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Pathfinders launch Value in Design guide |
A guide to delivering value in design of new residential communities has been launched by the housing market renewal pathfinders following a comprehensive study. The ‘Value in Design’ study, which was carried out by WA Fairhurst & Partners on behalf of the pathfinders and Places for People, provides guidance on the value of incorporating high standards of design and sustainability in new residential developments. Amongst the key findings, which are based on interviews with residents and developers as well as case studies and an extensive literature review, are:
- That Social, Environmental and Economic value can be create through good design and that good design need not necessarily cost more.
- There is a need to invest further in places through the public realm as well as buildings.
- There is a wealth of Design Guidance and Standards already in place with Building for Life, Secure by Design, Lifetime Homes and Code for Sustainable Homes being the most pertinent documents.
Stephen Goodchild, Technical Director – Landscape and Urban Design at W A Fairhurst & Partners explained: “There is a plethora of advice and guidance on good design out there so what this study served to do was pin down the principles which are crucial for good design.” “As a result, what we have is a concise and inclusive list of design guidelines and process which can be taken forward and applied in practice.” “We also consulted with residents and developers to gain an insight into the design elements which they, from their differing perspectives, consider good design.” The guide was launched at a special event at the Sage Gateshead attended by developers, local authority officers, architects and pathfinders. John Sparkes, Head of Development for Bridging NewcastleGateshead (BNG) who led on the study commented: “This guide aims to influence decision makers at all levels to ensure good Value in Design is incorporated into new developments.” “It offers tangible recommendations which will be crucial to the pathfinders and our partners in ensuring we create great places to live for our residents.” The report recommends that the pathfinders use public sector funding to:
- Focus development on placemaking;
- Invest in place and public realm;
- Deliver high quality, well designed homes;
- Invest in the right design team including appropriate specialists;
- Create a clear vision that is shared by the whole development partnership.
The study was carried out by W A Fairhurst & Partners, Hopper Howe Sadler architects and Eljay Research Ltd on behalf of BNG, Renew North Staffordshire, Gateway, Transform South Yorkshire, Partners in Action, Elevate, Tees Valley Living, West Yorkshire Housing Partnership and Places for People, with support from CABE and Gateshead and Newcastle Councils. The full report, and results summary paper, can be found at www.bridgingng.org.uk
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