Societal
Form and Space
The environments we live and work in effect our health, our safety and our productivity. We must create buildings, places and spaces that look good and work well for the community.
Severance
It is important to consider what impact the project is having on the surrounding area, is it severing communities, access routes and facilities? If so how can it be minimised? Or are there actually opportunities to enhance connectivity?
Questions to consider
- Are areas of land, community areas, businesses being fragmented?
- What is the significance, has appropriate compensation been provided?
At what design stage should this issue be considered?
VISION
Security
Security, comfort and sense of well being should be maximised, opportunities for crime and feeling of insecurity should be minimised. The needs of different users should be considered. The key aim should be to create a safe learning environment.
Questions to consider
- Are all public areas open to views from all areas? Secluded areas should be minimised.
- If a security system is being implemented is this system appropriate?
- Can operating hours of leisure facilities be extended to keep area active into night hours?
- Has suitable external security lighting been implemented?
At what design stage should this issue be considered?
DESIGN
Scale
The consideration of the human and pedestrian scale is important. Designs should not overwhelm or make access difficult. Incorporating well designed communal areas allow vital informal social interaction.
Questions to consider
- Is the proposal out of scale with surrounding areas?
- Are size differences appropriate?
At what design stage should this issue be considered?
DESIGN
Public & Private realm
Developments should enhance the quality of the public realm, by providing high quality public space that is open to use by all members of the public, or a wide variety of people. Attempt to create secure private space by design rather than lead to degradation.
Questions to consider
- Is there private and public space?
- Is the private space being provided for a majority or a minority?
At what design stage should this issue be considered?
DESIGN
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Communal/Circulation Areas
There should be provision of circulation areas, recreational facilities and catering facilities. This facilitates chance meetings of staff, students and community and increase social interaction which is positive to health and well being.
Questions to consider
- Are circulation areas being provided?
- Is the area provided of a sufficient size or is it tokenism?
At what design stage should this issue be considered?
DESIGN
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Rights of Light(s)
An appraisal should be made of daylight and sunlight effects. Within the UK this can be undertaken against the Building Research Establishment (BRE) recommended levels, BRE Report – Site layout planning for daylight and sunlight.
Questions to consider
- Will the new college affect the daylight or sunlight effects on any surrounding areas?
- Is a daylight and sunlight survey being carried out if appropriate?
- How is the result of the surveys being incorporated?
At what design stage should this issue be considered?
DESIGN
