12. Our vision is to
improve the urban
design quality of
house building in
England, helping the
country to build more
and better homes and
communities…
13. Introduction: Searching for character
How can we create places with a distinctive
character and their own sense of place?
18. ‘Feel and function’:
Integrating sustainable drainage + waste
Upton – Northampton
Making landscapes: Swales, permeable surfaces and even waste treatment can shape character
25. Streets are long-lasting elements of place
A key influence on place making and local identity
Streets: Give access and the potential
to experience places
26. Streets as attractive, social spaces…
Designing for the car but not letting it take over the social uses of
the space.
Standard highways geometries make places look the same
27. Street design, street width, building placement:
Varying character in a neighbourhood
Long or short streets, wiggly or straight?
Front gardens or no front gardens? A walkable space or car-dominated?
29. 5. Time and personalisation add to character
at the largest and smallest scales
De Dijk, Rijswijk
30. 6. Density and perception of density
Density: A measure not a quality
31. 7. A sense of community focus
Community spaces
The Triangle, Swindon Ypenburg, The Hague
- Allotments / community gardens
- Play space
- Facilities for sport
37. Our vision is to improve the urban design
quality of house building in England, helping
the country to build more and better homes
and communities, by:
38. 1. Providing a clear quality framework (clarity
and certainty for industry)
39. 1. Providing a clear quality framework
2. Promoting design dialogue at the start of
the process
40. 1. Providing a clear quality framework
2. Promoting design dialogue at the start of
the process
3. Help stimulate consumer demand for and
recognition of better quality
41. 1. Providing a clear quality framework
2. Promoting design dialogue at the start of
the process
3. Help stimulate consumer demand for and
recognition of better quality
4. Reward house builders for good design at
point of sale