The document discusses the benefits of design quality and outlines the design process. It emphasizes that strong, distinctive design solutions supported by evidence are more likely to receive planning approval. Designs with a clear sense of place and identity can provide marketing advantages for clients. Rigorously designed developments are more likely to have lasting appeal. Engaging stakeholders and the community generates civic pride and a sense of ownership. The Design Review Panel aims to provide helpful advice and feedback at various stages to support the process.

1. The$benefits$of$design$quality$
‘promo&ng)excellence’$
$
Chris)Twomey,)Chair)of)Design)Review)<)OPUN$
22nd$February$2012

2. Contents$
1$$Understanding$
2$$Idea$
3$$Engagement0
Summary$

4. Why0design0ma6ers...0

5. Balancing0o;en0compe=ng0needs0and0ambi=ons...00

6. Design0Process0
Site$$
Analysis$
Planning$ Community/
Policy/$
Design/Access$$ stakeholder$
legislaAon$ Principles$ involvement$
Design/Access$
SoluAons$
Informed by relevant best practice guidance and design standards, eg for housing:
Building for Life, Code for Sustainable Homes, HCA guidance (HQI’s), Secured by Design,
Lifetime Homes, Parker Morris Space Standards

7. U0
n0
d0
e0
r0
s0
t0
a0
n0
d0
i0
01
n0
g0

8. Step010–0
Understanding0the0context0
What is special and distinctive Assessment of:
about the place?
• Location and
landscape setting
• Relationship to
surroundings
(form, scale & mass
of buildings)
• Transport links
• Local facilities
• Predominant building
materials

9. Characterisa=on0
What’s it like?
HighlighAng$poor$use$of$space$and$ Showing$areas$of$ill$defined$and$ Drawing$aJenAon$to$random$ Addressing$exisAng$maze$of$
fragmentaAon$within$the$exisAng$ liJle$used$green$space$ distribuAon$and$lack$of$ interconnecAng$pedestrian$
development$$I$estate$for$cars$not$ coherence$between$exisAng$ routes$to$help$reduce$crime$
people$ community$faciliAes$$ and$anAIsocial$behaviour$
problems$

10. SocioDeconomic0Context0
What are the indicators telling us?

11. I0
d0
e0
a0
02

12. 0Step020–00
Iden=fy0Design0Principles0
Presentation Contents

13. Clearly0stated0aims0
Presentation Contents
• ‘Housing on the square’
• Clear distinction between public
‘fronts’ and private ‘backs’
• Building frontage to define
street pattern
• Improved connectivity/pedestrian links
• Elevational ‘rhythm’ to enliven
street scene
• Materials to reflect
neighbouring buildings

14. Developing0concepts0
Presentation Contents
• Creation of new ‘green’
• Strong, active frontage
• Articulating ‘gateways’ and corners

15. 0Embedding0sustainability0
• Re-using land and buildings
• Improving links and connectivity
• Harnessing renewables
• Using energy efficiently
• Conserving water
• Using natural systems
• Using local materials
• Integrating waste re-cycling

16. Hellerup Skole, Denmark
Architect: Arkitema
Creative use of interior space with built in flexibility

17. The0CABE0100key0points0for0a0well0designed0school0
Well-designed external spaces offering a variety of
different settings for leisure, learning and sport.
Internal
courtyard next
to library for
quiet study and
reading
Peacehaven Community School
architecture plb

18. The building as a teaching
resource to promote
sustainability:
Sedum roof
Habitats & conservation
Rainwater harvesting and storage
Recycling, composting
Students measure
energy consumption
and rainwater
harvesting
Photovoltaics on
roof (Retrofit)

19. The0CABE0100key0points0for0a0well0designed0school0
Distinctive new image and identity promotes culture of
learning and community
Remote
parking
provision
encourages
health and
fitness
Darton College, Barnsley
Lathams

20. Distinctive Atrium, ‘art barn’ and sports
hall...
New focus for the community
Fresh start (with academic results to
match)

21. E0
n0
g0
a0
g0
e0
m0
e0
n0
03 t0

22. Consulta=on0
Stakeholder & community engagement –
How have views shaped the scheme?

23. eg.$waterside$design$workshop$
(Tewkesbury):$
Issues0and0Opportuni=es0
Groups:I$
1.#‘On#the#Water’#
2.#‘By#the#Water’#
3.#‘Find#the#Water’#

24. Aqua$cycles?$ On0the0Water...?0
WaterIbased$market,$CraS$Barges$etc.?$
FloaAng$ Dragon$boats?$
Bridges?$
Art$&$
sculpture?$
Park?$
FloaAng$
faciliAes?$
On$river$performance$space?$ Water$taxis$–$park$&$glide?$

25. By0the0Water...?0
Furniture?$
Art$/play?$
Angling?$ Waterside$terracing$?$
Modest$but$iconic$buildings?$
ASer$dark$appeal?$

26. Find0the0Water...?0
Sculptural$links$/$bridges?$
Art$/$wayfinding$/$signage?$ Access$for$all$
Extending$the$
‘waterside$realm’?$

27. Be$bold$and$visionary...$

28. S0
u0
m0
m0
a0
r0
y0

29. Summary0–0the0benefits0of0design0quality...0
• Strong and distinctive design solutions (supported by reasoned argument)
will help to smooth the path to a successful planning consent
• Schemes with a clear sense of identity and ‘place’ help to create a
marketing edge for clients
• Developments that are the product of a rigorous design process are more
likely to have lasting appeal
• Schemes that are supported by stakeholders and the community will
engender civic pride and ‘ownership’

30. OPUN Design Review Panel – on hand to help
with advice, guidance, clear and consistent feedback
and encouragement ...
How can we help?
Thank you