Episode 97 - National Design Guide

This week we will be talking about the National Design Guide. This episode content meets PC3 - Legal Framework and Processes of the Part 3 Criteria.

Resources from today's episode:

 Website:

• https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/national-design-guide
• https://www.gov.uk/guidance/design

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Transcript

Episode 97:

Hello and Welcome to the Part3 with me podcast. 

The show that helps part 3 students jump-start into their careers as qualified architects and also provide refresher episodes for practicing architects. I am your host Maria Skoutari and this week we will be talking about the National Design Guide . Today’s episode meets PC3 of the Part 3 Criteria.

The National Design Guide resource was published by the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government in 2021, it outlines national design guidance for creating beautiful, enduring, and successful places. Together with the National Model Design Code and Guidance Note for Design Codes, and the National Design Guide, support the policies within the National Planning Policy Framework and all guides form part of the Government's collection of planning practice guidance. 

The National Design Guide, provides the principles for good design that are fit for purpose, durable and bring delight. Its guidance for not just the building but the place taking into account different users experiencing it, its landscape, infrastructure, design with future adaption in mind, consideration of views and many more. It has been prepared with the context of social, economic and envrionmental change in mind.

The National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) sets out that achieving high-quality places and buildings is fundamental to the planning and development process. It also expands on the principles of good design to define what is expected for well-designed places and explain how planning policies and decisions should support this. The aim of the National Design Guide in this is to address the question of how we recognise well-designed places, by outlining and illustrating the Government’s priorities for well-designed places in the form of ten characteristics and is based on the national planning policy practice guidance. 

Local Authorities may develop their own local design policies, guides or codes based on the National Design Guidance and NPPF and applicants are expected to review these and address them in their planning applications. All local design policies, design guides and codes will have to be considered by local authorities to assist in their local plans to set out a baseline understanding of the local context and an analysis of local character and identity. This may include:

• The relationship between the natural environment and built development
• The typical patterns of built form that contribute positively to local character
• The street pattern, their proportions and landscape features
• The proportions of buildings and landscape features
• The local vernacular, other architecture and architectural features that contribute to local character

And applicants will then need to use these guides to develop a well-designed place which has gone through an integrated design process bringing the ten characteristics together in a mutually supporting way creating the overall character of a place. This applies to proposals of all sizes, including small-scale incremental changes, such as new buildings, infill developments, major developments and larger-scale developments like urban extensions, new settlements and infrastructure. 

So when an application starts looking at the early stage of the design process, a number of different characteristics will need to be considered to meet the requirements of the Design Guide, such as:

• locally identified priorities and concerns;
• the strategic priorities of the local authority;
• the priorities of a particular user group;
• the scale of the proposal;
• The site and location 

If a development is of poor design and fails to improve on the character and quality of an area and how it functions, guidance in both the National Design Guide and NPPF support that permission should be refused. The National Design Guide, states that the Design and Access Statement, should set out a clear story for the design concept and how it has evolved into a design proposal and how it was informed and addresses all ten characteristics.

Now reverting back to the ten characteristics I mentioned, the ten characteristics set out in the National Design Guide, these have been outlined to help enhance and address characteristics relating to character, community and climate. They all contribute towards the cross-cutting themes for good design set out in the NPPF. 

The ten characteristics include:

• Context
• Identity
• Built form
• Movement
• Nature
• Public Spaces
• Uses
• Homes and buildings
• Resources
• Lifespan

1. Now looking at each one in more detail, starting with Context:

Context relates to the location of the development and the attributes of its immediate, local and regional surroundings. An understanding of the context, history and cultural characteristics of a site, neighbourhood and region will influence the location, siting and design of new developments so that they are well-grounded in their locality and more likely to be acceptable to existing communities. Creating a positive sense of place helps to foster a sense of belonging and contributes to well-being, inclusion and community cohesion. Items to take into consideration when looking into context include:

• The existing built development
• Local Heritage
• Landform and topography
• Landscape character
• Access, movement and accessibility
• Environment 
• Views in and out of the site
• Pattern of uses and activities
• And how the area functions 

Well-designed developments are integrated into their wider surroundings, physically, socially and visually and are shaped by understanding the context and identifying opportunities for design as well as constraints. Meaning, the proposal doesn’t necessarily have to copy its surroundings, it may be more appropriate to introduce elements that reflect latest living trends and innovative design benefiting and enhancing the wider surroundings. To communicate the benefits of a scheme, its important to explain how the design of a development relates to context and local character and that it has also considered the local history, culture and heritage and how these have influenced the built environment and wider landscape.

2. Now let’s look at the second characteristic, Identity:

The guide sets out identity or character of a place as coming from the way that buildings, streets and spaces, landscape and infrastructure combine together and how people experience them. Local character makes places distinctive and memorable and helps people to find their way around. Well-designed, sustainable places with a strong identity give their users, occupier and owners a sense of pride, helping to create and sustain communities and neighbourhoods. Characteristics to take into consideration when looking into identity include:

• An appreciation and understanding of vernacular, local or regional character 
• Characteristics of existing built form
• Looking at distinctive elements of a place
• Other features of the context that are particular to the area, such as the composition of street scenes, heights, scale, views, landmarks, roofscapes, facade design, landscape, nature and wildlife, and many more.  

Proposals should then contribute to the local distinctiveness which may be through:

• Adopting typical building forms, proportions, details, materials and patterns
• Or by drawing upon the architectural precedents that are prevalent in the local area 
• Or by introducing built form and appearance that adds new character and difference to the area and creating a positive and coherent identity that residents and local communities can identify with. 

Where the character of an existing place has limited or few positive qualities, then a new and positive character will enhance its identity. 

3. Now lets move onto the third characteristic within the guide, Built Form:

Under the guide, Built form is defined as the three-dimensional pattern or arrangement of development blocks, streets, buildings and open spaces. It is the interrelationship between all these elements that creates an attractive place to live, work and visit and is relevant to city and town centres, suburbs, villages and rural settlements. Well-designed places have compact forms of development that are walkable contributing to well-being and placemaking, provide accessible public transport services, have recognisable streets and other spaces defined by buildings improving wayfinding and providing memorable features or groupings of buildings, spaces and uses creating a sense of place promoting inclusion and cohesion.

Built form is determined by good urban design principles that combine layout, form and scale in a way that responds positively to the context with appropriate density, building types and character. Streets are also key to successful built form patterns which depend on the width of the streets relating to their use, the height of buildings and how they are built up along their length and their relationship between building fronts and backs providing interest, overlooking and active frontages at ground level. Key positions for tall buildings is also critical in creating landmarks and emphasising important places which make a positive contribution to views and the skyline.

4. Then we have the fourth characteristic within the guide, Movement:

The guide refers to movement in relation to people’s patterns and how they are integral to well-designed places. Including walking and cycling, access to facilities, employment and servicing, parking and the convenience of public transport. Ease of movement contributes to making high-quality places for people to enjoy and their success is measured by how they contribute to the quality and character of the place, not only how well they function. 

Successful development depends on a movement network that makes connections to destinations, places and communities, both within the site and beyond its boundaries. A well-designed movement networks defines streets that are:

• Safe and accessible for all
• Function efficiently to get everyone around, taking into account diversity and all potential user needs
• Prioritising an encouraging walking, cycling and public transport, limiting the impact of car use
• Promoting activity and social interaction 
• Incorporate green infrastructure improving air quality and biodiversity

Well-designed places provide a connected network giving people the maximum choice in how to make their journeys. These should be integrated into public spaces with character that people enjoy using through their layout, landscape, lighting and materials. A clear layout and hierarchy of streets helps people to find their way around, wider spaces are well suited for busier streets, whereas narrow streets are more suitable where there is limited vehicle movement and speeds are low. 

Movement prioritises pedestrian and cycle movements subject to location and connections, meaning routes created are safe, direct, convenient and accessible for people of all abilities. In well-designed places, people shouldn’t need to rely on the car for everyday journeys. Parking is also fundamental to the quality of a place or development. Well-designed car and cycle parking at home and other destinations should be conveniently sited promoting its use, this could be through off-site parking to avoid pavement parking and congested streets. Electric vehicle charging should also be considered, as well as access for servicing for refuse collection, deliveries and removals.    

5. Then we have the fifth characteristic within the guide, Nature:

The guide sets out Nature as an element to be considered to contribute to the quality of a place and to people’s quality of life. Natural features should be integrated into well-designed developments by providing natural and designed landscapes, high-quality public open spaces, streets trees, planting and water. 

Well-designed places should integrate existing and incorporate new natural features into a multifunctional network that supports quality of place, biodiversity and water management, they should also prioritise nature promoting diverse ecosystems and providing attractive open spaces in locations that are easy to access with activities for all to enjoy promoting social inclusion.

Open spaces should be designed in:

• A range of sizes and locations
• Have a variety of natural and designed landscapes
• Have opportunity for formal and informal play
• Consider integrated drainage, ecology, shading, recreation and food production
• As well as long term maintenance and management regimes 

6. Moving onto the sixth characteristic within the guide, Public Spaces:

Which relates to the fifth characteristic nature and also the fourth movement that we just went through. Under the guide, Public Spaces are defined as streets, squares and other spaces that are open to all and they are the setting for most movement. The design of a public space encompasses its siting and integration into the wider network of routes as well as its various elements, including areas allocated to cars, cyclists and pedestrians.  

Well-designed public spaces should:

• Support a wide variety of activities and encourage social interaction
• Have a hierarchy of spaces that range from large and strategic to small and local spaces, such as parks and squares
• Public spaces should also feel safe, secure and attractive 
• And have trees and other planting providing shading, air quality and climate change mitigation
• They should have buildings around the edges of a space
• Provide active frontages and natural surveillance
• Encourage people to enter the space for an activity or destination
• Consider risk assessment and mitigation at an early stage of the design process ensuring safe and secure spaces

7. Moving onto the seventh characteristic within the guide, Uses:

The guide sets out Uses, as sustainable places that incorporate a mix of uses that support everyday activities, including live, work and play. 

The guide mentions that well-designed neighbourhoods need to include an integrated mix of tenures and housing types that reflect the local housing need and market demand. They should also be designed to be inclusive and meet the changing needs of people of different ages and abilities and be able to adapt to rapid social and economic change. 

Well-designed places should have:

• A mix of uses and facilities, such as schools, nurseries, workplaces, healthcare, recreational and commercial uses. Particular attention should be paid to the arrangement of ground floor uses and access arrangements to upper floors. 
• A mix of home tenures, types and sizes should be considered providing a variety and choice of home to suit all needs and ages, such as affordable housing, care homes, and student accommodations.  
• And promote social inclusivity by making space accessible for all, maximising the potential for social interaction, avoid features that could create physical or perceived barriers, provide a consistent level of design quality across tenures and using local resources as destinations. 

8. Now, let’s look at the next eight characteristic within the guide, Homes & Buildings:

These are defined within the guide as functional, accessible and sustainable. Meaning they provide environments and associate external spaces that support the health and well-being of their users and those who experience them. Additionally, they should meet the needs of a diverse range of users, taking into account factors such as the ageing population and cultural differences and be adequate in size, fit for purpose and adaptable to the changing needs of their occupants over time. 

Successful buildings should provide attractive, stimulating and positive places for all by providing good-quality internal and external environments for their users, relate positively to the private, shared and public spaces around them and resolve the details of operation and servicing so they are unobtrusive and well-integrated into their neighbourhoods. 

Well-designed homes and buildings should be efficient and cost-effective to run, reduce carbon emissions and incorporate features that encourage sustainable lifestyles providing good ventilation, avoid overheating, minimise sound pollution and good air quality. They should also provide a good standard and quality of internal space through adequate room sizes, floor-to-ceiling heights, internal and external storage, sunlight, daylight and ventilation. Where need is identified, Local Plans may adopt the Nationally Described Space Standards. 

Well-designed buildings should also be carefully integrated with their surrounding external space ensuring they are of high-quality, convenient and function well. Provided amenity should also have a reasonable degree of privacy and designed to respond to local character and they are of appropriate size, shape and position. Where shared amenity is provided, is should be designed to feel safe and secure for its users, providing opportunities for comfort, relaxation and stimulation, and is well overlooked by all the residents who share them. Provision should also be made for local waste storage, management and pick-up, also services for utilities and cleaning should be provided through the design as well as cycle storage reducing car use. 

9. Next, for the ninth characteristic within the guide is, Resources:

Resources are outlined within the guide as natural resources including land, water, energy and materials. Well-designed places should incorporate these into the design assisting in responding to the impacts of climate change by being energy efficient and minimising carbon emissions to meet net zero by 2050.

A compact and walkable neighbourhood with a mix of uses and facilities reduces the demand for energy and supports health and well-being and uses land efficiently increasing the ability for CO2 absorption, sustaining natural ecosystems, minimising floor risk and reducing overheating and air pollution. 

Well-designed places should be designed with a layout, form and mix of uses that reduce their resource requirements, are fit for purpose and adaptable over time as well as using materials and adopting technologies to minimise their environmental impact through passive measures including form, orientation and fabric. They should also maximise their contributions of natural resources such as sun, ground, wind and vegetation making use of potential for renewable energy infrastructure at neighbourhood and building level. These include PV panels, heat pumps and district heating systems reducing demand for non-sustainable energy sources.   

Well-designed places should also follow the principles of life carbon assessment and circular economy, reducing embodied carbon and waste and maximising reuse and recycling. 

10. And last but not least, the tenth characteristic within the guide which is, Lifespan:

So Lifespan, is defined within the guide as well-designed places that sustain their beauty over the long term and add to the quality of life of their users encouraging users to care for them over their lifespan. Such places, buildings and spaces should:

• Be designed and planned for long-term stewardship by landowners, communities and local authorities 
• Be designed to be robust, easy to use and look after and enable users to establish a sense of ownership and belonging
• Be adaptable to their users changing needs 
• And designed to be well-managed and maintained by their users, owners, landlords and public agencies. 

So that covers the ten characteristics set out in the National Design Guide which are based on the objectives for design set out in Chapter 12: Achieving well designed places of the National Planning Policy Framework. There are many other guides to good design and placemaking and they provide more detailed guidance and examples of best practice on particular topics to inform local authority officers and councillors, applicants and their design teams. 

To sum up what I discussed today:

• The national design guide sets out the characteristics of well-designed places and demonstrates what good design means in practice
• It forms part of the govenrments collection of planning practice guidance and should be read alongside the separate planning practice guidance on design processes and tools.
• The National Design Guide addresses the question of how we recognise well-designed places, by outlining and illustrating the Government’s priorities for well-designed places in the form of ten characteristics.
• The ten characteristics help to nurture and sustain a sense of Community and work positively to address environmental issued affecting the climate. They all contribute towards the themes of good design set out in the NPPF. The ten characteristics are, context, identity, built form, movement, nature, public spaces, uses, homes and buildings, resources and lifespan.