THE COUNCILLOR’S GUIDE TO URBAN DESIGN FOREWORD THE COUNCILLOR’S GUIDE TO URBAN DESIGN Councillors have a key role to play INTRODUCTION 3 in the delivery of high quality, well- 01 WHAT MAKES A SUCCESSFUL PLACE? 4 designed places, both in the buildings The seven qualities that successful streets, spaces, they procure and by influencing the villages, towns and cities tend to have in common quality of all new development in their 02 ASPECTS OF FORM 6 areas through the planning system. The inter-related elements which work together to define buildings, groups of buildings and spaces CABE is committed to supporting CASE STUDY: ANGELL TOWN 8 councillors in this important task and we hope that this document, and the 03 RAISING STANDARDS 10 training seminar it accompanies, will How local authorities get the best out of development help to build upon recent good practice 04 THE PLANNING TOOLKIT 14 and deliver places that improve Outlines the tools currently available to planning authorities which, used effectively, can deliver quality people’s quality of life and which councillors can be proud to have CASE STUDY: DONCASTER 20 been involved in. 05 GLOSSARY 22 06 BIBLIOGRAPHY 26 Sir Stuart Lipton, Chairman, CABE The issue of good urban design is not about some abstract ideal, it’s about creating the right conditions to make places work. The purpose of this Good urban design is not an abstract Urban design is the process of shaping guide is not to show you ideal. It is a matter of creating the right the setting for life in cities, towns and conditions to make places work, and villages. It is a process that involves how to design, but how the planning system has a central role politicians; a wide range of people with to think about design. in achieving this aim. a stake in an area; and many different kinds of professionals. A successful Crucially, the planning system provides outcome depends on these people the opportunity to ask: working effectively together. • What sort of place do we want Every day countless decisions are made • How can we promote the qualities that have the potential to make a piece we want of a city, town or village a little more lively, welcoming and pleasant, or a little The planning system has always been more hostile, unpleasant or unsafe. concerned with getting the right mix These decisions can enhance or erode of land uses, such as housing, retail or a place’s distinctive character. industry, in the right location. Now we recognise that making successful places Some of these decisions concern major also depends on getting the physical developments. But even the overall form of development right. effect of many small developments, such as house extensions, shopfronts This has long been recognised in and infill schemes, can change a place historic areas. But every town and city dramatically for the better or worse over is special to the people who live or work only a few years. By focusing on quality there. Urban design is relevant from the in urban design and architecture, the largest to the smallest scale, and from planning system can make a difference. the most historic town centre to the newest suburban development. Good urban design is a powerful tool for achieving a higher quality of life, greater economic vitality and a more efficient use of resources. It is key to making places where talented people will want to live, and which will nurture economic success. INTRODUCTION IS URBAN DESIGN? WHAT 3 Successful streets, spaces, villages, towns and cities tend to have qualities in common. The fundamental qualities of successful places, which all development must contribute to, are outlined below. 1 3 5 7 Character Quality of the Legibility Diversity Sense of place and history Ease of understanding Ease of choice A place that responds to and reinforces public realm A place that has a clear image A place with variety and mixed uses locally distinctive patterns of Sense of wellbeing and amenity and is easy to understand development and landscape A place with public spaces and routes • A mix of compatible uses and tenures that are lively and pleasant to use • Landmarks and focal points • Variety of layout and building form • Distinctive landscapes • Views • Diverse communities and cultures • Natural features • A feeling of safety and security • Clear and easily navigable routes • Variety of architectural styles • Locally distinctive buildings • Uncluttered and easily maintained • Gateways to particular areas • Biodiversity • Streets and street patterns • Carefully detailed with integrated • Lighting • Special spaces public art • Works of art and craft • Skylines and roofscapes • Suited to the needs of everyone, • Signage and waymarkers • Building materials including disabled and elderly people • Local culture and traditions • Well-designed lighting and street • Avoiding standard solutions furniture • Attractive and robust planting 2 4 6 Continuity and enclosure Ease of movement Adaptability Clarity of form Connectivity and permeability Ease of change A place where public and private space A place that is easy to get to and A place that can change easily are clearly distinguished move through • Flexible uses • Streets, footpaths and open spaces • Density highest where access • Possibilities for gradual change overlooked by buildings to public transport is best • Buildings and areas adaptable to a • Clear distinction between public and • Roads, footpaths and public spaces variety of present and future uses private space connected into well-used routes • Reuse of important historic buildings • Avoiding gaps in the line of buildings • Easy accessibility The qualities of successful place • Enclosing streets and other spaces • Direct routes that lead to where outlined above build upon the by buildings and trees of a scale that people want to go objectives of urban design set feels comfortable and appropriate to • A choice of safe, high quality routes out in By Design, the companion guide the character of the space to Planning Policy Guidance Note 1 • No leftover spaces unused and General Policy and Principles (PPG1). uncared for 01 MAKES A WHAT SUCCESSFUL PLACE? 5 The form of development is the physical expression of urban design. It consists of the relationships, shape and size of buildings, structures and spaces. It will influence the users activity and movement in a place and so is fundamental to the success of a place. The most important elements of development form are listed here. Each of these elements are informed by the seven urban design qualities described in section 01 to create the physical components of a plan. Urban structure Layout Urban grain Density and mix Height and massing Scale Building type Appearance Facade and interface Public Realm Details and materials 1 3 5 7 Streetscape and landscape Urban structure Density and mix Building type Details and materials The essential diagram of a place The amount of development and The appearance of the building showing: the range of uses this influences, • The size of the building floorplate its in relation to: to include: storey heights and means and location • The relationship between new of access • The art, craftsmanship, building development and nature, land form • The intensity of activity relative • The relationship of the building to techniques and detail of the various and existing buildings to a place’s accessibility adjacent buildings and how it relates building components true to local • The framework of routes and spaces • The place’s vitality relative to the to external space at ground floor level context that connect locally and more widely, proximity and range of uses • The nature and extent of the building’s • The texture, colour, pattern, durability and the way developments, routes, • The development’s viability setback at upper floors and roof and treatment of its materials open spaces and precincts relate treatment • Materials sourced from local and/or to one another sustainable sources, including recycled materials where possible • The lighting, signage and treatment of shopfronts, entrances and building security 2 4 6 8 Urban grain Height and massing Facade and interface Streetscape The nature and extent of the The scale of a building in relation to: The relationship of the building and landscape subdivision of the area into smaller to the street: The design of route and spaces, development parcels showing: • The arrangement, volume and shape their microclimate, ecology and of a building or group of buildings in • The rhythm, pattern and harmony of biodiversity to include: • The pattern and scale of streets, relation to other buildings and spaces its openings relative to its enclosure blocks and plots • The size of parts of a building and its • The nature of the setback, boundary • Paving, planting and street furniture • The rhythm of building frontages details, particularly in relation to the treatment and its frontage condition at • The integration of public art, lighting, along the street as a reflection of size of a person street level signing and waymarkers the plot subdivision • The impact on views, vistas and • The architectural expression of its • The treatment of parks, play areas, skylines entrances, corners, roofscape and natural features and recreation areas projections • Consideration of long term management and maintenance issues 02 ASPECTS OF FORM 7 The following case study BACKGROUND CHARACTER LEGIBILITY illustrates urban design Once a notorious sink estate associated what is public space and what are Transforming the image and perceptions Corners and mews access are given Although the residential density with crime, the Angell Town Estate in private spaces for residents. The of a stigmatised estate by adopting architectural emphasis, there is a clear has been slightly reduced by the qualities and form of south London has undergone a ten year monolithic concrete structures of the characteristics of the surrounding and easily understandable grid of streets redevelopment, a more varied mix of development in practice.