National Design Guide tries to achieve well designed places

The government recently published National Design Guide in attempt to illustrate how well-designed places that are beautiful, enduring and successful can be achieved in practice.

Lacking in codes or visual guidance (that are supposed to follow in 2020), it tries to set up principles and characteristics of “beautiful, enduring and successful spaces”, however, it would seem much of the prescriptions would be left to the interpretation of the parties involved.

Some aspects of well-designed spaces are more measurable than others and the good news is that sustainability or inclusiveness play a big part in the guide.

Not breaking a new ground, it gives for a tedious read for the industry experts. Allegedly aimed not only at them but at all those involved in a construction project, including lay people in local communities, it will be interesting to watch how this well-intentioned document will play out in practice.