Urban Design Learning

Last Wednesday evening we brought together the Design Review Network, very kindly hosted by Arcadis (huge thanks to them and to Neha Tayal.) Before the speakers began in earnest, we took a count of how many design review panels were represented by having members or chairs present. The answer turned out to be a staggering 62, taking in not just the four nations of the UK but Jersey too!   We heard from Robin Nicholson on analysis of how the design of large-scale developments in Cambridgeshire has improved during the time of the Quality Review Panel there and Sarah Allan on MHCLG’s commitment to good design. Deborah Denner told us how panels can support councillors and planning committees and then Chris Lamb rounded things off in rousing fashion with an eight-point manifesto for where design review goes from here.    A couple of reflections on the evening: the first not directly on the subject, but just how great it is to be in a room full of people with a shared passion. Even couple years on from the worst of the pandemic, that can still seem like a rarity.    The second is that design review is in a great place. Every London borough has its own panel and around the country new panels are being established and more and more local authorities are understanding how useful design review can be.    Finally, as we stand at the start of what the government firmly intends to be an era of homebuilding on a scale we haven’t seen in decades, it’s vital that those new houses and flats are liveable and lasting, and that they fit together with the villages, towns and cities that they are part of. Design review has a crucial part to play in that and it’s up to those of us involved to make sure that it gets the chance to make that contribution. Thanks to everyone who spoke and everyone who came along.   Quick request: you may know that UDL has a directory of London's design review panels: https://lnkd.in/eUSJGVhG We're now adding one for the rest of the country – please do get in touch if you want any of the ones you are on or work with listed. And here's the research Robin was talking about: https://lnkd.in/eQpx5Aef

Important update: the deadline for applications for our paid intern post has now been extended to 11:59pm on Monday 4 November. Full job description and how to apply can be found here: https://lnkd.in/eW_DE8qX Please do share with anyone you feel might be interested.

I was delighted to be presenting at an Urban Design Learning event on Wednesday about "Operational Energy in Buildings", alongside Chris Twinn, Loreana Padron, and Natalie Barton.* It was an opportunity to discusss the impact of the newly launched UK NZC Buildings Standard, and the role it can play in Local Authority briefs and policy, as well as an overview of the built environment's role in reducing energy use. Lots of discussion about the written ministerial statement on energy efficiency, and how local authorities can evidence any standards they want to set. (* sadly missing Susanna Dart and Chukwumaobi Ibe who had hoped to be there but weren't able to make it to present, and Joe Jack Williams who I was standing in for)

Thank you to Urban Design Learning for hosting the Design Review Network event last week, it was really nice to meet other members from over 60 panels around the country - hosted by Esther Kurland with speakers Robin Nicholson, Deborah Denner and Sarah Allan at Neha Tayal / Arcadis's lovely space in Aldgate. It's reinforced to me the very real impact of the knowledge-sharing that sits at the core of the design review process - and the importance of always having critical friends! Hoping to catch up with my Ebbsfleet Development Corporation Design Review Forum buddies properly soon and hopefully see more schemes coming forward in the next few months. Also if you don't know UDL, they have some really helpful resources for those working in and with Local Authorities to better our response to the urban environment: https://lnkd.in/ehaazpme

What does a modern and effective Planning Committee look like? PAS Team is launching a project to discover what a modern & effective Planning Committee looks like and ultimately create some tools & resources for councils to use. To kick off the project we want to gather information and generate a national picture of how Planning Committees are currently operating. To do this we would like as many councils as possible to complete our survey. https://lnkd.in/eJsV-SES

We're hiring! We have an opening for a paid intern (full or part-time), based in London, hybrid working, on a 12-month contract. The core of the role involves helping organise and run our training events, but beyond that, each of our past interns has managed to bring their own angle and skills to it. It's a great first job in the built environment sector and we're a friendly bunch to work with, happy to share what we know. Details and how to apply here: https://lnkd.in/eXUPEAhX Please note: the deadline for applying is 28 October (ie, this Monday!) (Do pass on to anyone you feel might be interested)

It was a pleasure attending the Urban Design Learning Design Review Network event today. A room full of people dedicated to championing for higher design quality is a great way to spend a Wednesday evening. Thank you Neha Tayal and the Arcadis team for hosting us and Esther Kurland and the UDL team for organising a fantastic forum as always, with interesting presenters and discussions. #UrbanDesignLearning #UrbanDesign

Our Design Review Network gathering on Wednesday 23rd October is now fully booked – there’s been a great response and we’re looking forward to seeing everyone who will be coming along. Big thanks to Arcadis for hosting this celebration of everything design reviews have achieved so far and everything they could achieve in the future. We’ll be hearing from Neha Tayal, Sarah Considine, Robin Nicholson, Deborah Denner and Chris Lamb, with UDL’s Esther Kurland chairing. Why do we think design reviews need to be celebrated? Our aim is to support the creation and maintenance of good quality homes and places, and the design review process can play a crucial part in that, offering independent constructive criticism while a scheme is still open to advice. For that reason, we have argued for the use of design reviews in London and across England. We have provided practical advice for authorities setting up or rethinking their panels (Cambridge and Oxford, to give a couple of examples) and we run our own Environmental Design Review Panel. Tomorrow’s event gives us a chance to discuss where we are with other organisations and individuals who share the same aims. But we know it’s also important to keep making the case – with solid evidence – to those who still might be sceptical about design review. We’ll be reporting back after the event. 

Design review plays a pivotal role in the delivery of high-quality sustainable places. But how do we ensure its contribution is fully understood?    Design South East director Chris Lamb will join an event from Urban Design Learning on 23 October, celebrating the story of design review – considering its future and what needs to change to maximise its adoption.    Chris will join a speakers panel of Neha Tayal, Arcadis; Sarah Considine, Greater London Authority; Robin Nicholson and Deborah Denner.    The event takes place at the office of Arcadis at 80 Fenchurch Street, London. See more here: https://lnkd.in/eYvZvkQE