URBAN DESIGN 160 Autumn 2021

Since the last issue of Urban Design was published, design quality is back at the top of the agenda. The new NPPF and National Model Design Code have been published, and the Office of Place has been inaugurated, all with the objective of delivering better quality development.

In the same period, Place Alliance published its survey on design skills in local authorities across England. The results are sobering, though not unexpected. Compared to the last survey in 2017, the number of urban designers and architects in local planning authorities has stabilized, but the situation remains disappointing:

• Two-fifths of local planning authorities still have no access to urban design advice.
• Almost two-thirds have no access to landscape advice.
• Three-quarters have no access to architectural advice.

The study also found significant use of consultants and agency staff, while the in-house design capabilities of local authorities have declined. This naturally leads us to consider the responsibilities of those who work as consultants, particularly our Recognised Practitioners in Urban Design.

We are a broad church and not a chartered professional body; therefore, we do not have a code of conduct for our members and Recognised Practitioners. However, since its formation in 1978, the UDG has successfully campaigned to firmly place urban design on the national agenda and improve the quality of environments. It has built a strong ethos and reputation around universally accepted principles. These include creating a positive legacy of sustainably located, well-designed developments:

• Where the needs of people and nature come first.
• Where communities can make sustainable transport choices using public transport and active travel instead of private cars.
• Where people can live healthily and well.
• Where active, low-carbon lifestyles are designed in.

Achieving these objectives is complex, with many factors at play. We may find ourselves in situations where the objectives do not align with day-to-day reality, and where the completed development or masterplan falls short of our ambitions. Some of our Recognised Practitioners may even work on developments that others may perceive as being contrary to these aims. As a consultant myself, it would be hypocritical not to acknowledge that there are many obstacles to good development, and sometimes things don’t go our way. This can be due to many reasons, including client objectives, commercial considerations, land ownership, political and community pressures, and highway regulations.

Many critical decisions that influence design quality are also taken out of the hands of urban designers. For example, we have little power when it comes to site allocations and are often appointed to make the most of an allocated site. Other aspects can be difficult to influence too, such as the provision of strategic cycle and public transport linkages beyond the site or the design of highway infrastructure. Most of us have experienced the arrival of the dreaded oversized roundabout on the edge of our masterplans for a new ‘sustainable neighborhood,’ or a ‘high street’ that turns into an over-engineered highway, making a mockery of the original vision.

Urban design’s sometimes limited sphere of influence should not mean that we give up our ambition or decline responsibility. On every project, we must do our best to drive quality up, promote best practices, and challenge decisions that may undermine high-quality development. We must try to persuade clients, agencies, and stakeholders to pursue best practices and use our creativity to bring about positive change. I hope that an interest in delivering high-quality places in line with the broad principles outlined above will unite us and act as our moral compass.

On a different note, and as always, a monthly roundup of our events and campaigns is on our website. Two events are worthy of mention:

• The launch of the book Restorative Cities: Urban Design for Mental Health and Wellbeing by Jenny Roe and Layla McCay. This subject is close to my heart, and I believe that a combined focus on health, well-being, and climate change will help us deliver more equal and fairer places.
• The relaunch of the National Urban Design Awards. At the time of writing, I don’t know the finalists, but I am excited about this year’s awards. The new categories and evaluation criteria have given us strong shortlists. The UDG team and volunteers have worked hard and done an amazing job promoting the awards, resulting in more entries than ever before. We eagerly await the announcement of the winners.

Get in Touch, Get Involved

I invite all our members to share ideas and proposals on how we can make it easier to deliver good places. If you have ideas for an urban design event, research, collaboration opportunities, or would like to get involved, please get in touch with us at administration@udg.co.uk. I hope you enjoy the Journal.

Katja Stille, Chair of the Urban Design Group and Director at Tibbalds Planning and Urban Design.

Until further notice, it will not be possible to run live events with an audience at The Gallery. However, there is an online programme of events. Please check the UDG website for details: www.udg.org.uk

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Source:

https://www.udg.org.uk/sites/default/files/publications/files/UD160_magazine%20low%20res.pdf