Methodology

Throughout the preparation of the Compendium a series of meetings and workshops was held with key groups, which informed and guided the development of the document:

• the client group of Sheffield City Council and Sheffield One;
  
• an advisory group comprising Sheffield's Universities, Yorkshire Forward, English Heritage and Cabe;
  
• a stakeholder group including Councillors, representatives from Council departments and other relevant groups such as the Cultural Industries Agency.

In addition, separate smaller meetings were held with:

• interested members of the Council and their boards;
  
• Streetforce and City Centre Management;
  
• the principal landscape architects and urban designers of Sheffield City Council.

The production of the Compendium followed a six stage work programme:

Scoping commenced with a review of existing sources of background and historical information, as well as the current policy context and relevant best practice design guidance. The status of the various strategic projects recently completed, underway or proposed was also established.

The analysis stage focused on developing an understanding of the history of the city and the evolution of its urban form, and the influence of each of the strategic projects. An analysis of the city centre was undertaken using the principles of Kevin Lynch (landmarks, edges, nodes, paths and districts) and Gordon Cullen (views, vistas, serial vision). Pedestrian movements and the use and perception of the city were mapped, and an urban design analysis of each quarter was completed.

This process of scoping and analysis allowed gaps in information or strategic guidance to be identified and define more clearly the new work to be generated. This emerged in the following areas:

• supporting a new knowledge or high technology based economy;
  
• creating a vibrant city centre as a focus of learning, culture, living, working and recreation;
  
• improving accessibility to the city centre by all modes of transport;
  
• nurturing quality in built form and celebrating the public realm.

The key findings of the scoping and analysis provided the basis for the design guidance which was then prepared for strategic city wide issues and for the individual quarters. As the guidance was developed, it was played back to the separate groups in order to gain input and consensus.

Extensive public consultation was undertaken in Autumn 2003 to present the concepts and ideas contained within the Urban Design Compendium. A public exhibition was displayed at various venues throughout the city centre to engage the wider community and ascertain their views on the visions and guiding principles set out in the Compendium and indeed to find out how the people of Sheffield wish to see their city develop.

Public consultation on the draft Urban Design Compendium was carried out throughout September and October 2003. Valuable feedback from the wider Sheffield community was taken on board wherever possible and necessary amendments were made to the draft document to reach this final stage.

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