'The Value of Urban Design' is a report put out by the Ministry for the Environment, New Zealand in 2005. Basically it's a comprehensive document that details whether or not there is a case for good urban design. New Zealand doesn't really have an established history in the urban design department, with little robust examples. This document however is published to assist the public and private sector e.g. helping evaluate projects in the urban environment.
This document conclusively proves that urban design does have many benefits:
• Good urban design can offer significant benefits to the community; conversely, poor design can have significant adverse effects on the urban environment, society and economy.
• While good urban design sometimes costs more upfront, this is not necessarily the case; moreover, long-term costs can be avoided.
• Communities value the better quality of life that good urban design can deliver.
• Urban design can affect people’s ability and willingness to undertake physical exercise: good design can offer health benefits.
• Urban design can help make towns and cities safer and more secure.
• Urban design elements are interconnected: urban design is most effective when a number of elements come together (eg, mixed use, density and connectivity).
Evidence of the benefits of urban design were categorised under the following eight core urban design elements:
- Local character
- Connectivity
- Mixed use
- Adaptability
- High quality public realm
- Integrated decision-making
- User participation
- Density
Further, more in-depth information can be found by accessing the document through the MfE's website: http://www.mfe.govt.nz/publications/urban/value-urban-design-full-report-jun05/
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