PLACE MAKING THEMES
1.32
Place making themes relate to the design of development in broad urban design terms. This is focused upon the particular characteristics which are encouraged in new development in terms of uses, linkages, building design and public realm treatment. Designers will be expected to think about urban design as well as architecture. The task is not just to design buildings, but to design for place making. This requires designers to consider the following urban design themes.
A staged approach to the design of new development is encouraged, based upon four key place making themes:
i. Functions, Activities and Vitality
“What uses and activities can the site accommodate?” Developer’s aspirations/planning policy/site capacity.
ii. Movement, Linkages and Connections
“How can new development assist ease of movement within the site?” “How can a layout fit into the existing networks and provide good levels of access?”
iii. Townscape and Building Design
“How can buildings define and enclose new and existing routes, making sure they create an overall identity which has a strong relationship from one to another and new to old?”
iv. Public Realm, Open Space & Landscape
“How can the public routes and spaces between buildings be designed to aid enjoyment of a development, to create a vibrant and safe public realm?”
The guidance which follows in this section is structured around these four themes and introduces 20 design principles which underpin best practice in place making.
Uses, Functions and Activities – Designing for Vitality
1.33
The physical design of buildings can only go so far towards creating the kind of environment where people want to live, work and relax. The vitality inherent in well loved streets and spaces is generated by the uses and activities which surround them. Busier places tend to be safer and more successful places, where people feel more comfortable.
New development should contribute to this vitality and make a contribution towards street life.
1.34
New development should avoid creating areas which are lifeless, where few people will go and where as a result people feel less safe. New development must help to achieve these ambitions by responding to the following design advice.
Principle 1 - Density and Intensity of Use
1.35
The capacity of individual sites should be fully considered in terms of supporting a higher density and intensity uses. Higher density development allows for greater levels of activity and for greater opportunities for work, leisure and most importantly for living. Residential densities are addressed within chapter 3. Developing at higher densities and making more intensive use of sites will help to make more economical use of development land. Concentrating activities and people together improves the viability of services and facilities. There are numerous considerations to be taken into account when looking at densities and these are highlighted in the Local Plan.
Related Design Guidance
i. Developing greater levels of activity is more important in town, district and local centres and on sites which are well served by public transport. This concept underpins District and County Council planning policy and this will require highly accessible sites to be developed at higher densities and capacities than has often been the case in the District historically.