Architectural Design
ROSS CAIRNS
UNIVERSITY OF THE HIGHLANDS & ISLANDS

What is Architecture?

response

Landscape is a natural scene mediated by culture.
It is both a represented and presented space, both a
signifier and a signified.
WJT Mitchell

People do not simply locate
themselves,
they define themselves through
a sense of place.
Michael Chang
Cultural Geography

Map Rock
Snake River, Idaho
Artist and date unknown
The real voyage of
discovery consists in not
seeking new landscapes,
but in having new eyes
Marcel Proust

isolation

There are three main parts to the planning system:
Development Plans
which set out how places should change and also set out the
policies used to make decisions about planning applications.
Development Management
the process for making decisions about planning applications.
Enforcement
the process that makes sure that development is carried out
correctly and takes action when development happens without
permission or when conditions have not been followed.

The development plan is a document that sets out how places
should change and what they could be like in the future. It says
what type of development should take place where, and which
areas should not be developed. It sets out the best locations
for new homes and businesses and protects places of value to
people or wildlife.
There can be up to three parts to the plan. Each council area in
Scotland is covered by a local development plan, which sets out
where most new developments are proposed and the policies that
will guide decision-making on planning applications.
http://planning.highland.gov.uk/oldp//docSelectAction.do?docId=104

All planning applications must contain a supporting statement which will look at your proposal in relation to planning
policy, place-making/sense of place and local factors such as pre application comments and discussions with local
groups. This will be accompanied by your plans and completed application forms.
As a guide, you will also need for this project;
A4 Bound Supporting Statement document
A4 Application form and certificate of ownership & fee calculated
A4 Neighbour Notification Plan
A3 Location Plan showing boundaries (Red & Blue) and existing situation
A1 Site Layout Plan showing proposals, parking and landscaping etc.
A1 2D Elevations & 3DRenders of proposal
A1 2D Floor Plans & 3D Internal Renders of proposal
A1 3D Elevation Renders and Streetscape Views
A1 3D Exploded Floor plan Renders and Walkthrough Views
ePlanning website www.eplanning.scotland.gov.uk.

What is a master-plan?
Spatial explanation of ideas or intent
Communicate to different audiences
Test & agree direction
Calculate costs & values
Co-ordinate disposal / development
Visualise a place
Basis for consultation & engagement
Build ownership & confidence

Understanding the character of a place is key to establishing a vision of how a community should
develop. Take Orkney or other Islands places (Skye?) they are characterised by compact coastal
towns and villages, clustered farm steadings silhouetted against huge skies, and simple linear
cottages which respond to the wind.

WHAT DOES THIS TELL US?
PLACE = CHARACTER = LIFE + ENVIRONMENT

PLACE = CHARACTER = LIFE + ENVIRONMENT There are outstanding examples of contemporary architecture
in Orkney and our Islands which respond to the context and
character of the area.
The Stromness Pier Arts Centre is world class modern
architecture which has seamlessly become part of the built-
heritage of the island

But what about the rest? Suburban type development to the towns, huge houses rather
than clustered farm steadings, and overly complex houses which have lost the simplicity of form and
detailing of the traditional cottage.

Sense of Place?

View from the Road?

Think of the Road being a secondary feature not the primary feature?

Sense of Place?

West Linton Density?

Look at the Road against the housing?

Pastiche?