancing the uses of the and new development such as W London, area through a new lighting design M & M World and a New Premiere Inn. • Creating a sequence of urban events that Furthermore a committed client and the give legibility and meaning to the area. establishment of a technically experienced and integrated design team enabled the PROCESS scheme’s design challenges to be solved From 2007 Burns + Nice were involved innovatively, whilst retaining the integrity with in-depth on-going consultations; of the vision for the re-design of Leicester the process encouraged involvement and Square. information exchange. Consultations with • local stakeholder groups, Transport for London, English Heritage, Metropolitan Police and film distributors, as well as council officials were undertaken via questionnaires, exhibitions and regular meetings. This process refined the concept where necessary, although the overall scheme proposal was widely supported. Consultations continued throughout the development of the design and during the construction phase.

Issue 124 – Autumn 2012 – Urban Design — 39 Francis Tibbalds Award Shortlisted Projects Stratford City / 2012 Athletes Village Fletcher Priest Architects with multiple other consultants on masterplanning within an evolving context

The original Stratford City masterplan agreed, including use of the town centre Masterplan ‘fixes’ were documented was the largest planning application ever streets as arrival routes for visitors, and with a series of spatial parameters submitted in London and represented the location of the Athletes Village within forming the basis for a comprehensive ambition to establish a new metropolitan residential districts proposed for the north environmental assessment. Beyond any centre in the city. Made possible by the of the site. The bid success accelerated formal planning details, the guiding opportunities arising from construction of the pace of delivery and extended the principle, strongly expressed by clients the high speed Channel Tunnel Rail Link, it scale of transformation, enabling wider and local authority, was a ‘not Canary was the product of extensive consultation connections to be formed and legacy Wharf’ attitude to the surroundings. and created the vision, framework and sporting venues to be embedded in a The intention has always been that the process for the transformation of a 73 robust urban context. Initially half in and project will incrementally blur into its hectare former rail lands site. It was half beyond the Stratford City footprint, context, seeding transformation in the combined with the aspiration for a ripple following the success of the bid the Village nearby neighbourhoods, encouraging effect of regeneration across the wider was fully located within the Stratford site. social integration and connectivity with area and down the Lower Lea Valley. The the diverse population of East London and project was conceived and submitted for Principles beyond. planning before the London Olympic bid From the outset, the guiding principle and was intended to grow in phases in was of long-term city making, creating Process response to market demand over 20-30 an armature of pedestrian movement In recognition of the vast scale of the years. between the existing town centre and project and the anticipated longevity of onward to the Lea Valley Park. Off this implementation, several processes were Responding to the Olympic bid spine, a series of streets and spaces set up at the outline planning stage. These The project was coordinated with the established linkages into the surrounding established zones that would be subject to Olympic bid during the determination areas and focal points for urban districts a more detailed scale of masterplanning period for the original masterplan. The with varying scales, characteristics and before individual buildings could be two schemes aimed to align but not trip uses. The landscape framework was seen brought forward. To support this, a each other up. It was seen as important as the underlying basis for the project series of review panels – on design, that the relatively slim chance of success in recognition that specific needs on a sustainability and accessibility – were should not impede a regeneration process project of this scale would emerge over established. They were intended to already underway. Various overlaps were time and should be allowed to evolve. guide the planning authority and bring

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↙ Illustrative masterplan including future development, with boundary of 2012 Athletes Village highlighted ↓ Nearly 12ha of public open space delivered across the project with a range of scales and characters ↓ Original Stratford City ↘ Courtyard housing typologies create masterplan (pre-Olympics), clearly defined shared amenity space with boundary of 2012 Athletes for residents Village added ↓↓ Photograph showing main open ↓↓ Buildings vary in scale in space and vistas towards City of London response to context together clients, design teams and public in terms of the areas delivered to date, had to cope with multiple changes of sector stakeholders into a forum that is split approximately 50:50 in terms of ownership, with Westfield delivering the could review and inform the scheme market and social housing, fully integrated retail town centre, the ODA (and Lend at all stages. These panels have been a across the site. Lease as their development managers) key part of the process. In relation to the Village and Lend Lease/LCR the post- the Village, the need to accommodate Lessons learned Games predominantly commercial areas. 17,000 athletes and officials during the Many lessons have been learned and Games required the rapid delivery of a number of these relate to the classic Future more than 2,800 homes – far more than urban design balance between certainty The success of the project has been the any normal residential project would and open-endedness. In many ways, the transformation from infrastructure ever produce at one time. To achieve this, success of the project can be measured project to long-term vision to construction the northern zones of the project were in the degree to which the original process at a scale and pace one could consolidated and designed at the next ambitions of the masterplan, created in never have anticipated. The acceleration masterplanning scale in parallel with a pre-Olympics context and a different has delivered critical mass of population, commissioning at an architectural scale. economic setting, have remained robust. social and physical infrastructure and To help guide the architectural teams, The structure of the masterplan has been substantial public realm ready for a generally designing perimeter urban delivered and has formed the basis for the first generation of permanent residents structures with approximately 300 homes wider Olympic and post-Olympic project from 2013 onwards. Interestingly, the around shared communal courtyards, overlaid upon it. Grids established in new owners of ‘East Village’ have chosen detailed design guidance was created isolation now extend in every direction, to retain and manage the area as a alongside comprehensive briefing. This linking sporting venues and longstanding predominantly rental model of housing had to balance individual diversity, site- communities in a way that could not have tenure, a departure from the UK norm. wide procurement efficiencies, complex been anticipated a decade ago. The value This gives great hope for the future; the environmental standards, transition from of processes relating to review and design pivotal issues are now ones of community- short term intense occupation by athletes guidance have proven essential. Scales of building. The active management of the and long term space standards of housing land ownership have become important area as it grows and settles will be central with varied tenures and unit sizes. The in ways that were not expected. Originally to its long term role as a new London project is the largest scheme ever built to submitted as a single planning application district. Code for Sustainable Homes Level 4 and, for a single client consortium, the project •

Issue 124 – Autumn 2012 – Urban Design — 41 Francis Tibbalds Award Shortlisted Projects Filwood Park, South Bristol NEW Masterplanning show the benefits of designing with communities at the neighbourhood level

Park lodge Filtered views through retained trees Glimpsed views to the park from 2-storey Creswicke Road houses Creswicke Road 3-storey apartments

Lockable gates 3-storey houses

Young person shelter Windcatcher and southfacing solar panels designed Opportunities Creswicke Road into elevations for bike trails

Equipped Frontage playspace overlooking Ecology & courtyard education area

Wildflower meadow

Shared surface

3 storey ‘green’ Apartments 3 storey villas offices New gateway fronting the park & improved crossing Retention pond Illustrative detail of residential courtyard

Hengrove Way

Existing problems Benefits of neighbourhood A 1:500 scale model of the existing park The land at Filwood Park was historically planning made it easier to engage the community associated with Filwood Farm, but during The HCA acquired the 7.4 ha site from in a design debate. At the end of the EbD WWII parts were also used as an airfield Bristol City Council in 2008. The intention a model of the proposed park helped and the concrete apron of the vacant was to deliver much-needed family residents understand the scale of green ‘hangar site’ is still visible. housing and jobs as well as a better green space and how development would Much of the remainder of the site was space. Despite strategic regeneration improve safety, protect residents’ amenity, turned into playing fields and all other frameworks being agreed, no consensus and support wider regeneration. buildings were demolished in the 1970s. could be reached with the community However, when the Knowle West estate who submitted an application for Town & Improving design quality was constructed between 1920 and 1940, Village Green (TVG) status. The design of the new park ensured that along garden city principles, it backed In September 2011, funding became the amount of useable space is unchanged onto the airfield site. The park has available to HCA to enhance the park but its quality is enhanced. New homes therefore always felt isolated from the subject to planning permission by April. and offices overlook the park and increase housing estate and its residents. HCA still did not want to proceed without natural surveillance. Front doors face the This isolation has contributed to community support and appointed a team park creating life and activity. Houses serious and persistent anti-social to develop a masterplan through Enquiry address the pedestrian and cycle routes behaviour. The backs of existing by Design (EbD). through the site to create safer and properties along Creswicke Road are Workshops with schools highlighted welcoming connections, particularly after open to the park and vulnerable to significant concerns. Adults did not dark. damage and trespass. Home-owners appreciate the extent to which children The park edge will be defined by a have therefore implemented a range of were frightened to use the park, but the low hedge providing an attractive green defensive boundary treatments, creating message presented by the local youth character to the shared surface route. A an oppressive edge to the park. All play group was clear and powerful. Children railing can be provided within the hedge to facilities have been removed and the and adults showed us their favourite secure the space from motorbikes which park is used predominantly for dog parks, and we used these to illustrate how have been a major cause of crime and anti- walking. Filwood Park could be enhanced. social behaviour.

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← Masterplan prepared at ‘Enquiry by Design’ with sketch showing park and courtyards overlooked by new housing ↗ Engaging the community at the EbD → Aerial plan showing ideas of local youth group →→ Working model prepared at the EbD ↓ Photomontage of new housing overlooking the enhanced park

Improving residential amenity whilst three storey houses give a stronger Lessons learned New housing creates a secure rear presence and sense of enclosure to the Successful EbDs generally involve boundary for existing residents on park. A combination of bay windows lead-in times of at least six months. Creswicke Road. Instead of the obvious and balconies will provide a varied and We learned from Filwood Park that back-to-back arrangement, a series of interesting edge to the park. meaningful engagement with residents, residential courtyards are provided. and a high quality outcome, could still Properties will front and overlook the Catalyst for regeneration be achieved even within three months of courtyard spaces to ensure a secure area Residents highlighted the need for commissioning. HCA purchased the site for parking and a safe communal garden a positive gateway to help overcome more than three years ago, and planning space. This arrangement enables the negative external perceptions of Knowle permission was obtained some seven retention of a linear strip of trees along West. A green business park with months after appointing the design the eastern edge to support and encourage buildings of 3-4 storeys, street trees and team. Construction tender packages have wildlife and maintain an attractive green new four storey apartments, provide the already been issued. outlook for residents. Glimpsed views opportunity for a landmark feature to The client now recognises that through to the park from Creswicke Road announce the entrance to Knowle West designing with the community at the will also be maintained. and will start to transform Hengrove Way neighbourhood level can speed up the into an address street. planning process. Improving integration A higher density of population, The process also demonstrated to Family houses with gardens are together with 8,000 sqm of new the client that community support and located along the eastern edge to link employment floorspace, will support funding support come from designing in with the existing low density garden investment in Filwood Broadway local detail at the neighbourhood level. As well suburb. Densities of 40-50dph will centre, reinforce the Rapid Transit as securing £1m for an enhanced park, mark a step change from the 15-20dph proposals that connect to the city centre, the quality of design attracted European which characterises the area, but the and help to stimulate demand for further funding for the green business park. The transformation is subtle and gradual. residential and commercial investment. EbD has therefore provided a catalyst for Two storey housing relates to the the wider regeneration of Knowle West. existing houses along Creswicke Road •

Issue 124 – Autumn 2012 – Urban Design — 43 Francis Tibbalds Award Shortlisted Projects DERWENTHORPE PHASE 2, YORK Richards Partington Architects describe a new residential quarter

Principles Forty per cent of the homes will be houses are used to create short terraces Derwenthorpe seeks to create a mixed affordable and these are pepper potted with the elevations varied to suit the tenure, exemplar community of energy across the whole site. location of the houses, for instance at efficient homes on the periphery of York. gables or corners. The main east-west The design draws on the rich architectural Sustainability street has three storey houses on the legacy of Joseph Rowntree’s model village The houses have been carefully oriented northern side and smaller houses on the at nearby New Earswick. Steeply pitched with larger windows and sunspaces to the southern side to maximise the sunlight roofs, painted brickwork and striking south to maximise solar gains. Houses penetration to the pedestrian realm. dormer windows are combined to create will obtain their heating and hot water Careful consideration has been given a distinctive sense of place. All homes are from the biomass-fired district heating to how the development responds to designed to Lifetime Homes standards and network. The district heating is provided its surroundings. Temple Avenue will Code for Sustainable Homes levels 4 and via a biomass energy centre, which have an improved streetscape and 5. Extensive public amenity space will be incorporates two community spaces tree planting designed to complement an integral part of the development, and and a large meeting/education room. It Phase Two. Extensive consultations priority will be given to pedestrians. has already become the focus of school, with the parish council and neighbours, Phase One of the Derwenthorpe neighbourhood and visitor activities. through regular working groups have project is currently under construction. informed the landscape design and the Phase Two of the Derwenthorpe project Site Layout environmental improvements being made is located at the eastern end of Temple The different sized houses are used in neighbouring streets. Avenue adjacent to the prototype houses. appropriately to support the urban At the centre of the layout is a well- Phase Two will provide 125 homes of structure and provide enclosure and designed public space with a semi-mature varying size and tenure. House types continuous frontages to the streets and tree that adds structure and creates a range from two to four bedrooms and spaces. Larger houses are used adjacent recognisable destination and focus. The include wheelchair accessible homes. All to the surrounding open spaces and at roads approaching this space have been of the houses are designed to have the key points to punctuate the streetscape carefully designed to create a high quality same appearance regardless of tenure. and terminate forward views. The smaller public realm following the principle of

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↙ Neighbourhood Square ↘ Aerial view of whole development looking west ↘↘ Site plan showing connections to surrounding neighbourhoods ↘↘↘ Typical Street View pedestrian priority advocated by Manual for Streets. The layout also provides for pedestrian and cycle links northwards and eastwards to adjacent residential areas and open space and north eastwards across the Sustrans pedestrian/cycle route to the central area of Derwenthorpe providing links back to York.

Design Process Consultations were undertaken with Sustrans officers and the Secured by Design advisor. To create active street frontages the parking is a mixture of on-street, on-plot and minimal rear parking courts, which will also be landscaped and include several houses in each.

The detailed layout of the roads and the distribution of parking were agreed through a series of design discussions held directly with the City of York Strategic Planners and the highways department. This was an unusual and extremely fruitful process – the technical officers were able to visualize the urban design because of the large amount of three dimensional material tabled in discussions. This shared vision for the spaces created a high level of confidence between partners, and prompted the highways officers to push for more radical design solutions, including narrowing of carriageways at thresholds to 3.5m, eliminating kerbs and changes of level, and eliminating all unnecessary signage and road markings. Private services (including the community heating) are incorporated in adopted carriageways rather than in service verges.

Lessons Learned An important feature of the development is the quality of the streets and public spaces that have been created through a collaborative relationship with the highways and planning officers. The intention to create a pedestrian and, in particular, a child and play friendly environment, was foremost in the design discussion. This discussion was facilitated by high-quality three-dimensional renderings and models, and would not have been possible with two dimensional plans only. It is notable how the different disciplines worked together. The scheme is now held up as an exemplar by the highways department, in terms of both process and outcome. • Issue 124 – Autumn 2012 – Urban Design — 45 Publishers Award Shortlisted Publishers Award Books

For the third year, the UDG Awards programme will include a Publishers Award. Publishers in the urban design field were invited to nominate one of their books published in the last 18 months. The six finalists are reviewed on the next two pages by the review panel which comprises Juliet Bidgood, Marc Furnival, Jonathan Kendall and Laurie Mentiplay, and is chaired by ReThinking a Lot: The It is in the tension between visual land- Alastair Donald. The panel will choose the scape and multifunctional opportunities that winner, which will be announced at the Design and Culture of the book is limited. One would have liked the Awards event in February 2013. Parking terms of reference to extend beyond aesthet- ics towards opportunities for meaningful Eran Ben-Joseph, MIT Press, diverse land use: my mind immediately went 2012, £17.95 to photographs of sports pitches overlaid on ISBN 978-0-262-01733-6 car parks by Alex Maclean in Taking Measures Across the American Landscape. Many urban design texts attempt to syn- The book could have extended into wider thesise the layered complexities of the urban design areas that are both critical city, bringing together the diverse range of and underexploited in the text. The lot is social, cultural and technological forces symptomatic of urban sprawl and historic that operate at multiple scales in varied superimposition over other mobility systems locations around the globe. Others take a in a way that is not fully addressed culturally narrow slice, exemplifying the shaping of or economically. There is limited discussion the contemporary city through the study of about land value and the economics of the a single phenomenon. This book is clearly development in the city. These are issues in the latter category. Ben-Joseph’s focus that transcend specific detail and gets to is tightly upon the parking lot, and his the heart of real estate economics and the agenda is a reconsideration of this type relationship to planning. from its current role as a barren adjunct to There is a danger that the book aims to development. enhance aesthetic appearance adding only The value of a narrow focus is the op- marginal functional benefits rather than de- portunity it provides for depth and rigour. livering wholesale change. These are limited Ben-Joseph’s passion is clearly communi- ambitions when the promise of the book and cated and what could have been a dry text the quality of writing could lift it higher. That has been written with wit and clarity. The said, the book is graphically strong and a book provides an interesting and detailed pleasure to read, containing excellent use of history of the parking lot as a land use that archive photography. emerged from necessity and found itself ac- The book is an accessible read, predomi- cidentally claiming a role in urban structure. nantly aimed at an academic audience. There The book explores the lot in technical and is huge value in books like this. One would historical detail, though with a strong North just have liked a little more ‘bite’. American focus. This bias is acknowledged, Jonathan Kendall and it would have been interesting for the • book to have explored the degree to which car-based urbanism has created the lot as a global type or whether there is something The Temporary City culturally specific in its US manifestations. Peter Bishop and Lesley The book is limited to flat, single-level Williams, Routledge, 2012, £29.99 lots. There is no attempt to explore alterna- ISBN 978-415-67055 tive models such as basements or multi- level decks. Had it done so it might have lost its focus and veered into the territory of Si- Many are beginning to wonder whether the mon Henley’s 2007 Architecture of Parking, extended recession is merely part of a recur- briefly cited as a like-minded volume. Such a ring economic cycle or instead a readjust- broadening of scope would, though, have al- ment to a different mode altogether. Similarly lowed projects such as Herzog de Meuron’s this book gently poses the question, what if 1111 Lincoln Road car park with multiple the city could be shaped by forces other than cultural uses to have been included. capital – even if only for a while? Or if shaped

46 — Urban Design – Autumn 2012 – Issue 124 Publishers Award

by capital at all, by the individual and the re- variety, against a backdrop of increasingly demonstrate the value of and ways to engage configured consumption of - ideas, belonging bland high streets, and for enjoyment of the with less tangible aspects of the world and being there - brought about by the digital moment’. around us, which are key to understanding revolution? In the final chapters – the scale of ambi- these complex conditions. The Temporary City provides a lively tour tion swells to encompass ways of re-imagin- Between a full introduction and shorter around pop up, meanwhile or transient strat- ing the city and refiguring the process of mas- conclusion chapters, Urban Maps is divided egies that are being used to create experi- ter planning for this to become looser, more into: Brand, Image and Identity; Networks; ences and make places. Drawing on examples flexible, tactical and collaborative. The case Films; Marks; and, Object, illustrated with a from the UK, America and Europe the book study of the London Development Agency’s host of black and white images. The introduc- compiles sixty-eight case studies. Co-written zoning of a Green Enterprise District around tion is a little uneven, in the academic norm, by Peter Bishop, former director for Design the Royal Docks and east along the River but the remaining chapters settle down well for London and Lesley Williams, a writer and Thames shows how this approach is being put becoming clear and engaging on aspects sculptor, it is well-founded in an expansive into practice. The authors observe design- that are ubiquitous but often overlooked. The critical reading of relevant international ers talking about ‘getting stuck in’ – not as subject matter is relevant for those involved research. an alternative to professional rigour, but to in moulding our living environments and The opening chapters introduce tempo- interminable studies that can ‘blight an area deepens our understanding of the city. rality as a fourth dimension in urban plan- just as effectively as unfounded development There is a discussion of non-linearity and ning, questioning our focus on permanence projects’. Anyone wishing to capture some the temporal, as well as a clear articulation in place-making. The drivers and conditions Olympic spirit in their projects would do well of the erosion of sense of place – the rise for promoting temporary uses are explored to begin with this book. of non-place – highlighting the increasingly such as: uncertainty, loss of faith in the Juliet Bidgood wider modes of daily existence through their conventional mechanics of growth, trends • latent narratives. The loss of sense of awe in marketing, mobile urban lifestyles, social and diminished chance of encounter to en- networking, creative milieus, counterculture rich through presupposed (but non-existent) and activism, and vacancy and shrinking Urban Maps – Instruments familiarity of terrain is what has partly led to cities. Each of the following chapters takes of Narrative and increased urban exploration; re-engagement up a theme and demonstrates this with case with the built environment. studies. Interpretation in the City Brand and identity are seen as as an The authors set out the feasibility of using Richard Brook & Nick Dunn, architectural force, as well as an economic is- the temporary animation of sites, the value of Ashgate, 2011, £50 sue. With ‘culture travelling faster than it can this to private developers and ways of offering ISBN 978-0-7546-7657-7 understand’, ‘brand acquires ownership of meanwhile leases. They draw together some the visual, and therefore content of the city’. canny observations from clients and practi- In combination with the inertia of architec- tioners. Eric Reynolds (founder of Camden The natural tendency to make sense of a situ- ture and the ceding of the city to the urban, Lock Market among other things) comments ation through simplification is an innate life this summarises our current situation well. that communities are often affronted by navigation tool. But there is a danger that as A consideration of non-place, as rich vacant sites created by ‘overloading a site the physical and social make-up of our urban territory for creative exploitation, links with hope value’. In his view the barriers are environments become increasingly complex, narrative investigation of urban space to a not necessarily financial, legal or to do with we are too removed. This leads to a need for discourse on the production of architecture. planning, but caused by ‘conservatism and more sophisticated ways to map different This constitutes a new reading of place; a first the capacity to take up ideas’. networks; exploring our urban conditions and step to re-modulating how we think about At the same time, people’s purpose in go- their narratives is necessary and pertinent. our urban condition. If we are to engage ing out in towns and cities is being altered by It is important that we engage with these meaningfully and effectively with the modern the ease and economy of accessing goods and realities, regardless of their complexities, world, architecture must be acknowledged as services online. The pop up phenomenon is rather than just sentimentally lament what ‘not accepting of its diminished role in terms creating an experimental arena where partici- we perceive once was. of dialectic with the city’; a retreat from pants are both audience and consumer, offer- Film, and other artistic media, including humanist discourse preventing development ing new experiences that ‘blur the boundaries graffiti, can also be highly engaging modes of more responsive architecture. of eating, theatre, music and art’. The authors of enquiry that ‘reveal aspects and patterns This underpins the need to further ex- highlight how ‘people enjoy the immediacy of that are latent and buried deep within the plore how architecture can re-engage with the temporary’ as this meets a need for ‘both temporal state of cities'. Such investigations cities’ inhabitants and users, whereby the

Issue 124 – Autumn 2012 – Urban Design — 47 Publishers Award

architect and urban designer act more as from a broad range of disciplines including fuels and where the most vulnerable are less catalysts, so that places can evolve and we prevention, epidemiology, architecture, plan- exposed to climate change impacts such as are ‘equipped for creating strategies to ad- ning and sustainable communities. Although heat and cold stress, flood risk and food and dress the urban landscape’. the book is embedded in US practice and fuel poverty. None of us is a benign influence on policy it is interesting for comparing notes or Juliet Bidgood behaviour and interaction, and in this book inspiring policy or curriculum development. • we are provided with good arguments for Structured in four parts, it opens with the expanding the ways that we see and think background on how the discipline of public about the world around us. health has evolved historically from the need Urban Intersections: São Marc Furnival to ameliorate the conditions of rapidly in- Paulo • dustrialising cities. The second part expands on the interrelationship of design, resource Katherine Farley and Deborah availability and health. As well as physical Berke, Edited by Nina Making Healthy Places, health, food environments and access to Rappaport, Noah Biklen Designing and Building healthy food are also explored along with and Eliza Higgins, air quality and water supply, mental health W W Norton & Co, £25 for Health Well-being, and social capital and vulnerable populations. ISBN 978-0-393-73352-5 Sustainability The third section on ‘diagnosing and healing’ sets out proactive design and policy If Rio is Brazil’s glamorous city of Copaca- Edited by Andrew L. approaches that integrate thinking about bana and Carnival, São Paulo is its grittier Dannenberg, Howard Frumkin health in the built environment. Examples big brother. Rapid growth fuelled by mass and Richard J. Jackson, Island of initiatives are given for smart growth, immigration has transformed the city into Press, 2011, £25, green certification of development, complete one of the largest in the world, a vibrant, ISBN 978-1-59726-727-4 streets and active living by design. The fourth multi-cultural megapolis of over seventeen section offers a toolbox for making healthy million people. Making Healthy Places opens with the obser- places. The authors argue that health should In Urban Intersections: São Paulo, we vation that rising obesity in the US could lead be a component of community engagement learn that the city is facing huge challenges. to the current generation of Americans being and constitute a layer of urban planning. One Public infrastructure is struggling to cope the first to have shorter longevity than their example is how a Health Impact Assessment with the rate of development (67,775 resi- predecessors. Equally CABE’s report Future has helped to raise funds for a green space dential units built in 2010 alone) and there is health: sustainable places for health and project, by demonstrating that investing now rising inequality, crime and traffic congestion. wellbeing cited that in the UK obesity and would save health costs later. The number of people living in the organic related diseases costs the NHS £4.2 billion a Finally the section on ‘looking outward favelas (shanty towns) has grown from 1 to year; both evidence of the value of inter- - looking ahead’ identifies future research 20 per cent in twenty years, while the grow- rogating how much health and wellbeing are topics, and makes the case for increased in- ing middle class live in ‘vertical gated com- part of our current thinking. terdisciplinary collaboration and transforma- munities of towers’ or periferias (suburbs). This book explores how the built environ- tive learning. The penultimate chapter steps Catering for this burgeoning middle class ment continues to impact on health (and outside the US to consider issues in poorer is the brief for the project outlined in Urban consequently life chances) and sets out nations, where the risks of extreme tem- Intersections. Collaborating with property how planners, policy makers, designers and peratures as a result of climate change are developers Tishman Speyer, Yale School of educators can influence this dynamic and magnified. The experience of these countries Architecture students are challenged to de- engage with the ‘perfect storm of intersecting is instructive as they continue ‘an unfinished sign a middle income development of 2,500 health, environmental, and economic chal- older struggle against infectious disease and units in São Paulo. The Bandeirantes site is lenges’. These include: escalating health care malnutrition’ without the luxury of ignorance an abandoned farm and abattoir in the city’s and social costs, environmental threats from about their material economies. northern suburbs. resource depletion and climate change, peak Making Healthy Places concludes that As you might expect from a Yale pub- oil, ageing populations, and, a lack of an all cities should be seen as part of resource lication, this is a high quality production, interdisciplinary approaches to education. flows, belonging to a wider ecosystem. The elegantly laid out with crisp graphic design The three editors are experts in environ- transition to a healthy city is, the authors, as- and fascinating photos of São Paulo. mental and public health, and have choreo- sert the transition to a resilient and sustain- The book starts with a scene setting dia- graphed input from forty-six contributors able city; less dependant on cheap liquid logue between the project leaders Katherine

48 — Urban Design – Autumn 2012 – Issue 124 Publishers Award

Farley (Tishhman Speyer) and Deborah Berke of enormous significance’, but ‘it is not The book demonstrates a strong un- (Yale). The conversation covers a range of something you can address in a developer derstanding of planning processes and the issues including design quality in property studio. It is a governmental issue’. forces of urban development. There are very development, the value of fusing global and While we can understand why they have good explanations of the historical dynam- local expertise, and the importance of stu- said this, it would have been interesting ics by which land parcels split and fuse over dents understanding the commercial reality to see the students given a wider brief for time and the relationship of infrastructure to in which they are designing. innovative ways of tearing down São Paulo’s urban form. This is followed by Vanessa Crossman’s ‘city of walls’ and making better connec- Crucially, the plot-based urbanism that essay on São Paulo’s development history and tions with the wider city context. Tarbatt is promoting tends to imply a more contemporary challenges. We learn about Laurie Mentiplay active role for the state and its agencies than city plans that were built, including Maias’s • is normally the case in the UK, and this is ac- car-friendly Plano de Avenidas and Barry knowledged by the author. He is far from na- Parker’s garden city Jardin America, as well ïve about the differences between the UK and as unfinished plans and plans for the future. The Plot: Designing Ireland – which is the intended readership of São Paulo’s tradition of closed communities Diversity in the Built the book – and the best-practice examples he has according to anthropologist Theresa tends to cite, generally in the Netherlands, Caldeira, resulted in a city of walls where Environment: a manual Scandinavia and Germany. It would have been ‘layers of urban experiments, development, for architects and urban good for the book to have featured a greater and auto-construction have resulted in a designers proportion of UK projects, as the overriding vibrant, multi centred city characterised by sense is that this country is poor at delivering disjunction.’ Jonathan Tarbatt, RIBA such complex projects compared to mainland The main section of the book show- Publishing, 2012, £39.95 Europe. The reasons for the difference in cases ten student projects. The students ISBN 978-1-85946-443-4 this country, specifically the roles of housing get a crash course in property development developers, the attitudes of the public sec- before travelling to Brazil to meet planners, tor and the economics of UK development, architects and visit the site and comparable From its title onwards, The Plot is thor- are understood and explained by the author developments. The students are asked to go oughly written in a clear and accessible though the book gives limited confidence that beyond a masterplan framework and realise style. Beyond any specific detail, its role is this will change any time soon. detailed building solutions. advocacy. It seeks to promote the urban The book is graphically clear and well The commercial requirements and site qualities that can be achieved through presented, though it is a disappointment that characteristics result in a diverse range of plurality of design interventions at a plot often the text and images are coincidentally responses. We see a wide variety of layouts, scale. Helpfully, the definition of the plot adjacent to one another rather than strongly scales, densities and typologies, some taking and its history is described within the linked. Some of the illustrations appear the lead from the built form, others using book, so the reader can understand the slightly ad hoc, rather than embedded within the landscape as their starting points. The differences between plot, block and lot, the argument. more successful schemes integrate micro- all of which could be used interchange- The book is self-described as a manual climate, topography, security and environ- ably and unthinkingly. There are important and this seems an accurate term. It appears mental sustainability with financial consider- differences, and Tarbatt promotes scales to be aimed at practitioners or students on ations of phasing and value. There are some and methodologies of urban design that vocational urban design courses. For both innovative and thought-provoking architec- strike a balance between precision and groups it includes a very useful chapter with tural and landscape responses referencing open-endedness. consistently drawn plot diagrams that en- city precedents such as Brazilian Modernism The work is not abstract or academic courage systematic comparison. and Jardin America. in the sense of remoteness from day-to- In its aims, the book manages to be highly Some schemes feel more like islands, day activities and processes. It is fully ambitious but also quite pragmatic. It is a while others try to integrate with the up-to-date, including references to the comprehensive text that is useful on many surrounding neighbourhoods. As it is a National Planning Policy Framework and levels. Our cities would be experientially standalone commercial scheme, it is easy the Community Infrastructure Levy, for ex- richer if those ambitions could be achieved, to forget that the site is located in a city ample. Such detail, including commentary overcoming the pragmatic economic and cul- with extreme inequality and segregation. on regional differences across the UK and tural obstacles that tend to impede them. The project leaders recognise that ‘housing Ireland, are useful but also risk becoming Jonathan Kendall the poor in emerging countries is a problem quickly outdated as policies change. •

Issue 124 – Autumn 2012 – Urban Design — 49 Practice Index other Contributors Regional contacts Practice Index Albonico Sack Metacity Architects & Urban Richard Cole architect and If you are interested in getting Directory of practices, corporate Designers •planner, formerly Director of involved with any regional activities organisations and urban design 56 Gwigwi Mrwebi Street Market Theatre Precinct Planning and Architecture of the please get in touch with the following courses subscribing to this index. Newtown, Johannesburg Commission for New Towns The following pages provide a service LONDON to potential clients when they are South Africa T +27 11 492 0633 Alastair Donald is associate Robert Huxford and Louise Ingledow looking for specialist urban design T 020 7250 0892 advice, and to those considering E [email protected] •director of the Future Cities Project E [email protected] taking an urban design course. W www.asmarch.com and co-editor of Lure of the City: C Monica Albonico From Slums to Suburbs STREET LONDON Those wishing to be included in future A multi-disciplinary practice Katy Neaves issues should contact the UDG, specialising in large scale, green Marc Furnival, urban designer E streetlondon@urban-design-group. 70 Cowcross Street, London EC1M 6EJ field, urban regeneration and •and architect. Regeneration org.uk T 020 7250 0892 upgrading strategies, as well as consultant with Islington Council, E [email protected] residential, special and educational and recent guest tutor at London Met SOUTH EAST W www.udg.org.uk projects. and UCL Bartlett Louise Thomas C Louise Ingledow T 01865 514643 Allen Pyke Associates Tim Hagyard is Planning Team E [email protected] The Factory 2 Acre Road, •Manager, East Herts Council ADAM Architecture Kingston-upon-Thames KT2 6EF SOUTH WEST Old Hyde House T 020 8549 3434 E [email protected] Joe Holyoak, architect and Judy Preston 75 Hyde Street W www.allenpyke.co.uk •urban designer T 07908219834 Winchester SO23 7DW E [email protected] E peter.critoph C David Allen/ Vanessa Ross Innovative, responsive, committed, Jonathan Kendall, Partner, @adamarchitecture.com C Peter Critoph competitive, process. Priorities: •Fletcher Priest and Senior EAST MIDLANDS Laura Alvarez W www.adamarchitecture.com people, spaces, movement, culture. Teaching Fellow, Bartlett School of T 0115 962 9000 World-renowned for progressive, Places: regenerate, infill, extend Architecture, UCL E [email protected] classical design covering town create. and country houses, housing Sebastian Loew, architect and UDG STREET NORTH WEST development, urban masterplans, Allies & Morrison: Urban •planner, writer and consultant. Emma Zukowski commercial development and public Practitioners Author of Urban Design Practice: An E street-north-west@urban-design- buildings. 85 Southwark Street, London SE1 0HX International Review (2012) group.org.uk T 020 7921 0100 AECOM Plc E [email protected] Laurie Mentiplay is an urban NORTH EAST The Johnson Building, 77 Hatton C Anthony Rifkin •planner and designer with Parsons Georgia Giannopoulou Garden W www.urbanpractitioners.co.uk Brinckerhoff, based in Manchester T 0191 222 6006 London EC1N 8JS Specialist competition winning urban E [email protected] T 0203 009 2100 regeneration practice combining economic and urban design skills. Malcolm Moor, architect and E [email protected] Projects include West Ealing and •independent consultant in urban YORKSHIRE W www.aecom.com Plymouth East End. design; co-editor of Urban Design Robert Thompson C Harriett Hindmarsh Futures T 0114 2736077 MANCHESTER M 07944 252955 1 New York Street, Manchester, M1 4HD AMEC Environment & E [email protected] T 0161 601 1700 Infrastructure UK Ltd Judith Ryser, researcher, • CARDIFF Gables House Kenilworth Road, journalist, writer and urban affairs SCOTLAND 4th Floor, Churchill House, Churchill Leamington Spa, Warwicks CV32 6JX consultant to Fundacion Metropoli, Francis Newton, Jo White Way, Cardiff, CF10 2HH T 01926 439 000 Madrid & Laurie Mentiplay T 029 2035 3400 E [email protected] Edinburgh BELFAST W www.amec.com Louise Thomas, independent E [email protected] 24 Linenhall Street, Belfast, BT2 8BG C David Thompson •urban designer T 028 9060 7200 Masterplanning, urban design, Wales From regenerating cities and development planning and Neither the Urban Design Group nor Jonathan Vining creating new communities to landscape within broad based the editors are responsible for views T 029 2032 0739 designing inspiring open spaces, multidisciplinary environmental and expressed or statements made by E [email protected] we are a leader in urban design, engineering consultancy. individuals writing in Urban Design town planning, masterplanning, landscape architecture and AREA economic development. Grange, Linlithgow West Lothian EH49 7RH Alan Baxter & Associates T 01506 843247 Consulting Engineers E [email protected] 70 Cowcross Street, London EC1M 6EJ C Karen Cadell / Julia Neil T 020 7250 1555 W www.area.uk.com E [email protected] Making places imaginatively to W www.alanbaxter.co.uk deliver the successful, sustainable C Alan Baxter and humane environments of the An engineering and urban design future. practice. Particularly concerned with the thoughtful integration of buildings, Arnold Linden infrastructure and movement, and the Chartered Architect creation of places. 54 Upper Montagu Street, London W1H 1FP T 020 7723 7772 C Arnold Linden Integrated regeneration through the participation in the creative process of the community and the public at large, of streets, buildings and places.

50 — Urban Design – Autumn 2012 – Issue 124 Practice Index

Assael Architecture Brock Carmichael CITY ID David Lock Associates Ltd Studio 13, 50 Carnwath Road Architects 23 Trenchard Street 50 North Thirteenth Street, London SW6 3FG 19 Old Hall Street, Liverpool L3 9JQ Bristol BS1 5AN Central Milton Keynes, T 020 7736 7744 T 0151 242 6222 T 0117 917 7000 Milton Keynes MK9 3BP E [email protected] E [email protected] E [email protected] T 01908 666276 W www.assael.co.uk C Michael Cosser W cityid.co.uk E [email protected] C Russell Pedley Masterplans and development C Mike Rawlinson W www.davidlock.com Architects and urban designers briefs. Mixed-use and brownfield Place branding and marketing vision C Will Cousins covering mixed use, hotel, leisure regeneration projects. Design in Masterplanning, urban design, Strategic planning studies, and residential, including urban historic and sensitive settings. public realm strategies, way finding area development frameworks, frameworks and masterplanning Integrated landscape design. and legibility strategies, information development briefs, design projects. design and graphics. guidelines, Masterplanning, Building Design Partnership implementation strategies, Atkins plc 16 Brewhouse Yard, Clerkenwell, Clarke Klein & Chaudhuri environmental statements. Euston Tower, 286 Euston Road, London EC1V 4LJ Architects London NW1 3AT T 020 7812 8000 63-71 Collier Street, London N1 9BE Define T 020 7121 2000 E [email protected] T 020 7278 0722 Cornwall Buildings, 45-51 Newhall E [email protected] W www.bdp.co.uk E [email protected] Street, Birmingham B3 3QR C Paul Reynolds C Andrew Tindsley C Wendy Clarke T 0121 213 4720 Interdisciplinary practice that offers a BDP offers town planning, Small design-led practice focusing E [email protected] range of built environment specialists Masterplanning, urban design, on custom solutions for architectural, W www.wearedefine.com working together to deliver quality landscape, regeneration and planning or urban design projects. C Andy Williams places for everybody to enjoy. sustainability studies, and has teams Exploring the potential for innovative Define specialises in the promotion, based in London, Manchester and urban design. shaping and assessment of Barton Willmore Belfast. development. Our work focuses on Partnership Colour Urban Design Limited strategic planning, masterplanning, Beansheaf Farmhouse, Bourne Close, Burns + Nice Milburn House, Dean Street, urban design codes, EIA, TVIA, estate Calcot, Reading, Berks RG31 7BW 70 Cowcross Street, London EC1M 6EJ Newcastle upon Tyne NE1 1LE strategies, public realm design, T 0118 943 0000 T 020 7253 0808 T 0191 242 4224 consultation strategies, urban design E Masterplanning@bartonwillmore. E [email protected] London office audits and expert witness. co.uk W www.burnsnice.com 94 Euston Street, London NW1 2HA C James de Havilland, Nick Sweet and C Marie Burns/ Stephen Nice T 0207 387 8560 DEVEREUX ARCHITECTS LTD Dominic Scott Urban design, landscape E [email protected] 200 Upper Richmond Road, Concept through to implementation architecture, environmental and W www.colour-udl.com London SW15 2SH on complex sites, comprehensive transport planning. Masterplanning, C Peter Owens T 020 8780 1800 design guides, urban regeneration, design and public consultation for Office also in London. Design E [email protected] brownfield sites, and major urban community-led work. oriented projects with full client W www.devereux.co.uk expansions. participation. Public spaces, C Duncan Ecob Capita Symonds Ltd regeneration, development, Adding value through innovative, The Bell Cornwell (incorporating Andrew Masterplanning, residential, ambitious solutions in complex urban Partnership Martin Associates) education and healthcare. environments. Oakview House, Station Road, Hook, Croxton’s Mill, Little Waltham, Hampshire RG27 9TP Chelmsford, Conroy Crowe Kelly DHA Planning & Urban T 01256 766673 Essex CM3 3PJ Architects & Urban Design E [email protected] T 01245 361611 Designers Eclipse House, Eclipse Park, W www.bell-cornwell.co.uk E [email protected] 65 Merrion Square, Dublin 2 Sittingbourne Road, Maidstone, C Simon Avery W www.capitasymonds.co.uk T 00 353 1 661 3990 Kent ME14 3EN Specialists in Masterplanning and the C Sophie O’Hara Smith/ Richard Hall E [email protected] T 01622 776226 coordination of major development Masterplans, urban design, urban W www.cck.ie E [email protected] proposals. Advisors on development regeneration, historic buildings, C Clare Burke and David Wright W dhaplanning.co.uk plan representations, planning project management, planning, EIA, Architecture, urban design, C Matthew Woodhead applications and appeals. landscape planning and design. Masterplanning, village studies. Planning and Urban Design Mixed use residential developments Consultancy offering a full range Bidwells Chapman Taylor LLP with a strong identity and sense of of Urban Design services including Bidwell House, Trumpington Road 32 Queensway, London W2 3RX place. Masterplanning, development briefs Cambridge CB2 9LD T 020 7371 3000 and design statements. T 01223 559404 E [email protected] Construkt Architects Ltd E [email protected] W www.chapmantaylor.com 17 Graham Street, Auckland DLP Consulting Group W www.bidwells.co.uk MANCHESTER New Zealand 8 Goldington Road, Bedford MK40 3NF C Helen Thompson Bass Warehouse, 4 Castle Street T +64 (0)9 373 4900 T 01234 261266 Planning, Landscape and Urban Castlefield, Manchester M3 4LZ E [email protected] E irina.merryweather@ Design consultancy, specialising T 0161 828 6500 W www.construkt.co.nz dlpconsultants.co.uk in Masterplanning, Townscape E [email protected] C David Gibbs W www.dlpconsultants.co.uk Assessment, Landscape and Visual Chapman Taylor is an international Construkt offer urban design C Irina Merryweather Impact Assessment. firm of architects and urban and architectural services. Our DLP Consulting Group comprises four designers specialising in mixed- work spans through civic and self-contained consultancies offering Boyer Planning use city centre regeneration and cultural projects to masterplanned specialist advice on all aspects Crowthorne House, Nine Mile Ride transport projects throughout the communities and private residences. of town planning, sustainable Wokingham, Berkshire RG40 3GZ world. Offices in Bangkok, Brussels, Shaping space is our passion. development, architecture, urban T 01344 753220 Bucharest, Düsseldorf, Kiev, Madrid, design and transportation issues. E [email protected] Milan, Moscow, New Delhi, Paris, David Huskisson Associates W www.boyerplanning.co.uk Prague, Sao Paulo, Shanghai and 17 Upper Grosvenor Road, DPDS Consulting Group C Craige Burden Warsaw. Tunbridge Wells, Kent TN1 2DU Old Bank House, 5 Devizes Road, Old Offices in Wokingham, Colchester, T 01892 527828 Town, Swindon, Wilts SN1 4BJ Cardiff, Twickenham and London. Chris Blandford Associates E [email protected] T 01793 610222 Planning and urban design 1 Swan Court, 9 Tanner Street, C Nicola Brown E [email protected] consultants offering a wide range of London SE1 3LE Landscape consultancy offering W www.dpds.co.uk services to support sites throughout T 020 7089 6480 Masterplanning, streetscape C Les Durrant the development process: from E [email protected] and urban park design, estate Town planning, architecture, appraisals to planning applications W www.cba.uk.net restoration, environmental impact landscape architecture and urban and appeals. C Chris Blandford/Mike Martin assessments. design: innovative solutions in Also at Uckfield Masterplanning, design guidance Landscape architecture, and development frameworks. environmental assessment, ecology, urban renewal, development economics, town planning, historic landscapes and conservation.

Issue 124 – Autumn 2012 – Urban Design — 51 Practice Index

FaulknerBrowns Globe Consultants Ltd Hawkins\Brown JMP Consultants Dobson House, Northumbrian Way, 26 Westgate, Lincoln LN1 3BD 60 Bastwick Street, London EC1V 3TN 8th Floor, 3 Harbour Exchange Square Newcastle upon Tyne NE12 0QW T 01522 546483 T 020 7336 8030 London E14 9GE T 0191 268 3007 E [email protected] E [email protected] T 020 7536 8040 E [email protected] C Steve Kemp W www.hawkinsbrown.co.uk E [email protected] C Ben Sykes W www.globelimited.co.uk C David Bickle W www.jmp.co.uk Formed in 1962, FaulknerBrowns is Provides urban design, planning, Multi-disciplinary architecture and C Thomas Derstroff a regionally-based architectural economic and cultural development urban design practice specialising in Integrating transport, planning and design practice with a national services across the UK and mixed-use regeneration, educational engineering, development planning, and international reputation. internationally, specialising in Masterplanning, sustainable rural urban design, environmental From a workload based initially on sustainable development solutions, development frameworks, transport assessment, water and drainage education, library and sports and masterplanning and regeneration. infrastructure and public urban realm throughout the U.K. leisure buildings, the practice's design. current workload also extends Gillespies John Thompson & Partners across a number of sectors including Environment by Design HOK international Ltd 23-25 Great Sutton Street, master planning, offices, healthcare, GLASGOW Qube, 90 Whitfield Street London ECIV 0DN commercial mixed-use, industrial 21 Carlton Court, Glasgow G5 9JP London W1T 4EZ T 020 7017 1780 and residential, for both private and T 0141 420 8200 T 020 7636 2006 E [email protected] public sector clients. E [email protected] E [email protected] W www.jtp.co.uk C Brian M Evans C Tim Gale C Marcus Adams Feria Urbanism MANCHESTER HOK delivers design of the highest Edinburgh Second Floor Studio, 11 Fernside Road T 0161 928 7715 quality. It is one of Europe’s leading 2nd Floor Venue studios, 15-21 Bournemouth, Dorset BH9 2LA E [email protected] architectural practices, offering Calton Road, Edinburgh EH8 8DL T 01202 548676 C Jim Gibson experienced people in a diverse T 0131 272 2762 E [email protected] OXFORD range of building types, skills and E [email protected] W www.feria-urbanism.eu T 01865 326789 markets. C Alan Stewart C Richard Eastham E [email protected] Addressing the problems of physical, Expertise in urban planning, C Paul F Taylor Hyland Edgar Driver social and economic regeneration masterplanning and public Urban design, landscape One Wessex Way, Colden Common, through collaborative interdisciplinary participation. Specialisms include architecture, architecture, planning, Winchester, Hants SO21 1WG community based planning. design for the night time economy, environmental assessment, T 01962 711 600 urban design skills training and local planning supervisors and project E [email protected] Jon Rowland Urban Design community engagement. management. W www.heduk.com 65 Hurst Rise Road, Oxford OX2 9HE C John Hyland T 01865 863642 Fletcher Priest Architects GM Design Associates Ltd Innovative problem solving, driven E [email protected] Middlesex House, 34/42 Cleveland 22 Lodge Road, Coleraine by cost efficiency and sustainability, W www.jrud.co.uk Street, Co. Londonderry BT52 1NB combined with imagination and C Jon Rowland London W1T 4JE Northern Ireland coherent aesthetic of the highest Urban design, urban regeneration, T 020 7034 2200 T 028 703 56138 quality. development frameworks, site F 020 7637 5347 E [email protected] appraisals, town centre studies, E [email protected] W www.g-m-design.com Jacobs UK Ltd design guidance, public participation W www.fletcherpreist.com C Bill Gamble Tower Bridge Court, 224-226 Tower and Masterplanning. C Jonathan Kendall Architecture, town and country Bridge Road, London SE1 2UP Work ranges from city-scale planning, urban design, landscape T 020 7939 1375 Kay Elliott masterplans (Stratford City, Riga) to architecture, development E [email protected] 5-7 Meadfoot Road, Torquay, Devon architectural commissions for high- frameworks and briefs, feasibility W www.jacobs.com TQ1 2JP profile professional clients. studies, sustainability appraisals, C Dan Bone T 01803 213553 public participation and community Multidisciplinary urban design, E [email protected] FPCR Environment engagement. Masterplanning and architecture as W www.kayelliott.co.uk & Design Ltd part of the integrated services of a C Mark Jones Lockington Hall, Lockington, Halcrow Group Ltd national consultancy. International studio with 30 year Derby DE74 2RH Elms House, 43 Brook Green history of imaginative architects T 01509 672772 Hammersmith, London W6 7EF Jenny Exley Associates and urban designers, creating E [email protected] T 020 3479 8000 Butlers Quarters, The Mews buildings and places that enhance W www.fpcr.co.uk F 020 3479 8001 Lewes Road, Danehill RH17 7HD their surroundings and add financial C Tim Jackson E [email protected] T 0845 347 9351 value. Integrated design and W www.halcrow.com E [email protected] environmental practice. Specialists C Robert Schmidt W www.jennyexley.com Landscape Projects in Masterplanning, urban and mixed Asad Shaheed C Jenny Exley 31 Blackfriars Road, Salford use regeneration, development Award winning consultancy, Sussex based designers, specializing Manchester M3 7AQ frameworks, EIAs and public integrating planning, transport and in Heritage and Restoration with T 0161 839 8336 inquiries. environment. Full development cycle a contemporary edge. Examples E [email protected] covering feasibility, concept, design include the award-winning stone W www.landscapeprojects.co.uk Framework Architecture and implementation. circular seating space at Clock C Neil Swanson and Urban Design Tower, Brighton: 6 Ha Phoenix, We work at the boundary between 3 Marine Studios, Burton Lane, Hankinson Duckett Lewes: contextual analysis, architecture, urban and landscape Burton Waters, Lincoln LN1 2WN Associates character study and design. design, seeking innovative, sensitive T 01522 535383 The Stables, Howberry Park, Benson design and creative thinking. Offices E [email protected] Lane, Wallingford OX10 8BA in Manchester & London. C Gregg Wilson T 01491 838 175 Architecture and urban design. A E [email protected] Land Use Consultants commitment to the broader built C Brian Duckett 43 Chalton Street, London NW1 1JD environment and the particular An approach which adds value T 020 7383 5784 dynamic of a place and the design through innovative solutions. E [email protected] opportunities presented. Development planning, new C Adrian Wikeley settlements, environmental GLASGOW assessment, re-use of redundant 37 Otago Street, Glasgow G12 8JJ Garsdale Design Limited buildings. T 0141 334 9595 High Branthwaites, Frostrow, E [email protected] Sedbergh, Cumbria, LA10 5JR C Martin Tabor T 015396 20875 Urban regeneration, landscape E [email protected] design, masterplanning, sustainable W www.garsdaledesign.co.uk development, environmental C Derrick Hartley planning, environmental assessment, GDL provides Masterplanning and landscape planning and urban design, architecture and management. Offices also in Bristol heritage services developed through and Edinburgh. 25 years wide ranging experience in the UK and Middle East.

52 — Urban Design – Autumn 2012 – Issue 124 Practice Index

Lathams LSI Architects LLP New Masterplanning Limited Paul Davis & Partners St Michael’s, Queen Street, The Old Drill Hall, 23 A Cattle Market 2nd Floor, 107 Bournemouth Road, Mozart Terrace, 178 Ebury Street Derby DE1 3SU Street, Norwich NR1 3DY Poole, Dorset BH14 9HR London, SW1W 8UP T 01332 365777 T 01603 660711 T 01202 742228 T 020 7730 1178 E [email protected] [email protected] E [email protected] E [email protected] C Derek Latham/ Jon Phipps C David Thompson W www.newMasterplanning.com W www.pauldavisandpartners.com Urban regeneration. The creative Large scale Masterplanning and C Andy Ward C Pedro Roos reuse of land and buildings. visualisation in sectors such as Our skills combine strategic planning New Urbanist approach establishing Planning, landscape and health, education and business, and with detailed implementation, a capital framework with a architectural expertise combining the new sustainable settlements. design flair with economic rigour, subsequent incremental approach. new with the old. independent thinking with a Bridging the divide between urban Malcolm Moor Urban Design partnership approach. design and architecture. Lavigne Lonsdale Ltd 27 Ock Mill Close, Abingdon 38 Belgrave Crescent, Camden Oxon OX14 1SP Nicholas Pearson Paul Drew Design Ltd Bath BA1 5JU T 01235 550122 Associates 23-25 Great Sutton Street T 01225 421539 E [email protected] 30 Brock Street, Bath BA1 2LN London EC1V 0DN TRURO W www.moorud.com T 01225 445548 T 020 7017 1785 55 Lemon Street, Truro C Malcolm Moor E [email protected] E [email protected] Cornwall TR1 2PE Master planning of new communities, W www.npaconsult.co.uk W www.pauldrewdesign.co.uk T 01872 273118 urban design, residential, urban C Simon Kale C Paul Drew E [email protected] capacity and ecofitting studies, Masterplanning, public realm Masterplanning, urban design, W www.lavigne.co.uk design involvement with major design, streetscape analysis, residential and mixed use design. C Martyn Lonsdale international projects. concept and detail designs. Also full Creative use of design codes and We are an integrated practice of landscape architecture service, EIA, other briefing material. masterplanners, Urban Designers, Matrix Partnership green infrastructure, ecology and Landscape Architects and Product 17 Bowling Green Lane, biodiversity, environmental planning The Paul Hogarth Company Designers. Experienced in large London EC1R 0QB and management. Unit 3 Potters Quay, 5 Ravenhill Road scale, mixed-use and residential T 0845 313 7668 Belfast BT6 8DN Masterplanning, health, education, E [email protected] Nicoll Russell Studios T 028 9073 6690 regeneration, housing, parks, public C Matt Lally 111 King Street, Broughty Ferry E [email protected] realm and streetscape design. W www.matrixpartnership.co.uk Dundee DD5 1EL W www.paulhogarth.com Masterplans, regeneration strategies, T 01382 778966 C James Hennessey LDA Design development briefs, site appraisals, E [email protected] EDINBURGH 14-17 Wells Mews, London W1T 3HF urban capacity studies, design W www.nrsarchitects.com Bankhead Steading, Bankhead Road, T 020 7467 1470 guides, building codes and concept C Willie Watt Edinburgh EH30 9TF E [email protected] visualisations. Design led masterplanning and T 0131 331 4811 C Colin James town centre studies which seek to E [email protected] Multidisciplinary firm covering all Melville Dunbar Associates provide holistic solutions to complex Integrated urban design and aspects of Masterplanning, urban Studio 2, Griggs Business Centre challenges, creating sustainable landscape architecture practice, regeneration, public realm design, West Street, Coggeshall, Essex CO6 1NT ‘joined up’ and enjoyable providing Masterplanning, environmental impact and community T 01376 562828 communities. regeneration and public realm involvement. E [email protected] consultancy to the public and private W www.melvilledunbarassociates.com NJBA A + U sectors. Levitt Bernstein C Melville Dunbar 4 Molesworth Place, Dublin 2 Associates Ltd Architecture, urban design, planning, T 00 353 1 678 8068 PD Lane Associates 1 Kingsland Passage, London E8 2BB Masterplanning, new towns, urban E [email protected] 1 Church Road, Greystones, T 020 7275 7676 regeneration, conservation studies, W www.12publishers.com/njba.htm County Wicklow, Ireland E [email protected] design guides, townscape studies, C Noel J Brady T 00 353 1287 6697 W www.levittbernstein.co.uk design briefs. Integrated landscapes, urban E [email protected] C Glyn Tully design, town centres and squares, C Malcolm Lane Urban design, Masterplanning, full Mouchel strategic design and planning. Urban design, architecture and architectural service, lottery grant 209-215 Blackfriars Road planning consultancy, specialising bid advice, interior design, urban London SE1 8NL Node Urban Design in Masterplanning, development renewal consultancy and landscape T 020 7803 2600 33 Holmfield Road frameworks, site layouts, design. E [email protected] Leicester LE2 1SE applications, appeals, project co- W www.mouchel.com T 0116 2708742 ordination. LHC Urban Design C Ludovic Pittie E [email protected] Design Studio, Emperor Way, Exeter Integrated urban design, transport W www.nodeurbandesign.com PEGASUS Business Park, Exeter, Devon EX1 3QS and engineering consultancy, C Nigel Wakefield Pegasus House, Querns Business T 01392 444334 changing the urban landscape in a An innovative team of urban design, Centre, Whitworth Road, Cirencester E [email protected] positive manner, creating places for landscape and heritage consultants GL7 1RT C John Baulch sustainable living. who believe that good design adds T 0128 564 1717 Urban designers, architects and value. Providing sustainable urban E [email protected] landscape architects, providing an Nathaniel Lichfield & design and masterplan solutions W www.pegasuspg.co.uk integrated approach to strategic Partners Ltd at all scales of development with a C Mike Carr visioning, regeneration, urban 14 Regent’s Wharf, All Saints Street, focus on the creation of a sense of Masterplanning, design and renewal, Masterplanning and London N1 9RL place. access statements, design codes, public realm projects. Creative, T 020 7837 4477 sustainable design, development knowledgeable, practical, E [email protected] Novell Tullett briefs, development frameworks, passionate. W www.nlpplanning.com The Old Mess Room expert witness, community C Nick Thompson Home Farm involvement, sustainability appraisal. Liz Lake Associates Also at Newcastle upon Tyne and Barrow Gurney BS48 3RW Offices at Cirencester, Birmingham, Western House, Chapel Hill Cardiff T 01275 462476 Bristol, Nottingham, Leeds, Bracknell Stansted Mountfitchet Urban design, Masterplanning, E [email protected] and Cambridge. Essex CM24 8AG heritage/conservation, visual W www.novelltullett.co.uk T 01279 647044 appraisal, regeneration, daylight/ C Simon Lindsley Philip Cave Associates E [email protected] sunlight assessments, public realm Urban design, landscape 70 Cowcross Street, London EC1M 6EJ W www.lizlake.com strategies. architecture and environmental T 020 7250 0077 C Matt Lee planning. E [email protected] Urban fringe/brownfield sites where W www.philipcave.com an holistic approach to urban design, C Philip Cave landscape, and ecological issues Design-led practice with innovative can provide robust design solutions. yet practical solutions to environmental opportunities in urban regeneration. Specialist expertise in landscape architecture.

Issue 124 – Autumn 2012 – Urban Design — 53 Practice Index

PLANIT i.e. LTD PRP Architects Roger Griffiths Associates Shaffrey Associates The Planit Group, 2 Back Grafton Street 10 Lindsey Street, 4 Regent Place, Rugby 29 Lower Ormond Quay, Dublin 1 Altrincham, Cheshire WA14 1DY London EC1A 9HP Warwickshire CV21 2PN T 00 353 1872 5602 T 0161 928 9281 T 020 7653 1200 T 01788 540040 E [email protected] E [email protected] E [email protected] E [email protected] C Gráinne Shaffrey W www.planit-ie.com C Andy von Bradsky W www.rgalandscape.com Urban conservation and design, with C Peter Swift Architects, planners, urban C Roger Griffiths a particular commitment to the Public realm solutions informed by designers and landscape architects, A quality assured landscape regeneration of historic urban robust urban design. We create specialising in housing, urban consultancy offering landscape centres, small towns and villages, quality spaces for people to live, regeneration, health, education and architecture, land use including new development. work, play and enjoy. leisure projects. planning, urban design, project implementation, EIA and expert Sheils Flynn Ltd +Plus Urban Design Ltd Quartet Design witness services. Bank House High Street, Docking, Spaceworks, Benton Park Road The Exchange, Lillingstone Dayrell, Kings Lynn PE31 8NH Newcastle upon Tyne NE7 7LX Bucks MK18 5AP RPS T 01485 518304 T 0844 800 6660 T 01280 860500 Bristol, Cambridge, London, Newark, E [email protected] E [email protected] E [email protected] Southampton & Swindon C Eoghan Sheils W www.plusud.co.uk C David Newman T 0800 587 9939 Award winning town centre C Richard Charge / Tony Wyatt Landscape architects, architects and E [email protected] regeneration schemes, urban Specialist practice providing strate- urban designers. Masterplanning, W www.rpsgroup.com strategies and design guidance. gic masterplanning, urban design hard landscape projects in urban Part of the RPS Group providing a Specialists in community consultation guidance, analysis, character areas achieving environmental wide range of urban design services and team facilitation. assessment and independent design sustainability. including Masterplanning and advisory expertise. development frameworks, design Shepheard Epstein Hunter Randall Thorp guides and statements. Phoenix Yard, 65 King’s Cross Road, Pod Canada House, 3 Chepstow Street, London WC1X 9LW 99 Galgate,Barnard Castle, Manchester M1 5FW Rummey Design Associates T 020 7841 7500 Co Durham DL12 8ES T 0161 228 7721 South Park Studios, South Park, E [email protected] T 0845 872 7288 E [email protected] Sevenoaks Kent TN13 1AN C Steven Pidwill E [email protected] C Pauline Randall T 01732 743753 SEH is a user-friendly, award- W www.designbypod.co.uk Masterplanning for new C Robert Rummey winning architects firm, known for C Andy Dolby developments and settlements, Masterplanning, urban design, its work in regeneration, education, Newcastle infrastructure design and urban landscape architecture, architecture, housing, Masterplanning, mixed-use G27 Toffee Factory renewal, design guides and design environmental consultancy. and healthcare projects. Lower Steenbergs Yard briefing, public participation. Responsible place-making that Newcastle Upon Tyne NE1 2DF considers social, environmental and Sheppard Robson C Craig Van Bedaf Random Greenway economic issues. 77 Parkway, Camden Town, Masterplanning, site appraisal, Architects London NW1 7PU layout and architectural design. Soper Hall, Harestone Valley Road SAVILLS (L&P) LIMITED T 020 7504 1700 Development frameworks, urban Caterham Surrey CR3 6HY Lansdowne House, 57 Berkeley Square E charles.scott@sheppardrobson. regeneration, design codes, briefs T 01883 346 441 London W1J 6ER com and design and access statements. E rg@randomgreenwayarchitects. T 020 3320 8242 W www.sheppardrobson.com co.uk W www.savills.com C Charles Scott Pollard Thomas Edwards C R Greenway SOUTHAMPTON Manchester Architects Architecture, planning and urban 2 Charlotte Place, 27th Floor, City Tower, Piccadilly Plaza Diespeker Wharf 38, Graham Street, design. New build, regeneration, Southampton SO14 0TB Manchester M1 4BD London N1 8JX refurbishment and restoration. T 02380 713900 T 0161 233 8900 T 020 7336 7777 E [email protected] Planners, urban designers and [email protected] Richard Coleman C Peter Frankum architects. Strategic planning, urban W www.ptea.co.uk Citydesigner Offices throughout the World regeneration, development planning, C Robin Saha-Choudhury 14 Lower Grosvenor Place, Savills Urban Design creates value town centre renewal, new settlement Liverpool London SW1W 0EX from places and places of value. planning. Unit S204, Second Floor, Merchants T 020 7630 4880 Masterplanning, urban design, Court, Derby Square, Liverpool L2 1TS E [email protected] design coding, urban design advice, Smeeden Foreman ltd T 0151 703 2220 C Lisa Gainsborough planning, commercial guidance. Somerset House, Low Moor Lane E [email protected] Advice on architectural quality, Scotton, Knaresborough HG5 9JB C Roo Humpherson urban design, and conservation, Saunders Partnership T 01423 863369 Masterplanners, urban designers, historic buildings and townscape. Studio Four, 37 Broadwater Road, E [email protected] developers, architects, listed building Environmental statements, listed Welwyn Garden City, Herts AL7 3AX W www.smeedenforeman.co.uk and conservation area designers; buildings/area consent applications. T 01707 385 300 C Trevor Foreman specialising in inner city mixed-use E martin.williams@sandersarchitects. Ecology, landscape architecture high density regeneration. Richards Partington com and urban design. Environmental Unit 1, 12 Orsman Road C Martin Williams assessment, detailed design, Pringle Brandon Drew London N1 5QJ contract packages and site 10 Bonhill Street, London EC2A 4QJ T 020 7033 4422 Scott Brownrigg Ltd supervision. T 020 7466 1000 E [email protected] St Catherines Court, 46-48 Portsmouth E pbmarketing@pringle-brandon. C Simon Bradbury Road, Guildford GU2 4DU Soltys: Brewster Consulting co.uk W www.rparchitects.co.uk T 01483 568 686 4 Stangate House, Stanwell Road, C John Drew Urban design, housing, retail, E [email protected] Penarth, Vale of Glamorgan CF64 2AA Offices, hotels, workplace design. education, sustainability and W www.scottbrownrigg.com T 029 2040 8476 commercial projects that take C Luan Deda E [email protected] Project Centre Ltd a responsible approach to the Integrated service of architecture, W www.soltysbrewster.co.uk Forth Floor Westgate House environment and resources. urban design, planning, C Simon Brewster Westgate, London W5 1YY Masterplanning, involved in several Urban design, masterplans, T 020 7421 8222 Richard Reid & Associates mixed-use schemes regenerating design strategies, visual impact, E [email protected] Whitely Farm, Ide Hill, Sevenoaks, inner city and brownfield sites. environmental assessment, W www.projectcentre.co.uk Kent TN14 6BS regeneration of urban space, C David Moores T 01732 741417 Scott Tallon Walker landscape design and project Landscape architecture, public realm E [email protected] Architects management. design, urban regeneration, street C Richard Reid 19 Merrion Square, Dublin 2 lighting design, planning supervision, T 00 353 1 669 3000 traffic and transportation, parking E [email protected] and highway design. W www.stwarchitects.com C Philip Jackson Award winning international practice covering all aspects of architecture, urban design and planning.

54 — Urban Design – Autumn 2012 – Issue 124 Practice Index spacehub Terra Firma Consultancy Turley Associates Vincent and Gorbing Ltd Anchor Brewhouse, Cedar Court, 5 College Street 25 Savile Row, London W1S 2ES Sterling Court, Norton Road, 50 Shad Thames, London SE1 2LY Petersfield GU31 4AE T 020 7851 4010 Stevenage, Hertfordshire SG1 2JY T 020 7234 9831 T 01730 262040 E [email protected] T 01438 316331 E [email protected] E contact@terrafirmaconsultancy. W www.turleyassocaiates.co.uk E urban.designers@vincent-gorbing. W www.spacehubdesign.com com C Matt Quayle (Head of Urban Design) co.uk C Giles Charlton C Lionel Fanshawe Offices also in Belfast, Birmingham, W www.vincent-gorbing.co.uk spacehub is a newly established Independent landscape architectural Bristol, Cardiff, Edinburgh, Glasgow, C Richard Lewis design studio specialising in public practice with considerable urban Leeds, Manchester and Southampton. Masterplanning, design statements, realm, landscape and urban design. design experience at all scales from UKintegrated urban design, character assessments, development We are passionate and committed to EIA to project delivery throughout UK masterplanning, sustainability briefs, residential layouts and urban creative thinking and collaborative and overseas. and heritage services provided capacity exercises. working. at all project stages and scales Terry Farrell and Partners of development. Services include WestWaddy: ADP Spawforths 7 Hatton Street, London NW8 8PL visioning, townscape analysis, The Malthouse, 60 East St. Helen Junction 41 Business Court, East T 020 7258 3433 design guides and public realm Street, Abingdon, Oxon OX14 5EB Ardsley, Leeds WF3 2AB E [email protected] resolution T 01235 523139 T 01924 873873 W www.terryfarrell.com E [email protected] E [email protected] C Max Farrell Tweed Nuttall Warburton W westwaddy-adp.co.uk W www.spawforth.co.uk Architectural, urban design, planning Chapel House, City Road, C Philip Waddy C Adrian Spawforth and Masterplanning services. Chester CH1 3AE Experienced and multi-disciplinary Urbanism with planners and New buildings, refurbishment, T 01244 310388 team of urban designers, architects architects specialising in conference/exhibition centres and E [email protected] and town planners offering a full Masterplanning, community visitor attractions. W www.tnw-architecture.co.uk range of urban design services. engagement, visioning and C John Tweed development frameworks. Tetlow King Architecture and urban design, White Consultants Building 300, The Grange, Masterplanning. Urban waterside Enterprise House, 127-129 Bute Street Stuart Turner Associates Romsey Road, Michelmersh, environments. Community teamwork Cardiff CF10 5LE 12 Ledbury, Great Linford, Romsey SO51 0AE enablers. Visual impact assessments. T 029 2043 7841 Milton Keynes MK14 5DS T 01794 517333 E [email protected] T 01908 678672 E [email protected] Urban Design Futures W www.whiteconsultants.co.uk E [email protected] W www.tetlowking.co.uk 34/1 Henderson Row C Simon White W www.studiost.co.uk C Gary Rider Edinburgh EH3 5DN A holistic approach to urban C Stuart Turner Award winning multi-disciplinary T 0131 557 8944 regeneration, design guidance, Architecture, urban design and practice encompassing architecture, E [email protected] public realm and open space environmental planning, the urban design, masterplanning, W www.urbandesignfutures.co.uk strategies and town centre studies design of new settlements, urban design coding, regeneration, C Selby Richardson for the public, private and community regeneration and site development development frameworks, Innovative urban design, planning sectors. studies. sustainable design/planning and and landscape practice specialising construction. Residential and in Masterplanning, new settlements, Willmore Iles Architects Ltd studio | REAL retirement care specialists. urban regeneration, town and village 267 Hotwell Road, Bristol BS8 4SF Oxford Centre for Innovation studies. T 0117 945 0962 New Road, Oxford OX1 1BY Tibbalds Planning & Urban E [email protected] T 01865 261461 Design Urban Initiatives W www.willmoreiles.com E [email protected] 19 Maltings Place, 169 Tower Bridge 1 Fitzroy Square, London W1T 5HE C Andrew Iles W www.studioreal.co.uk Road, London SE1 3JB T 020 7380 4545 Architecture, town planning, urban C Roger Evans T 020 7089 2121 E [email protected] design, campus development Urban regeneration, quarter E [email protected] W www.urbaninitiatives.co.uk frameworks. Architects and urban frameworks and design briefs, town W www.tibbalds.co.uk C Kelvin Campbell designers with specialisms in centre strategies, movement in towns, C Andrew Karski Urban design, transportation, education and student residential Masterplanning and development Expertise in Masterplanning regeneration, development planning. design. economics. and urban design, sustainable regeneration, development Urban Innovations WYG Planning & Design Taylor Young Urban Design frameworks and design guidance, 1st Floor, Wellington Buildings, Floor 5, Longcross Court, 47 Newport Chadsworth House, Wilmslow Road, design advice. 2 Wellington Street, Belfast BT16HT Road, Cardiff, CF24 0AD Handforth, Cheshire SK9 3HP T 028 9043 5060 T 029 2082 9200 T 01625 542200 Townscape Solutions E [email protected] E [email protected] E [email protected] 128 Park Road, Smethwick, West C Tony Stevens/ Agnes Brown W www.wyg.com C Stephen Gleave Midlands, B67 5HT The partnership provides not only C Jonathan Vining Liverpool T 0121 429 6111 feasibility studies and assists in site Creative urban design and master T 0151 702 6500 E [email protected] assembly for complex projects but planning with a contextual approach Urban design, planning and W www.townscapesolutions.co.uk also full architectural services for to place-making and a concern for development. Town studies, housing, C Kenny Brown major projects. environmental, social and economic commercial, distribution, health and Specialist urban design practice sustainability. transportation. Specialist in urban offering a wide range of services URBED (Urban and Economic design training. including masterplans, site layouts, Development Group) Yellow Book Ltd design briefs, design and access Manchester 39/2 Gardner's Crescent Terence O’Rourke LTD statements, expert witness and 3D 10 Little Lever Street, Edinburgh EH3 8DG Everdene House, Deansleigh Road, illustrations. Manchester M1 1HR T 0131 229 0179 Bournemouth BH7 7DU T 0161 200 5500 E [email protected] T 01202 421142 TP bennett LLP E [email protected] W www.yellowbookltd.com E [email protected] One America Street, London SE1 0NE W www.urbed.co.uk C John Lord W www.torltd.co.uk T 020 7208 2029 C David Rudlin Place-making, urban regeneration Town planning, Masterplanning, E [email protected] London and economic development involving urban design, architecture, C Mike Ibbott 26 Gray’s Inn Road, London WC1X 8HR creative and cultural industries, landscape architecture, Development planning, urban T 020 7436 8050 tourism and labour market research. environmental consultancy, complex design, conservation and Urban design and guidance, urban design problems. Masterplanning – making places Masterplanning, sustainability, and adding value through creative, consultation and capacity building, progressive, dynamic and joyful housing, town centres and exploration. regeneration.

Issue 124 – Autumn 2012 – Urban Design — 55 Education Index

Education Index London South Bank University of Strathclyde University Department of Architecture, ANGLIA RUSKIN UNIVERSITY Faculty of Arts and Human Sciences, Urban Design Studies Unit, Department of the Built Environment 103 Borough Road, London SE1 0AA 131 Rottenrow, Glasgow G4 ONG Faculty of Science & Technology T 020 7815 7353 T 0141 548 4219 Faculty Building, Rivermead Campus C Bob Jarvis E [email protected] Bishop Hall Lane, Chelmsford CM1 1SQ MA Urban Design (one year full W www.udsu-strath.com T 0845 196 3952/3962 time/two years part time) or PG Cert C Ombretta Romice E [email protected] / Planning based course including The Postgraduate Course in Urban [email protected] units on place and performance, Design is offered in CPD,Diploma and W www.anglia.ac.uk/urbandesign sustainable cities as well as project MSc modes. The course is design C Gil Lewis / Dellé Odeleye based work and EU study visit. Part of centred and includes input from a Graduate Diploma in Urban Design & RTPI accredited programme. variety of related disciplines. Place Shaping. Innovative, one year, workplace-based course. Developed Oxford Brookes University University of the West of to enable built environment Joint Centre for Urban Design, England, Bristol professionals to better understand, Headington, Oxford OX3 0BP Faculty of the Built Environment, design and deliver great places. T 01865 483403 Frenchay Campus, Coldharbour Lane, C Georgia Butina-Watson/ Bristol BS16 1QY Cardiff University Alan Reeve T 0117 328 3508 Welsh School of Architecture and Diploma in Urban Design, six months C Janet Askew School of City & Regional Planning, full time or 18 months part time. MA MA/Postgraduate Diploma course in Glamorgan Building, King Edward V11 one year full-time or two years part- Urban Design. Part time two days per Avenue, Cardiff CF10 3WA time. fortnight for two years, or individual T 029 2087 5972/029 2087 5961 programme of study. Project-based E [email protected] University College London course addressing urban design [email protected] Development Planning Unit, issues, abilities and environments. W www.cardiff.ac.uk/cplan/ma_ 34 Tavistock Square, London WC1H 9EZ urbandesign T 020 7679 1111 University of Westminster C Allison Dutoit/Marga Munar Bauza E [email protected] 35 Marylebone Road, London NW1 5LS One year full-time and two year part- C Anna Schulenburg T 020 7911 5000 x3341 time MA in Urban Design. MSc in Building and Urban Design E [email protected] in Development. Exploring the C Bill Erickson Edinburgh College of Art agency of design in coordinating MA or Diploma Course in Urban School of Architecture organisational and spatial strategies Design for postgraduate architects, Lauriston Place, Edinburgh EH3 9DF in moving toward cohesive, just, and town planners, landscape architects T 0131 221 6175/6072 sustainable development at both and related disciplines. One year full W www.eca.ac.uk/index.php?id=523 the architectural and urban scales time or two years part time. C Dr Ola Uduko in contested urbanisms of the Global Diploma in Architecture and Urban South. 1 year full time or 2-5 years Design, nine months full-time. part time. Diploma in Urban Design, nine months full time or 21 months part- University of Newcastle time. MSc in Urban Design, 12 months upon Tyne full-time or 36 months parttime. MPhil Department of Architecture, Claremont and PhD, by research full and part- Tower, University of Newcastle, time. Newcastle upon Tyne NE1 7RU T 0191 222 6006 Leeds Metropolitan E [email protected] University C Georgia Giannopoulou School of Architecture Landscape W www.ncl.ac.uk/apl/study/ & Design, Broadcasting Place, Arts postgraduate/taught/urbandesign/ Building, Woodhouse Lane, index.htm Leeds LS2 9EN The MA in Urban Design brings T 0113 812 1717 together cross-disciplinary expertise E [email protected] striking a balance between methods W www.leedsmet.ac.uk/courses/la and approaches in environmental C Edwin Knighton design and the social sciences in Master of Arts in Urban Design the creation of the built environment. consists of one year full time or To view the course blog: two years part time or individual www.nclurbandesign.org programme of study. Shorter programmes lead to Post Graduate University of Sheffield Diploma/Certificate. Project based School of Architecture, The Arts Tower, course focusing on the creation of Western Bank, Sheffield S10 2TN sustainable environments through T 0114 222 0341 interdisciplinary design. E [email protected] W www.shef.ac.uk/architecture/ study/pgschool/taught_masters/ maud C Florian Kossak One year full time MA in Urban Design for postgraduate architects, landscape architects and town planners. The programme has a strong design focus, integrates participation and related design processes, and includes international and regional applications.

56 — Urban Design – Autumn 2012 – Issue 124 EndpieceNews

↙ Eastside masterplan. Drawing by Glenn Howells Architects ↓ Looking up Fazeley Street to the city centre under the West Coast main line. Fazeley Street would be buried under the new station beyond the bridge ↓↓ Looking down Fazeley Street from the HS2 site, under the West Coast main line, Digbeth and Curzon Street Station beyond

in the foot (an expression I have used in the this physical and psychological barrier. The Severance past with reference to other big planning demolition took place in the early 2000s, and disagreement proposals). the viaduct has been replaced by a ground A local effect of HS2 which concerns me level boulevard. The proposed HS2 station greatly is the effect which it will have upon will reproduce this severance – even more Digbeth. Currently, Digbeth is separated from extremely than before. the city centre by the West Coast main line That this new severance should be from Euston to New Street Stations. Trains proposed ten years after the highway sever- Is the proposed High Speed 2 a Good Thing? I arrive on a blue brick viaduct overlooking ance was removed suggests some short- am rather sceptical. I am sure that if built, it Digbeth to their left, and then nose down term memory loss among planners. It also can become just as established an element of into a cutting leading to the tunnel into New suggests an ability to support contradictory the English landscape as any line built in the Street Station. In fact the line is more of a ideas simultaneously. The City Council has 19th Century. But I am doubtful of the need Lynchian edge than a separation, as streets included most of Digbeth within the new En- for it, its value for money, and the business pass through the viaduct and over the cut- terprise Zone, which is intended to stimulate case. Business leaders in Birmingham, and ting; Digbeth and the city centre are well business growth and create new jobs. As the City Council, are bullish about what they connected. By contrast, the proposed HS2 part of this programme, in Digbeth a Local reckon will be its economic benefit in new terminal will sever them apart. It will sit Development Order will be designated, which jobs for the city. I thought this argument was alongside the West Coast main line, on the will make it easier for businesses to change undermined, surprisingly, by a paragraph in city centre side. It will be 500m long, and the uses of buildings. If planning controls are the 2011 Eastside Masterplan, produced by impenetrable, with several existing streets bad for business, as the present Government the City Council and Glenn Howells Archi- buried underneath it; a huge barrier between claims, this relaxation will encourage new tects for the area of the city in which HS2 will Digbeth and the city centre. economic growth in Digbeth. But businesses terminate. It states ‘HS2 will make it possible This is ironic. When the City Council will not move into Digbeth if it is cut off from to get to the centre of London as quickly as declared the Eastside regeneration zone in the city centre, and workers and customers from outlying London suburbs. Commuting to 1999, which at that time included Digbeth, cannot easily get to it. This is what severance London from the region would become more and formed an Eastside team to handle it, achieves. attractive for many more people’. the first act which the team undertook was Joe Holyoak That sounds to me like people living in the demolition of the elevated section of the • Birmingham and commuting to jobs in Lon- inner ring road around the city centre, the don; a draining away of jobs from Birming- notorious ‘concrete collar’. They correctly ham, not an influx. In its support for HS2, perceived that no regeneration would take the City Council seems to be shooting itself place while most of Eastside was cut off by Liveable cities

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