Design for People Enhancing

Places that enhance the local economy, environment and community

• It respects the needs and aspirations of the community that lives and works there
• It creates opportunities for people to prosper and local businesses to thrive
• It sustains and enhances the natural environment
• It enhances the built environment visually, physically and functionally
• It celebrates unique characteristics-heritage, culture and community-that create a sense of place and identity

ATTRIBUTES

It respects the needs and aspirations of the community that lives and works there

1. Has there been a process of engagement to understand the needs and aspirations of the community and other stakeholders?
2. Are there good quality community facilities and services which are easily accessible?
   For example schools, recreational facilities, parks, libraries, healthcare facilities and frequent public transport.
3. Is there a variety of housing provided for different types of households?
   For example, it caters for a wide range of budgets including affordable housing; different size households; and at different stages of life from young families to students and the elderly.

It creates opportunities for people to prosper and local businesses to thrive

1. Is there good access to a range of employment and education opportunities within the community and beyond?
2. Are good telecommunication facilities provided?
   For example, high speed broadband, fibre to premises, and public wifi access.
3. Are there advantages to businesses to locate there?
   For example some businesses, particularly services, do better if they are clustered together.
4. Does it attract businesses to locate there? Is there passing trade for businesses where necessary?
   For example, there is a high volume of pedestrians walking past shops and cafes.

It sustains and enhances the natural environment

1. Have the natural features of the area been protected or enhanced?
   For example, natural waterways, bushlands, habitat links and ecosystems.
2. Do views, landscapes and other features create a distinct visual character?
3. Does the proposal help reduce ‘heat island effect’™ through the use of trees and plants, and light coloured surfaces?

It enhances the built environment visually, physically, and functionally

1. Do the building materials reflect the local character of the place?
2. Have opportunities been maximised to revitalise or retrofit existing precincts, places and buildings?
3. Do new buildings and places blend with the existing character of the location and surrounding buildings?

It celebrates unique characteristics heritage, culture and community that create a sense of place and identity

1. Are locally distinctive buildings and places retained?
2. Will the development retain or create a local identity?
   For example, it reflects the cultural values of the community.
3. Does the design create or enhance a sense of place and history?
   For example local heritage is preserved.

REFERENCES/LINKS

Enhancing Productivity – Innovation, competitiveness and prosperity

Competitive Cities The role of urban design

A report looking at improving productivity in New Zealand by reshaping and refining cities (Spiller, M, 2006, SGS Economics & Planning).

Good for Busine$$ – The value of making streets more walking and cycling friendly
A discussion paper exploring the economic benefits of making cities more walking and cycling friendly (Tolley, R, 2011, Heart Foundation of South Australia).

The City 2.0
A database providing a collection of advocacy organisations, funding sources, media coverage, online tools and software focused on making cities better, more efficient and more resilient (TED).

The Role of Community and Lifestyle in the Making of a Knowledge City
A paper considering the foundation, design and integration of knowledge precincts in cities (Baum, S, et. al., 2007, Griffith University).

The Value of Good Design How buildings and spaces create economic and social value
A document summarising key research showing investment in good design generates economic and social value (Commission for Architecture and the Built Environment (CABE), 2002).

Urban Density, Creativity, and Innovation
A technical paper using regression analysis to discuss the role of density, particularly the density of creative workers, as a key factor influencing regional innovation (Knudsen, B et. al., 2007).

Enhancing the Environment – Green infrastructure and climate change

Adapting to Climate Change – Green infrastructure

A guide on the planning and construction of green infrastructure including discussion of the role that green infrastructure can play in climate change adaptation (Australian Institute of Landscape Architects, 2011).

What makes an Eco-Town?
A report outlining minimum standards and monitoring requirements for achieving sustainable buildings and towns (Bio-Regional & CABE, 2008).

Enhancing the Environment – Food and water

Food-Sensitive Planning and Urban Design

An integrated framework addressing how urban planning and design can support a sustainable and resilient food system (Donovan, J, Larsen, K & McWhinnie, J, 2011, a report commissioned by the National Heart Foundation of Australia – Victorian Division).

Water Sensitive Urban Design
A webpage on Water Sensitive Urban Design featuring policy and planning advice, case studies and information on maintenance requirements (Landcom, NSW).

Water Services Association of Australia
The website of the peak industry association for Australian urban water utilities.