Why good architecture matters - and why decision-makers must understand it: Ric Blenkharn
Our relationship with the built environment differs from that of any other artform.
It affects us all the time, both consciously and subconsciously. The built environment shapes our lives and the choices we make. It affects our moods and emotions. It shapes the way we are.
Poorly designed places and buildings blight our lives. They can create inhospitable places ridden with decay and crime. Conversely good design can have a profound impact on our wellbeing as we go about our daily lives.
The challenge for all those involved in the production of our environment is to ensure that the design of buildings and the spaces between buildings lift our spirits.
I recently witnessed first-hand a planning committee in progress considering a Paragraph 84 project. As you may know, Paragraph 84 of the National Planning Policy Framework is a clause that allows the building of a home in the open countryside, outside development limits whereby “the design is of exceptional quality, in that it is truly outstanding, reflecting the highest standards in architecture, and would help to raise standards of design more generally in rural areas and would significantly enhance its immediate setting, and be sensitive to the defining characteristics of the local area”.
The policy sets an incredibly high bar and demands intense scrutiny throughout the design and consideration process. This particular scheme was one I was involved with as a panel member of Design Yorkshire, together with three other colleagues. The design team had gone to great lengths to understand the context of the site, the client brief and to produce a substantive body of work to demonstrate the ability of the scheme to reach this high bar.
I was therefore appalled to see that when the scheme was presented to the planning committee, scant information was conveyed to members. Instead of portraying how the scheme could be integrated into its setting, just bland 2D plans and elevations were shown. None of the 3D visualisations were shown and this then led to some confused discussions by committee members.
Understandably they questioned the validity of the scheme to be exceptional and meet the standards required by the relevant policy. The outcome was that the scheme was recommended for refusal. The endeavours of the design team gone to waste.
I cite this as an example of how difficult it is to portray and then determine schemes of exceptional quality. Aside from design review it is essential that those involved in decision making are fully conversant with the relevant policy and have knowledge of what constitutes exceptional from the merely good or bad.
I am sure many readers will have experienced similar situations. Even on the smallest of planning applications it often feels as though there is a distinct lack of design nous. Nous that should ensure that projects in our world make a positive contribution for everyone to enjoy and for their lives to be enhanced. Sadly, we see too many examples of dull lacklustre projects being approved. There is a greater challenge, a challenge to ensure design is of the highest possible standard, irrespective of size or budget. A challenge we must always work towards for our future generations. [email protected]