We have three ready-to-go foundation level virtual training days that you can use for your team, project group or even whole authority. Each day introduces you to the topic, and includes lectures, discussion, local assignments undertaken where you are based, along with personal support and mentoring.
Introduction to Urban Design
This day provides an understanding of what makes a great neighbourhood; looking at the characteristics of well-designed places, understanding how these can help achieve planning and policy objectives and what tools and processes we need to get a good outcome. It includes talks, discussions and exercises on the following:
- The value of good urban design
- The development of urban design ideas
- Setting out the principles of good urban design
- The structure of places
- Design tools and processes
- Design and involving the community
- Understanding drawings and graphics
- How to draw and explain concepts and ideas
Introduction to Street Design
Understanding the important role that streets play in supporting healthy communities. We will consider street design that prioritises active travel and balances the demands from different modes of travel, servicing and freight and will include talks, discussions and exercises on the following:
- The value of good street design
- Streets for movement and living
- What makes a good liveable neighbourhood?
- Understanding a low-traffic neighbourhood
- Designing for slow speed streets
- Designing streets for people who cycle
- Designing streets for people who walk
- Kerbside demand and its challenges
Introduction to Housing Design
This day looks at how to ensure our homes are well-designed and sustainable. It will set out design principles that support health and well-being, how homes can successfully blend within your neighbourhood, enabling communities to flourish, and will include talks, discussions and exercise on the following:
- Why we need well-designed homes
- Housing design principles – including Building for a Healthy Life tool
- Understanding different housing typologies
- Housing viability and scheme deliverability
- Understanding housing drawings
- Looking at construction methods and materials
- A focus on details: bins, bikes and car parking
- Design, inequity and inclusion
