Public squares as a means of integrating economy, environment and society in British city centres

Sustainable Development is invariably epitomised by economy, environment and society represented as three equal sized rings in symmetrical interconnection. This assumes a separation, even autonomy, and detracts from the fundamental connections. Much debate is now centred on how to integrate these sectors, rather than seeking trade-offs between them. Up to the 20th Century, public squares, offered clear examples of this integration as they are representative of the values of the society that created them. There are numerous examples from different time periods in a variety of cultures. In the second half of the 20th Century, British cities experienced increasing competition for space, which partly led to domination by market economies. As city centres became commodities, more devices were employed to attract consumers. One of the most significant was the indoor shopping centre. As malls were constructed over city streets, increasingly public space became privatised. The public sector is now experiencing substantial decline and the balanced model of economy, environment and society has been grossly distorted. Social capital may be a means of regaining equilibrium. This paper will demonstrate the significance of squares in sustaining vibrant communities; and consider mechanisms for their re-introduction as a means of contributing to the integration of economy, environment and society

From evangelistic bureaucrat to visionary developer: the changing character of the master plan in Britain

Masterplanning is having a major effect on development, especially in Britain, Europe and the USA, though the theoretical base is ill-defined and process has received little research attention. Of greater concern is that masterplanning is the antithesis of sustainable development. The paper explores the evolution of the masterplanner, critiques the way this product-driven device has changed and suggests sustainable alternatives. Giddings was the lead author

Heat and light from renewable energy for village houses in England

This paper reports on an investigation into supplying from renewable sources the entire domestic energy needs, both heating and electricity, for three remote communities in the English Pennines. The study took a whole system approach converging the pattern of energy demand, appropriate technologies, the possible sources of energy and opportunities for energy efficiency. The results indicate that the energy needs could be readily met through the use of solar power for some electricity and heat by using photovoltaic roofs and solar collectors; wind for electricity; and biomass for heat and electricity. There was strong local support for the proposals and the future challenge is to develop renewable energy communities to demonstrate the possibilities

The changing patterns of architectural design education

Digital technologies have been introduced to students of architecture for over two decades and at present it could be argued that students are producing some of the highest quality designs, and some of the most interesting forms ever to come from University Schools. The value of computer aided design (CAD) is also being demonstrated in architectural practice, with high profile, large budget, bespoke and iconic buildings designed by internationally renowned architects. The value of computer aided design (CAD) is also being demonstrated in architectural practice, with high profile, large budget, bespoke and iconic buildings designed by internationally renowned architects. This paper reviews the changing patterns of architectural design education and considers the contribution digital technologies could make to buildings with more commonplace uses. This paper reviews the changing patterns of architectural design education and considers the contribution digital technologies could make to buildings with more commonplace uses. The study offers a perspective on different kinds of buildings and considers the influence that emerging technologies are having on building form. The study offers a perspective on different kinds of buildings and considers the influence that emerging technologies are having on building form. It outlines digital technologies, alongside students application for architectural design and considers the role they could play in the future, in developing a shared architectural language. It outlines digital technologies, alongside students application for architectural design and considers the role they could play in the future, in developing a shared architectural language. It is suggested that some of the biggest opportunities for future research will be in the design of external spaces, often a neglected part of architectural design education. It is suggested that some of the biggest opportunities for future research will be in the design of external spaces, often a neglected part of architectural design education

A research study on Hong Kong's building services engineering profession: a review of the building services engineering profession in the United Kingdom

A review of the building services engineering profession in the United Kingdom is considered in this document. It provides supporting information for a comprehensive study into the profession in Hong Kong which is being conducted by Hong Kong Polytechnic University on behalf of the Hong Kong Institution of Engineers. The overall aim of the work is to investigate mechanisms for raising the profile of building services engineers in Hong Kong

The role of urban design in developing communities

The research that underpins this paper is based in European city centres. As the 20th Century unfolded, many of these cities began to lose their identities. The international style of architecture and emphasis on urban roads, created a situation in which morphological, cultural and stylistic variations were bulldozed out of history — generating buildings and spaces that could be almost anywhere. This research finds its origins in city structuring and how the careful expression of focal buildings that represent society, contextual buildings that represent more commonplace uses, squares for the assembly of citizens and streets for access — together create city centres that are not only legible but also support the psyche of communities. The proposition is that as people move between the symbols of society on a daily basis, they are psychologically reassured about the strength and stability of the particular city. Such places are attractive to visitors and citizens alike — reinforcing the political, spiritual, legal, social, economic and environmental frameworks that constitute success in the present and optimism for the future

Sustainability appraisal and public examination of a regional spatial strategy

UK spatial planning guidance now recognises the importance of engaging stakeholders in appraisal processes at an early stage in the plan-making process. Regional Planning Authorities are required to consult proactively with a wide range of stakeholders on both the development of planning policy and the sustainability appraisal of that policy. However, there is no clear indication as to how they might go about this process, other than to confront the various stakeholders with a Sustainability Appraisal Report. Participation in Sustainability Appraisal therefore still relies on reaction to a technical appraisal of an existing plan – and in this situation stakeholders might lack the incentive to participate. More thoughtful ways need to be devised to involve people in the sustainability debate – so that spatial policy more accurately reflects their knowledge and aspirations. The focus of this paper is to investigate ways in which Sustainability Appraisal of spatial plans can be made more accessible and transparent within the context of wider governance mechanisms. Of particular interest is the Public Examination of a Regional Spatial Strategy. The following research questions attempt to address the gaps in knowledge: 1. How can the quality and extent of engagement of stakeholders be improved, so that policy approaches delivered via Sustainability Appraisal more effectively reflect their ambitions, whilst continuing to meet the objectives for sustainability ? 2. How can the sustainability issues that might form the basis of discussions in a proactive engagement of interests be identified, and how can these issues be framed within a contextual setting that is meaningful to a range of stakeholders ? 3. What mediatory techniques can be identified to accommodate the various frames of reference that arise in potentially conflict situations