Part 6: Tools and Applications
Development Briefs
Development briefs offer local authorities the opportunity to play
a pro-active role in the development process. They have the potential
to provide “one of the most effective means of articulating the
design principles for a site and implementing design policy” (DETR).
It is widely recognised that development briefs can stultify creativity
if they are too prescriptive. However, at the same time they do
require a certain degree of prescription to inspire, whilst ensuring
that design proposals are suitable for the development site. A successful
brief should endeavour to include the following elements:
- A clear statement of intent to ensure the designer is aware
of the underlying vision for the development area;
- An initial urban design analysis of the area and development
site – this offers the opportunity to provide local context information
and highlight any constraints and important features which need
to be retained or enhanced;
- Design objectives – these should be set out with an aim to inspire
the highest possible design quality. Although these objectives
should not be too prescriptive they should indicate design elements
that will not be acceptable for that site;
- Indicative proposals – can be conveyed through images, diagrams
or photographs to illustrate how local policies may be applied
to the site. These proposals should be conceptual to encourage
innovation in the actual design solution.
If prepared with insufficient conviction, uncertainty can be created
and critical urban design objectives and exciting opportunities
may be squandered by mediocrity. Both the preparation of the development
brief and the assessment of consequent proposals should include
consultations with experienced and reputed architects and designers
and recognise the importance of community involvement.
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