Masterplanning and urban design L1 Flashcards
How would you define urban and design and why is it important?
Urban design is the planning and organization of cities and neighbourhoods. It encompasses the layout of buildings, streets, public spaces, and transportation systems. Urban design is important because it impacts quality of life, economic vitality, sustainability, safety, social interaction, health, and cultural identity in urban areas.
What does masterplanning typically involve and what is its purpose?
Masterplanning involves comprehensive planning for an area, defining land use, infrastructure, transportation, open spaces, and more. Its purpose is to guide future development, promote efficient growth, address environmental and social concerns, and create a cohesive and sustainable vision for the designated area.
Who is usually involved in the masterplanning process?
The masterplanning process involves a very wide range of stakeholders:
The local planning authority
Developers and the private sector
Community groups
Statutory consultees (HSE, TFL)
Wide range of consultants (environmental, architects etc)
Tell me about possible outputs of a masterplanning process?
The outputs of a masterplanning process can include:
Planning documents
Masterplan vision documents that guide development for an area,
Design Frameworks
Design SPDs,
Architectural design guidelines
What consultation might be required and why is this important?
Community engagement - Work with the community in all aspects of the master plan process to ensure that the community has a voice and decision-making power in data collection, analysis, implementation plan and execution.
How does a masterplan fit into a planning application in your experience?
It provides the vision, context, and technical details necessary for planning authorities to assess the proposed development’s compliance with local regulations, its impact on the environment, and its alignment with the community’s needs and aspirations. It is an essential tool for both developers and local authorities to ensure that development projects are well-planned and beneficial for the community.
When and how would you update a masterplan?
A masterplan may change to show additional information as more detailed proposals become available or to respond to a change in circumstances or a new idea. This change would be instructed with the appointed specialist designer, i.e. the architect.
What are the key principles of good urban design?
Character - a place with its own identity
Continuity and enclosure - where public and private spaces are clearly distinguished
Quality of the public realm - a place with attractive and well-used outdoor areas
Ease of movement - a place that is easy to get to and move through
Legibility - a place that is easy to navigate
Adaptability - a place that can change easily
Diversity - a place with variety and choice
Where would you find policy relating to urban design?
Within the council’s local development plan or supplementary planning document.
What is grey / green infrastructure?
Green infrastructure refers to natural systems including forests, floodplains, wetlands and soils that provide additional benefits for human well-being, such as flood protection and climate regulation. Grey infrastructure refers to structures such as dams, seawalls, roads, pipes or water treatment plants.
How are these phased over time?
The delivery of large-scale masterplans can be phased into separate parcels of development.
How can masterplanning be linked to political and social processes?
Masterplanning can be influenced by political processes as the lead party of the planning authority and their manifesto will dictate the formation of policy which will influence the masterplan. Social processes will influence the masterplanning process through community engagement.
How is masterplanning funded?
The design of masterplans (by the local authority) will be publicly funded by government expenditure. The delivery of masterplans, will primarily be through private funding from developers either through lending or cash reserves.
Tell me about placemaking.
Placemaking is the process of creating Quality Places that people want to live,
work, play and learn in
That requires engaging and empowering people to participate in the process. This embraces a wide range of projects and activities and is pursued by the public, non-profit and private sectors on an incremental or targeted basis, over a long period of time – potentially,
forever. Examples include:
* Projects – downtown street and façade improvements, neighbourhood-based projects such as residential rehabs, residential infill, small scale multi-use projects, park improvements, etc.
* Activities – events in public places like sidewalks, streets, town squares, civic buildings, etc
How does this relate to human behaviour and psychology and aspects related to green and grey infrastructure?
- encouraging exercise and physical activity by providing quality green spaces for walking, cycling, sports and play
- providing better opportunities for active travel and physical activity
- improving mental well-being by providing access to nature and attractive green spaces and breathing spaces
- providing opportunities for growing food locally and healthy eating
