Press archive 2018
New London Plan: Four key changes you need to know about
London: Reviewing Design Review
The articles in this issue of the Urban Design Magazine explore some of the shifting models, opportunities, challenges and foci of design review. The topic opens with an article that explores mainstream practices of design review: Matthew Carmona, Wendy Clarke and Valentina Giordano examine the latest research on design review practices in London (the most developed of the new markets for design review). Read the article (pp. 18-20) →
How the NPPF revisions change the system, achieving well designed places
Matthew Carmona (Place Alliance), Philip Waddy (West Waddy ADP), Ruth Reed (RIBA) and Neil Cameron (Landmark Chambers) on the final revised National Planning Policy Framework and importance of design quality. Read more →
IHBC welcomes PLACE Alliance & partners research: ‘Reviewing design review in London’
The IHBC has welcomed a new study by PLACE Alliance and partners – Reviewing design review in London – examining design review cases in London to provide ‘a 360-degree analysis of the diversity of design review practices across London and the benefits that flow from high quality provision.’ Read more →
Place Alliance welcomes the revised NPPF
The Place Alliance today welcomed the new strong endorsement in the revised NPPF for the importance of design. The new policy leaves no doubt that design should be taken seriously by local authorities and developers alike, and should be prioritised everywhere. Read more →
The latest reaction from key sector groups to the government’s publication of the longawaited revised NPPF
Read Michael Donnelly’s detailed overview of the comments and latest reactions from key sector groups. Full article →
How planners have reacted to heightened policy emphasis on design quality
National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) revisions emphasising the need for high-quality development have been welcomed in principle, but some question whether the government’s aspirations are achievable in practice. Read the full article here →
Mixed reaction to new NPPF
Elizabeth Hopkirk summarises a round-up of tweets and statements from architects and planners. Meanwhile, Place Alliance welcomes the new stronger emphasis on design in the revised NPPF. Read more →
Research findings back design review on all major schemes
Councils and developers alike can benefit from independent design reviews to improve building design and the quality of places, a research report has concluded. Read the full article here →
Place value: place quality and its impact on health, social, economic and environmental outcomes
This paper explores the link between the quality of the built environment and its value, in health, social, economic and environmental  terms. This is theorized as  ‘place value’  which, alongside ‘place quality’, is conceptualized as existing within a virtuous loop in which quality dictates value and value defines quality. The work  confirmed a range of definitive associations between the quality of place and its place derived value. Read more →