England
The Urban Design Group Annual General Meeting is fast approaching (6pm on Wednesday 5 June 2013 in The Gallery, 70 Cowcross Street, London - prior to event on Trees in the Public Realm) and we extend...
An international search has been launched by New West End Company to find a partner to completely redesign and install a truly innovative Christmas Lights spectacle on London’s world famous...
The Newcastle University School of Architecture, Planning and Landscape is proud to offer a Postgraduate Bursary Scheme for September 2013 entry.
£2000 fees discount bursaries are on...
Key results
1.What should be included in the guidance to support the National Planning Policy Framework
Answer Options
Vital
Important
Moderately important
Not important
Objectives...
The National Urban Design Awards for 2013 were presented at a prestigious event held at the Royal Overseas League in Londonon 6 February.
Hosted by Amanda Reynolds, the evening showcased some of the...
Bradford City Council's stunning City Park scheme has been voted joint winner of the 2013 National Urban Design Awards - public sector category.
Comments by voters included
City park...
In Planning and Place in the City, Marichela Sepe explores the preservation, reconstruction and enhancement of cultural heritage and place identity. She outlines the history of the concept of place-...
Nesta, the UK’s innovation foundation, is currently running the ‘Hands Off My Bike!’ challenge prize - which calls on people from all over the UK to come up with breakthrough...
The Research and Documentation Centre in Technology, Architecture and City in Developing Countries (CRD-PVS) at the Politecnico di Torino (Italy), acknowledges and celebrates the contribution of...
Please read the full entry in our Jobs Section
Integrating Solar Design, Sustainable Development and Urban Change
Master of Science/PhD - University of Liechtenstein (Institute of Architecture & Planning)
Now open for applications for...
OPEN CALL FOR SUBMISSIONS
London has a reputation of a vibrant, dynamic city constantly reinventing and transforming itself; a highly adaptable organism that embraces change and, like an astute...
The Urban Design Group is delighted to announce the publication of Urban Design Practice: An International Review, edited by Sebastian Loew.
The book gives a fascinating account of the state of urban...
After the success of our 2010 research initiative, the Urban Design Group is inviting proposals demonstrating the fresh thinking on the impact of good urban design.
Who can apply?
Individuals, groups...
Renowned urbanist, writer and cartoonist Rob Cowan launches his new website PLANDEMONIUM, bringing together a series of new videos about cities and the people who design and plan them.
This...
The Urban Design Group AGM took place at 6pm on Wednesday 20 June 2012 in The Gallery, 70 Cowcross Street, London EC1M 6EJ
The evening saw Amanda Reynolds stand down as Chair of the Urban Design...
The speech covers innovations such as routing, safety improvements including the prospect of virtually uncrashable cars by 2030.
http://www.dft.gov.uk/news/speeches/greening-20120425a/...
http://www.dft.gov.uk/news/press-releases/dft-press-20120517a/
http://www.communities.gov.uk/multimedia/newsroom/2133945
http://www.communities.gov.uk/news/corporate/2143967
Seasonally adjusted house building starts in England stood at 24,140 in the March quarter 2012. This is 11 per cent lower than in the December quarter 2011.
Completions (seasonally adjusted)...
The Growth Cities Network has been formed to promote the case for more powers for England’s mid-sized cities and is in discussions with ministers to establish how they can contribute better to...
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-17963888
- public disillusioned with poltical leadership
- publc focussed on short term issues, rather than long term
- public not interested in governance, or...
Chemicals which disrupt the hormone system found in food, pharmaceuticals, pesticides, household products and cosmetics – also known as 'endocrine disrupting chemicals' (EDCs)...
EPSRC funded study points to rich diversity of language in London's schoolchildren with over 40 different languages found. The research also associated high achievement with specific...
The 24 Zones include the Sheffield City Region, Northampton, New Anglia, Greater Cambridge and Greater Peterborough etc.
Local Development Orders are available to local authorities to establish a...
http://www.communities.gov.uk/publications/planningandbuilding/guideprotectedtrees
Main changes:
http://www.communities.gov.uk/documents/planningandbuilding/pdf/2127685.pdf
What's Next for High Streets- Rob Cowan
http://www.urbandesignskills.com/blog/post/4f70aad3c19ba
The Future of the High Street - Ben van Bruggen
http://www.vburbandesign.com/1/post/...
Article in the Telegraph by Tom Bolton
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/travel/destinations/europe/uk/london/9197314/Londons-lost-rivers-the-hidden-history-of-the-citys-buried-waterways.html
MyStreet is an exciting opportunity for you to tell your story about your area, through film. Share with the world where you are, who you are and how you live.
The MyStreet annual competition has...
New towns to 'disfigure' UK: Fury over move to ditch 60 years of planning law in bid to construct new garden cities
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2117393/New-towns-disfigure-UK-Fury...
http://www.property-magazine.eu/masterplan-for-marseille-s-old-port-displayed-20120.html
http://www.chesterfieldpost.co.uk/public_services/mp_politics/mp_news_00000263.html
£15m of new funding for sustainable travel projects across the country that will promote economic growth and cut carbon. This is in addition to the £560m Local Sustainable Transport Fund...
http://www.dft.gov.uk/publications/cycling-city-and-towns-end-of-programme-reports/
Woman cyclist was killed by rear wheels of lorry at Kings Cross, at a place where the lane width was less that TfL's own guidance.
No charges have been brought in the case and any decision rests...
http://www.thisisbristol.co.uk/HIT-BRAKES/story-15430103-detail/story.html%20#20splenty
The 20s Plenty for Us movement is now at a point where a number of main local authorities have adopted area-...
Neighbourhood Planning Pilots
News from Lubenham, Worth, Ripon, and London South Bank
http://www.communities.gov.uk/planningandbuilding/planningsystem/neighbo...
Trailling Neighbourhood...
http://www.communities.gov.uk/communities/about/buildingsafercommunities...
Creeping Juniper, Blue Spruce, Common Holly, Giant Rhubarb, Golden Bamboo, Chinese Jujube, Firethorn Pyracantha 'Orange Glow', Shrub Rose, Pencil Christmas Tree, Juniper, Purple Berberis,...
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/culture/art/art-news/9086620/Damien-Hirst-to-build-500-eco-homes.html
The Urban Design Group's annual awards event for 2012 took place on Wednesday 15 February in the prestigious surroundings of the Royal United Services Institute, 61 Whitehall, London.
Hosted...
http://www.cpre.org.uk/media-centre/latest-news-releases/item/2732-economic-case-for-planning-reforms-debunked
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2099547/Leeds-City-Council-faces-corporate-manslaughter-charges-man-crushed-lorry.html
Local communities and businesses could be given control of decisions and budgets for major local transport schemes in their areas, under proposals announced for consultation. The new system...
http://www.dft.gov.uk/consultations/dft-2012-02/
2012 consultation on changes to the Building Regulations in England: Section one - Introduction to the consultation package and proposals on Parts A, B, C, K, M and N, Access Statements, security,...
http://www.communities.gov.uk/news/corporate/2079177
Press comment
Rowan Moore - Guardian - triumph for the 'shared space' movement
http://www.guardian.co.uk/artanddesign/2012/jan/29/exhibition-road-rowan-moore-review?newsfeed=true
Simon...
Mr Pickles was speaking at a conference on markets and town centres, and extolling their virtues.
The Love Your Local Market fortnight will be held from 23 June to 8 July
http://www.communities.gov....
http://www.communities.gov.uk/publications/planningandbuilding/lettercontractingout
http://www.milton-keynes.gov.uk/development-control/displayarticle.asp?ID=83960
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-sussex-16699069
"The Government is freeing-up cities from the control of Whitehall to unlock their potential as engines of growth through a series of 'city deals' from the spring, giving them the powers...
http://www.communities.gov.uk/news/corporate/2072874
This document explains how the Government is putting civic leaders, residents, local businesses and civil society organisations in the driving seat drive the regeneration of their area, strengthen...
http://www.lancashiretelegraph.co.uk/news/9468681.Demolition_plan_for_controversial_Valley_Centre_in_Rawtenstall/
http://www.sheffieldtelegraph.co.uk/news/business/local-business/the_600m_question_1_4132807
The metropolis of Songdo in South Korea could help older cities, like London, to upgrade.
Cities are already home to half of the world’s 7billion population and that figure will rise to 70 per...
http://www.communities.gov.uk/news/corporate/2054393
The women claims that her car, a BMW, is not designed to travel at 20mph, and will seek compensation from Lancashire County Council if a 20mph limit is introduced.
http://www.blackpoolgazette.co.uk/...
http://www.guardian.co.uk/society/2012/jan/01/housing-benefits-cuts-rents-study
Put in place a “Town Team”: a visionary, strategic and strong operational management team for high streets
Empower successful Business Improvement Districts to take on more...
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/finance/newsbysector/retailandconsumer/8948621/Ambitious-Mary-Portas-report-aims-to-bring-shoppers-back-to-high-streets.html
recommendations are thought to include
- tax on...
http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/lib-dems-send-clegg-back-to-drawing-board-on-planning-law-6272823.html
http://www.guardian.co.uk/news/datablog/interactive/2011/aug/16/riots-poverty-map
http://www.dft.gov.uk/publications/strategic-rail-freight-interchange
http://www.communities.gov.uk/statements/corporate/2041956
http://www.communities.gov.uk/news/corporate/2036698
Plain English Guide
http://www.communities.gov.uk/publications/localgovernment/localismplainenglishupdate
http://www.communities.gov.uk/localgovernment/decentralisation/localismbill/
http://www.communities.gov.uk/publications/housing/housingstrategy2011
Graham Smith has provided this analysis of terms used in the document
urban design - 1 mention
design - 103
architecture...
Unfortunately this research, although potentially of great interest, has been reported in a way that it is difficult to draw conclusions..
http://www.uphs.upenn.edu/news/News_Releases/2011/11/more-...
The Telegraph reports that the figures were based on CBI estimates that themselves are nearly 20 years old. The RTPI said “We don’t think there is any evidence, that planning...
Annual housing supply in England amounted to 121,200 net additional dwellings in 2010-11. This is a 6 per cent decrease on the 128,680 net additional homes supplied in the previous year, and compares...
http://www.communities.gov.uk/publications/localgovernment/mayorsconsultation
Consultation closes 3 January 2012.
http://www.newscientist.com/article/mg21228354.500-revealed--the-capitalist-network-that-runs-the-world.html
This report introduces and summarises the findings of the Global Eco-Cities Survey 2011, including information about 174 recent eco-city initiatives. This builds on and expands the first global...
http://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/console/b015p62t
Here is a collection of thoughts on the NPPF that have been developed by a number urban design pracitioners over recent weeks. Why not add your thoughts at the discussion box below?...
Pickles pledges support for high streets
Doubled small business rate relief.Over the past twelve months, half a million firms have benefited including high street shops, newsagents and cafés....
In 2010-11, 86 per cent of people thought their community was cohesive, agreeing that their local area was a place where people from different backgrounds got on well together. The level was higher...
"I think there is real potential to provide some of this new housing in garden cities if we get the two most important elements right: private investment and community ownership."
http://...
Daily Telegraph...
Key numbers…
740,000 number of empty homes in the UK, a quarter of them in London and the south east
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/earth/hands-off-our-land/8745367/Hands-Off-...
This overview report signals a change in Government policy which for a number of years has viewed light rail with a certain scepticism owing to cost.
It heralds a "UKTram" report...
http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/home-news/slum-uk-housing-crisis-that-shames-the-nation-2351015.html
http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/home-news/the-slum-supersheds-housing-britains-most-vulnerable-residents-2351022.html
http://www.communities.gov.uk/documents/communities/pdf/1973312.pdf
http://www.communities.gov.uk/publications/communities/orchardshowto
http://www.communities.gov.uk/publications/planningandbuilding/ldfdatabasereport
A leader in the Telegraph cites
Homes and Communities Agency data states that there are 160,000 acres of such land available for development – enough for more than three million new homes
The...
Reactions to the riots
The search for simple solutions…Telegraph
http://blogs.telegraph.co.uk/news/tomchiversscience/100100666/uk-riots-left-and-right-look-for-simple-answers-to-a-complex-...
http://www.communities.gov.uk/documents/planningandbuilding/pdf/1965627.pdf
Proposed public health responsibilities for local authorities have been outlined in the white paper Healthy Lives, Healthy People. Those relating to urban design include:
• obesity and...
Eric Pickles is reported in the Telegraph as wishing to encourage the provision of parking in town centres.
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/8673891/Parking-fees-will-fall-in-town-centres-...
Following a tragedy at Felbrigg Hall some four years ago where a falling two tonne beech tree branch killed one child instantly and seriously injured another, the National Trust have had...
http://www.communities.gov.uk/planningandbuilding/planningsystem/planningpolicy/planningpolicyframework/
Full Document
http://www.communities.gov.uk/documents/planningandbuilding/pdf/1951811.pdf...
This is a technical and economic analysis of different options for zero carbon standards for new non-domestic buildings.
http://www.communities.gov.uk/documents/planningandbuilding/pdf/1940106....
Covers legislation introduced along with data on the performance of new buildings.
http://www.communities.gov.uk/documents/planningandbuilding/pdf/1944728.pdf
In response to reforms in the Localism Bill, the Government is revising the regulations which govern the process by which local councils prepare their development plans. This consultation seeks views...
Measures include new stations, smart ticketing - covering buses, parking and cycle hire, car sharing etc. http://www.dft.gov.uk/news/press-releases/dft-press-20110705
http://www.london.gov.uk/publication/public-life-private-hands
Small Grants Programmes for not for profit organisations
http://www.designcouncil.org.uk/our-work/CABE/Design-Review/Grant-/
Design Review Grant
http://www.designcouncil.org.uk/our-work/CABE/...
A revised list shows that Parliament has imposed over 1350 duties on local authorities.
http://www.communities.gov.uk/localgovernment/decentralisation/tacklingburdens/reviewstatutoryduties/...
http://www.communities.gov.uk/publications/corporate/statistics/planningapplicationsq12011
Change of use issues paper:
http://www.communities.gov.uk/publications/planningandbuilding/changeuseissues
Press release
http://www.communities.gov.uk/news/corporate/1930564
It is now the time of year when the UDG invites practices to submit an entry for our annual project award. Please see full submission guidelines here.
The deadline for entries is Friday 8...
The Urban Design Group is always keen to give recognition to the important, creative and high quality work being done in urban design by public sector bodies, despite – and often...
The Urban Design Group AGM was held at 6.15pm on Wednesday 15 June 2011 in The Gallery at 70 Cowcross Street, London, EC1M 6EJ.
At the meeting, the new Executive Committee was announced, as...
Audit Commission Report - "Going the Distance"
http://www.audit-commission.gov.uk/nationalstudies/localgov/Pages/20110526goingthedistance.aspx
Highways maintenance needs to develop to...
http://www.communities.gov.uk/publications/housing/righttobuildleaflet
White paper includes proposals to give communities new powers to designate protected green areas as part of local neighbourhood plans (target April 2012)
http://www.communities.gov.uk/news/corporate/...
Government plans to release enough public land to build as many as 100,000 new, much-needed homes and support as many as 25,000 jobs by 2015.
http://www.communities.gov.uk/news/corporate/1917726
"Achieving high quality housing
12. Good design is fundamental to the development of high quality new housing, which contributes to the creation of sustainable, mixed communities.
13. Reflecting...
The statistics suggest, despite all the hype on sustainable development the motivation to deliver improved standards is poor, and a generation of houses is being built that is unsuited to a high cost...
"One thing that has not changed is the importance this Government places on the achievement of well designed homes and high quality places. High quality design has a crucial role to play in...
The closing date for the receipt of applications is 17.00 hrs on Friday 8 July 2011.
http://www.communities.gov.uk/planningandbuilding/planningsystem/neighbourhoodplanningvanguards/
Applications are due by 30 June 2011 and partnerships are expected to nominate specific sites offering the best opportunity for growth.
http://www.communities.gov.uk/publications/localgovernment/...
http://www.communities.gov.uk/news/newsroom/1912935
http://www.communities.gov.uk/speeches/corporate/granddesigns2011
Pilots include:
Aldershot Town Centre;
Bankside, London;
Central Milton Keynes;
Liverpool Innovation Park;
Team Valley Trading Estate, Gateshead;
Trafford Park, Manchester;
South Bank, London,
New...
http://www.dft.gov.uk/pgr/roadsafety/strategicframework/pdf/strategicframework.pdf
20mph zones are mentioned, but not 20mph limits as used in towns such as Portsmouth - the latter can be implemented...
http://www.dft.gov.uk/pgr/roadsafety/strategicframework/pdf/strategicframework.pdf
20mph zones are mentioned, but not 20mph limits as used in towns such as Portsmouth - the latter can be implemented...
A report by the Centre for Cities says student spending accounts for 10% of the economic activity of some cities. Most dependent on student revenue are: Cambridge, Plymouth, Coventry, Oxford,...
In early May, the Urban Design Group supported by MADE is holding its first urban design education symposium. Course leaders from across the UK will be coming to discuss challenges and...
Over the last decade, rock avalanches and landslides have become more common in high mountain ranges, apparently coinciding with the increase in exceptionally warm periods.
http://www.newscientist....
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Upcoming UDG Events
23 May 2013 - 6:30pm - 8:30pm
5 Jun 2013 - 6:00pm - 9:00pm
13 Jun 2013 - 7:00pm - 9:00pm
19 Jun 2013 - 6:30pm - 9:00pm
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Unless otherwise stated, all events are held in The Gallery, 70 Cowcross Street, London EC1M 6EJ at 6.30 pm.
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