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PLACED
An integrated design policy for the
built environment of New South Wales
Design
objectives
for NSW Better fit
contextual, local
Seven objectives and of its place
define the key
considerations in
the design of the
built environment.
Better performance
sustainable, adaptable
and durable
Better working
functional, efficient
and fit for purpose
Better value
creating and
adding value
The Government Architect NSW (GA NSW) The NSW Government recognises the importance Better Placed seeks to capture our collective The Government Architect NSW (GA NSW) holds
celebrated its bicentenary in 2016. Now as we reflect of good design in making our cities and towns even aspiration and expectations for the places where a unique position in government. We are experts
on the contribution it has made in shaping some of more appealing, liveable and successful for the we work, live and play. It creates a clear approach in design thinking and processes, but are also tasked
the most valued buildings and spaces in our state, communities that live there. We understand that to ensure we get the good design that will deliver with making the connection between government
its also time to start the conversation about how we well-designed places have the potential to link new the architecture, public places and environments priorities, industry expertise and capability, academia
see the NSW Government championing good design and old, are more efficient, healthier, and support we want to inhabit now and those we make for the and our future creative thinkers and communities.
in the process of shaping our next 200 years. social cohesion. Most importantly well-designed future. It articulates the means and methods to
places add value, attracting and retaining residents, value and improve our built environment and public Better Placed confirms our collective wishes for
NSW has a strong tradition of architecture and jobs, global talent, tourists and further investment. domain, so that we can be proud of our cities, towns the future design of our infrastructure, architecture,
design, but we are facing growing challenges as and public places. and public spaces, and endorses the power
more people want to call our state home, resulting Better Placed provides clarity on what the NSW of design to enable a better and resilient future
in growing urbanisation of our cities and towns. Government means by good design, not just how Design plays a critical role in achieving the for our communities.
To help address these challenges the NSW a place looks, but how it works and feels for people, aspiration we have for our future, because good
Government is encouraging a strategic approach and outlines processes for achieving this. It has design is about deep understanding and a creative Peter Poulet
to good design to deliver the places and spaces been created to assist everyone involved in design synthesis of ideas, issues and people. Design offers Government Architect
that will meet the needs of future generations. projects or the development assessment process both a stand-alone and contributing process to
and advocates that we all have a role in ensuring planning our future by bringing together creative
Better Placed has been developed by the Government our cities and towns are better places. intelligence, lateral thinking and capturing the
Architect to deliver the strategic approach needed collective imagination. Importantly, design is an
to ensure that as our cities and towns grow bigger It is essential that as the NSW Government, the iterative and inclusive process with much to offer
they get even better. It responds to the concerns of community and the private sector look to the future, to decision making and planning in government.
communities and those involved in the development that we are ambitious, that we put good design front
of our built environments about the impact of poor and centre, leaving a legacy that we can look back
design but also defines how we can make the most on and be proud of 200 years from now. A legacy
of the opportunities that will arise as we develop new of great places and spaces. A legacy that has NSW
spaces and places. Better Placed.
Anthony Roberts
Minister for Planning
4 5
1. Introducing 2. Designing 3. Explaining
Better Placed 6 Better Places 18 Design 44
1.1 Introducing design 11 2.1 What is a well-designed 3.1 What is design? 46
1.2 What Better Placed will do 12 built environment 20 3.2 Good design adds value 48
1.3 Where Better Placed fits 13 2.2 What we dont want 21 3.3 Who benefits from good design? 50
1.4 NSW priorities 14 2.3 How Better Placed will help 22
2.4 Good design processes 24
1.5 How to use Better Placed 17
2.4.1 Mechanisms to measure
4. Glossary 52
and evaluate design
2.5 The role of the designer 28 5. Government
2.6 Good design outcomes 32 Architect NSW 58
2.6.1 Design objectives for NSW
Objective 1. Better fit
Objective 2. Better performance
6. References 60
Objective 3. Better for community
Objective 4. Better for people 7. Credits 62
Objective 5. Better working
Objective 6. Better value
Objective 7. Better look and feel
CONTENTS
The Government
Architect NSW
acknowledges the
Traditional Custodians
of the land and pays
their respects to Elders
past, present and future.
We honour Australian
Aboriginal and Torres
Strait Islander peoples
unique cultural and Disclaimer
spiritual relationships While every reasonable effort has been made
to ensure that this document is correct at the
to place and their rich time of printing, the State of NSW, its agents
contribution to our and employees, disclaim any and all liability
to any person in respect of anything or the
society. To that end, consequences of anything done or omitted to
be done in reliance or upon the whole or any
Better Placed seeks to part of this document.
INTRODUCING
BE T TER
PLACED
Good design makes Great places and cities dont
happen by chance: they are designed,
Design has a central role to play
in resolving the complexity of the
Design thinking has
much to offer... It
better places and continue to be designed as
we manage the transformation
change we face. The decisions
we make about our built environment provides not just a useful
of our cities. today will define the heritage of our and rigorous process
future our legacy. The complexity
NSW is rapidly growing and of contemporary social, economic of coming up with
New development has the potential to transform changing, and our built environments and environmental challenges calls creative ideas but also
quality of life for people, stimulate the economy must remain liveable, productive, for new modes of thinking, analysis a synthesising, holistic
and enhance the environment. The design of the healthy and sustainable. The and problem solving. Design thinking
way of looking at the
rate of demographic, economic, is key to this.
built environment shapes the places where we live, environmental and social change world around us, making
work and meet. The quality of design affects how is creating challenges for our built Better Placed is about enhancing connections and seeing
spaces and places function, how they integrate, environment. Better Placed can the design quality of our built
relationships among
assist in the creation of better places environment, raising expectations
what they contribute to the broader environment, for the future heritage of NSW. and raising standards, about things we often treat as
and the users, inhabitants and audiences they working better and creating
separate and distinct.
support or attract. better environments.
T
homas Fisher, Designing
To create great places for NSW, Our Way to a Better World
Better Placed is a policy for our collective aspirations, we need to elevate the role,
needs and expectations in designing NSW. It is about importance and value of design,
towards finding solutions to todays
enhancing all aspects of our urban environments, pressing challenges that will benefit
to create better places, spaces and buildings, and all our communities. In short, good
thereby better cities, towns and suburbs. To achieve design makes better places.
this, good design needs to be at the centre of
all development processes from the project definition Design thinking
to concept design and through to construction Design thinking offers a holistic
way of finding opportunities and
and maintenance. resolving project problems. It is the
method in which designers seek
to integrate possibilities and to
generate new ideas. It is a creative
process that seeks answers through DESIGN
collaboration and synthesis of THINKING
multiple inputs. Design thinking is
a creative skill where designers make
new connections, test and retest
ideas, and anticipate future
challenges in order to find a better
outcome for the problem at hand.
C
ce
on
n
Identifying Possible
ve
ge
rg
opportunity solutions
er
e
iv
nc
D
e
NEED/ PROVEN
PROBLEM OPEN CONCEPT
Exploring
possibility ENDED SYNTHESIS TESTING Options
Scoping Resolving
Scenario testing Iterations
Design
Design is both process and
outcome its methods of open
ended enquiry, synthesis and
testing are pathways to determine
the most appropriate outcome.
DESIGN
PROCESS OUTCOME
Placed will do Advocating the importance Placed fits At a national level, policy directions
The policy responds to stakeholders
requests for clarity in relation to what
of design for better places, include Our Cities Our Future (2011) is meant by good design and the
spaces and outcomes. which provides a clear overarching process to achieve it.
framework for cities. Alongside
Supporting industry and government this, the Urban Design Protocol Better Placed sits alongside
to deliver good design for people. (2011) provides a concise guide to other Government Architect NSW
Enabling effective design processes effective urban design processes policies and is supported by design
to be established and supported and outcomes. These documents guides, manuals and case studies
in the planning system. currently have limited impact in the which describe the objectives in
NSW planning system. more detail according to scale, type
or conditions.
At a state level, while a range of
The policy will: State environmental planning Better Placed will inform a broad
policies (SEPPs), local environmental range of policies and approaches
Raise awareness of what the NSW plans (LEPs), development control within multiple government
Government means by good design plans (DCPs), and typology-specific agencies. It has a specific focus on
in the built environment. design guides provide policy and project formation and establishment
advice on good design, there is and design assurance for strategic
Provide clear, consistent, rigorous
currently no overarching policy projects. Its objectives have been
objectives to achieve good design
outlining the NSW Governments created to be incorporated
throughout the development process.
position on design. or referenced in new policies and
Outline the value of design thinking guidelines to support state and
and what is involved in supporting local government achieving good
effective design processes. design outcomes.
People
Establish key concepts of design expertise of industry as a framework
frameworks, master plans, urban
for our collective aspirations, needs
and shared terminology for the and expectations for NSW. design, landscape architecture
built environment. and architectural projects. It will
form part of the terms of reference
Encourage a stronger design culture
to support the delivery of state-
and active engagement in design.
led design excellence processes,
including Design Review panels and
Design Excellence competitions.
GOVERNMENT PLANNING
PRIORITIES CONTEXT
BETTER
PLACED
ps
r shi Pro
tne jects
Par
INDUSTRY
EXPERTISE
priorities A focus on good design will help NSWs population will grow to 9.9 Our population is not only growing, Government, together with the Better Placed will support the
create resilient cities and places that million people by 2036, an increase it is also getting older. By 2036, private sector, is delivering and review and efficient delivery of
mitigate and adapt to the effects of 2.7 million people from 2011. NSWs population aged over 60 will upgrading infrastructure including major projects and State Significant
of a changing climate. The challenge Sydneys metropolitan population be more than 2.6 million people transport, education facilities and Development. The policy provides
Better Placed advocates is to ensure that the pressure for is projected to grow by more than an increase of 56 per cent. Another hospitals together with a program industry and government with a
for good design to development and investment in 2.1 million in the next twenty years fast-growing age sector in NSW is of urban renewal on major clear and consistent definition for
help respond to key new and improved infrastructure to 6.4 million people (NSW Planning). the young. By 2036, the number of government-owned sites. good design, supporting existing
creates sustainable places, benefiting residents aged 019 years will have mechanisms such as Design
challenges and directions communities who use them. Decisions This change will have a major impact increased by more than 2.4 million Large-scale urban renewal projects Excellence and Design Review
for NSW, including: made now will continue to affect on the built environment. How cities people an increase of 24 per cent. are complex, often involving multiple by providing a framework for best
our lifestyles for decades into the are designed, including how housing projects being undertaken in close practice. In addition, Better Placed
Health future. Design can help explain the and transportation demands are met, As demographics change, there proximity. Good design processes outlines and defines processes
There is a growing recognition interrelatedness of things such as and how the planning system supports will be a need for diverse options can help understand disconnected that support good design, placing
that urban environment has a climate and resources in managing this growth are key to delivering the for housing, transportation and parts more holistically, including an importance on the promotion
significant influence on health; risk and unintended consequences. best outcomes for NSW. community buildings to support understanding the layers of old of early and consistent advice as
a clear relation has been drawn growing population groups. Design and new, the user groups, and the key to enabling good design, timely
between the built environment and Good design can reduce the impacts While 97 per cent of Australians analysis and research can help required upgrades to infrastructure review and better outcomes. Better
chronic diseases such as overweight of extreme weather conditions and believe that cities and towns are better understand how our older and and public spaces of the area. Placed advocates for good design
and obesity, type 2 diabetes and climate change by lowering carbon to live in when public buildings and younger generations want to live, as an efficient way to eliminate risk,
heart disease (NSW Health). emissions through investment in public spaces are well-designed, where they want to live, and how An integration of effective design maximise effect and create certainty.
sustainable practices like use of (Galaxy Poll) poor quality of design to design places and spaces with processes will assist in maximising
The connection between health local materials and resources, and can create fear of change. Better these demographics in mind. Design the benefits from this investment and
and the built environment is complex, sustainable energy sources. Placed promotes an increased focus is human focussed, responsive ensure new infrastructure improves
with a number of interrelated factors on how the planning system can better to the needs and aspirations of its existing places and spaces, delivering
that can impact health. These factors recognise design, and employ design people, and equitable, presenting even greater returns. The quality of
include lifestyle, community, the local methods early in order to engage opportunities for all. built outcomes in the public domain
economy, physical activities, and with the community to create and is important and incorporating
the natural and the built environment. effectively communicate beneficial design methodologies early in the
In addressing health concerns outcomes for people and places. process will support well-considered
such as chronic diseases, social, and integrated outcomes.
environmental and economic factors
need to be understood and analysed
simultaneously.
BE T TER
DESIGNING
PLACES
2.1 A well-designed built
environment is:
In places that reflect these qualities,
each building, area or space: 2.2 Many of our best buildings and spaces in NSW put people first, are highly
responsive, sensitive and contribute to the local sense of place. They are
What is a well- Healthy for all members of our Is a better fit within a rich, evolving What we delivering best practice sustainable outcomes, articulating a bold future
of green, high-performance design and support enjoyable experiences for
Placed
quality of our built environment.
projects toward delivery of the best possible outcomes.
It advocates for early integration, connection
will help and collaboration between design, planning and Support Research Best and Better Placed is underpinned
by research and engagement,
development. It seeks to foster long-term, coordinated
leading practice
and is informed by interna-
tional, national and local best
decision making in rethinking complex problems, practice. It reflects principles
of good design that are inter-
systems and processes. It offers a way to utilise more nationally recognised.
effective processes that can respond to the rapidly Participation Engagement Consultation
CASE STUDIES
Gathering case studies that
demonstrate real life scenarios
where good design adds value
to a place is part of an ongoing
process of evaluating and
promoting the objectives
of Better Placed.
GOOD
processes are not linear; they are iterative,
collaborative and at times circular, where feedback
and ideas are continually intertwined. Design
processes help provide solutions to complex problems
where many inputs and concerns are needed to be
DESIGN
resolved simultaneously.
PROCESSES
studies and considers alternatives and options.
Good process involves many diverse groups of people
through consultation that synthesises their issues.
Scenarios and options are sorted and improved with
testing, competition and critical thinking.
OF THE
stakeholders, influencing factors, process
and outcome applying experience and
expertise to ensure continuity from original
concept to final outcome and beyond.
DESIGNER
DESIGN
PROCESS OUTCOME
DESIGNER
STAKEHOLDERS
AND INFLUENCERS
GOOD
While it is important to consider all the objectives
outlined here, the application of these may be
weighted differently relative to the nature of the
project, problem or opportunity. The design guides
and case studies that support this document have
DESIGN
been provided to outline how the objectives are
implemented and applied into different scenarios.
OUTCOMES
Good design in the Environmental The design of the built The built environment Having a considered, Good design generates The built environment
built environment is sustainability and environment must seek must be designed for tailored response to the ongoing value for people should be welcoming and
informed by and derived responsiveness is essential to address growing people with a focus on program or requirements and communities and aesthetically pleasing,
from its location, context to meet the highest economic and social safety, comfort and the of a building or place, minimises costs over encouraging communities
and social setting. It is performance standards disparity and inequity, basic requirement of allows for efficiency time. Creating shared to use and enjoy local
place-based and relevant for living and working. by creating inclusive, using public space. The and usability with the value of place in the places. The feel of a place,
to and resonant with Sustainability is no longer welcoming and many aspects of human potential to adapt to built environment raises and how we use and
local character, heritage an optional extra, but equitable environments. comfort which affect the change. Buildings and standards and quality relate to our environments
and communal aspirations. a fundamental aspect Incorporating diverse usability of a place must spaces which work well of life for users, as well is dependent upon
It also contributes to of functional, whole uses, housing types and be addressed to support for their proposed use as adding return on the aesthetic quality
evolving and future of life design. economic frameworks will good places for people. will remain valuable and investment for industry. of our places, spaces
character and setting. support engaging places well-utilised. and buildings. The
and resilient communities. visual environment
should contribute to its
surroundings and promote
positive engagement.
Good design in the built environment is informed Environmental sustainability and responsiveness
by and derived from its location, context and social is essential to meet the highest performance
setting. It is place-based and relevant to and resonant standards for living and working. Sustainability
with local character, and communal aspirations. is no longer an optional extra, but a fundamental
It also contributes to evolving character and setting. aspect of functional, whole of life design.
LOCAL Why is this important? How does this create better outcomes? SUSTAINABLE Why is this important? How does this create better outcomes?
A building, place or space Good buildings and spaces resonate Buildings and spaces that resonate and fit Relates to the endurance The built environment is a significant Effective design can create ongoing savings
that relates to an area, with place and setting and feel responsive, within community are better maintained, of systems, buildings, contributor to greenhouse gas emissions through reduced energy and water demand.
or neighbourhood. sensitive and relevant. cared for and looked after. spaces and processes and environmental impacts through energy
their ability to be Adaptable buildings can adjust to changing
and water consumption.
CONTEXTUAL Cities and towns evolve and change, but The place brand of cities or towns and maintained at a certain rate requirements over time, without requiring
A building, place or space valued qualities and distinctive characteristics overall desirability is enhanced, attracting or level, which contributes Building materials encapsulate extensive significant changes or replacement.
that responds to the context are retained and reinforced, even with residents, businesses and visitors. positively to environmental, embodied energy in their production,
Energy-efficient buildings are also more
in which it is designed. significant growth and development. economic and social and construction processes are also
ohesive, integrated and well-designed
C comfortable for people, in temperature, air
outcomes. energy intensive.
Places build and retain their unique places are highly desirable places to live quality, access to natural light and fresh air.
OF ITS PLACE qualities and unique characteristics. and work and attract more investment. Buildings are essentially permanent, so
ADAPTABLE As regulatory requirements demand
A building, place or space their design locks in environmental impacts
New developments can also contribute eople and communities develop stronger
P higher-performance buildings, those which
that relates to its surrounds. A building, place or space or benefits for the long-term.
to context and character, adding further affiliations with places. exceed performance standards will be
that is able to adjust to
richness, diversity and quality. They create We spend much of our lives inside buildings, more attractive and valuable to tenants
Upfront costs and investments are new conditions, or to be
a dialogue with established places so their efficiency and performance levels and residents into the future.
protected through good design which modified for a new purpose.
can greatly affect our impacts on natural
Local people accept and adopt new retains quality and relevance over time. Spaces and buildings which use locally
DURABLE resources and environmental impacts.
developments, identifying with the built sourced materials encompass less energy
environment and developing a sense A building, place or Buildings can also incorporate systems to in transport and production, reducing
of ownership. space that is built to be create positive environmental benefits, such the environmental impact of the proposed
able to withstand wear as energy generation and water recycling. development.
New buildings and spaces become part
of a place, its unique character, and are and pressure.
valued by local people.
The design of the built environment must seek to address The built environment must be designed for people
growing economic and social disparity and inequity, by creating with a focus on safety, comfort and the basic requirement
inclusive, welcoming and equitable environments. Incorporating of using public space. The many aspects of human
diverse uses, housing types and economic frameworks will comfort which affect the usability of a place must
support engaging places and resilient communities. be addressed to support good places for people.
INCLUSIVE Why is this important? How does this create better outcomes? SAFE Why is this important? How does this create better outcomes?
A building, place or Cities and towns provide people with Accessible cities and towns make service A building, place or space The design of streets, spaces and buildings Buildings and spaces which people enjoy
space that embraces the opportunities and access to employment, delivery much more cost effective including that protects its people can be a major factor in public safety, both using will be better maintained and cared
community and individuals education, social interaction and cultural health services, public transport and from harm or risk of harm. actual and perceived. for. They will last longer as valuable parts
who use it. experiences, providing optimal opportunity community facilities. of the city or town and minimise the need
COMFORTABLE Urban environments and buildings
to address and reduce the impact of wider for replacement.
CONNECTED Environments which support accessibility A building, place or space significantly affect the way people live
economic and social trends.
A building place or space and social interaction promote community that provides physical internal air quality and access to views, Safety and comfort reinforce each other:
that establishes links with While growing social disparity and physical and mental health, reducing and emotional ease and natural light and air all help to create an environment which feels safe and
its surrounds, allowing economic polarisation result from wider longer-term health impacts and costs. well-being for its people. liveable, user friendly environments. comfortable encourages walking and
visitors and residents to global forces, they are made manifest in, activity, and more people on the street
Multiple environmental and health Cities, towns, buildings and spaces are
move freely and sustainably. and perhaps reinforced by, our cities and LIVEABLE makes places feel safer and more
benefits are created through walkable ultimately for people and so they should
towns. Design can enhance or reinforce A built environment which interesting and enjoyable.
access, cycling and public transport by provide optimal conditions for the people
DIVERSE disparities across populations. supports and responds
reducing private car usage, traffic impacts, inhabiting them, supporting a safe, Places which feel safe and comfortable
A building, place or space Cities and towns which are diverse and air pollution, greenhouse gas emissions to peoples patterns of comfortable and enjoyable experience. attract people and investment.
that embraces a richness in provide opportunities are socially and and household transport costs. living, and is suitable and
use, character and qualities. appropriate for habitation, Liveable spaces support people and
culturally richer, safer, and better valued.
Developments which include a range of promoting enjoyment, lifestyle, promoting safety, healthy,
The density and structure of cities and housing and tenure types provide resilience safety and prosperity. comfort and well-being for all.
towns are major factors in social outcomes. in the face of changing requirements.
While effective urban design and planning
Streets and public spaces which are
can facilitate these outcomes, poor design
welcoming and accessible for all
can lock in longer-term social challenges.
are more vibrant, interesting and safe.
The public realm is the space of equal
access and coming together in the
community our shared domain for
social engagement, events, interaction
and recreation.
Having a considered, tailored response to the program Good design generates ongoing value for people
or requirements of a building or place, allows for efficiency and communities and minimises costs over time.
and usability with the potential to adapt to changes Creating shared value of place in the built environment
over time. Buildings and spaces which work well for their raises standards and quality of life for users, as well
proposed use will remain valuable and well-utilised. as adding return on investment for industry.
FUNCTIONAL Why is this important? How does this create better outcomes? CREATING VALUE Why is this important? How does this create better outcomes?
A building, place or space Buildings, streets and spaces must Facilities and spaces which effectively Conceiving and designing The process of creating urban precincts, Investment in good design and high
that is designed to be support their proposed use in an optimal support usage will be used more frequently in new opportunities to a spaces and buildings requires a significant quality construction delivers social,
practical and purposeful. and efficient manner. They should enable than less well-designed ones. building, place or space for investment and commitment. The impetus environmental and economic benefits
activities to be easily performed. increased social, economic to manage time and costs is ever-present to investors and community.
EFFICIENT Work and education environments and environmental benefits and relevant.
A building, place or Poorly designed buildings and spaces which are well-designed support to the community. While good design does not necessarily cost
space that is constructed can restrict usage enhanced productivity and effectiveness Returns on investment can take place in a more, investment in good design is rewarded
and functions with minimal for organisations. ADDING VALUE financial sense, as well as in social capital, envi- in the longer-term by more user-friendly,
Functional requirements can change,
wasted effort. Leveraging and building ronmental benefits and other forms of value. high-performance and lower-maintenance
perhaps many times over the life of Living environments which work well
on the existing places and buildings.
a building or space. Good design balance for occupants and evolving lifestyles will The original investment has a significant
FIT FOR PURPOSE encourages adaptability. increase in value. characteristics and bearing on the longer-term returns. Good design can be highly pragmatic,
A building, place or space qualities of a building efficient, streamlined and cost effective
Working, living, relaxing and social Long-term functionality in buildings place or space to increase The ongoing value and return on investment
that works according to while delivering long-term returns for
interaction are supported by good and spaces protects and enhances social, economic and may, in some cases, be non-financial,
its intended use. investors and users of the building or space.
design and arrangement of spaces. the initial investment in creating these environmental benefits such as in the social benefits of a new or
Inappropriate design can hinder and spaces and minimises the need for change to the community. enhanced public space. This value needs Good design in a location tends to support
constrain these activities. or replacement. to be considered in relation to the initial and encourage further good design in the
financial cost or investment. locality or neighbouring areas, raising the
Good design can support both formalised,
standards of the wider area, and multiplying
structured activities, as well as informal Good design, effective materials and
value over time.
or spontaneous activity giving users access construction protect and enhance value
to appropriate buildings and spaces as by maintaining the appearance and usability
they need them. of the building or space and reducing the
impacts of time, climate and use.
Good design can reduce the impact
of age and maximise functionality Cost-cutting during the design and delivery
and performance. process is a short term-focussed activity
that can detract from the longer-term value
of the investment.
ENGAGING Why is this important? How does this create better outcomes?
A building, place or The visual setting of our cities and towns is, Attractive places invite visitors, residents and
space that draws people perhaps, the primary and most immediate business activity, bringing investment and
in with features that factor in our response or reaction to it. Whether fostering a sense of local pride and identity.
generate interest. it is inviting, engaging and attractive or more
Buildings and spaces which look great
confronting visually will largely determine its
INVITING are more likely to be well maintained
value and usage by the community.
A building, place or and invested in.
space that is welcoming While there are no rules or formula for
Buildings that are visually attractive
to visitors, community achieving appropriate visual design in
and engaging will be more valuable
and individuals. buildings and spaces, a considered balance
to prospective residents and commercial
of materials, finishes, proportions and
tenants in delivering a sense of identity
details is usually considered.
ATTRACTIVE and brand support.
A building, place or Significant interventions in the built
Good design can ensure buildings and
space that is aesthetically environment can, where appropriate,
spaces maintain their appearance over
pleasing, or appealing. instil excitement, energy and interest,
time, through appropriate selection and
encouraging visitors, activity and enjoyment.
application of materials, detailing,
Contemporary design can also be fenestration and weather protection.
challenging visually, contributing to a rich
and diverse urban setting.
The urban environment is inherently
complex, multi-layered and diverse,
reflecting the evolving nature of our cities
and towns. Good design contributes to this
complexity, but in a considered approach.
Places can also be gritty or edgy, tough
and robust while highlighting good design.
EXPLAINING DESIGN
3.1 Design is a creative act. It is the way we decide
how we want things to be. Everything we create
What is is designed by somebody. Design can describe
design? many things. It can result in creating something
physical, like a building or it can be a series of
analytical diagrams created to help reframe or
solve a problem or a vision put forward to negotiate
multiple interests and propose a solution.
Design is not just It is important to understand design Finally, design is an activity based
as a verb and a noun; and both on critical thinking and collaboration,
a visual thing. Its a problem defining and problem where the designer is often required
a thought process. solving activity that brings together to vision an unplanned future.
Its a skill. Ultimately, many different pieces of information The designer must synthesise from
in order to identify and develop the process undertaken and create
design is a tool to new opportunities. Design should outcomes that change existing
enhance our humanity. be understood as both a process situations into preferred ones, unlock
Its a frame for life. put in place to do something, and new potentials, drive innovation,
an outcome of creating something. and deliver social, economic and
Ilse Crawford, Celebrating environmental value.
Design Without Contending Characteristically, design is an
with It, The New Yorker iterative process where scenarios Good design
may be developed for testing and This policy establishes a baseline
many options are considered and of what is expected to achieve
evaluated. The design process is non- good design, across all projects in
linear, requires multiple attempts, NSW. Good design is a phrase that
iterations, reviews, feedback and encapsulates the aspirations of Design
testing of proposals in order to Better Placed including its vision for Design is both process and outcome
achieve a successful outcome. It is NSW, its definition of good process, its methods of open ended
DESIGN
often highly visual in output, where and its outline of objectives for the enquiry, synthesis and testing are
pathways to create a vision and find
solutions are presented through built environment. the most appropriate outcome.
drawing, modelling and other means
of graphic communication. Good design creates useable, user-
friendly, enjoyable and attractive
To seek out best outcomes, many places and spaces, which continue
courses of action can be examined to provide value and benefits to
simultaneously including pragmatic people, the place and the natural
requirements, budgets and timelines, environment over extended periods. PROCESS OUTCOME
conceptual ideas and innovations, Good design brings benefits socially,
economic realities, environmental environmentally and economically,
challenges, regulatory contexts, and and builds on these benefits over
community aspirations. Innovative time it adds value.
solutions are often found between
disciplines a key role of the
designer being to understand the
interconnectedness of its parts
by synthesising multiple elements
into the best possible outcome.
48 Better Placed / 3. Explaining Design 49
3.2 Buildings, public spaces and
infrastructure are expensive and
While it is important to understand
the economic benefits of good
Good design represent major investments
with long-term implications for
design, often value is only thought
of in these terms, as it is easy to
adds value individuals, families, businesses and
government. The design of buildings,
quantify cost. It is less easy to
quantify quality of life, public benefit
facilities and spaces has a lasting and and community impact, but social
significant impact on their operation and environmental factors are equally
and management. The perception as important in understanding the
that design is expensive can be value of design. Good design delivers
easily dispelled if the breakdown great value to investors, end users and
of a buildings whole-life costs is the wider community. The benefits
understood. Well-designed buildings of good design run deep, well
can cost less over their life. beyond functionality and aesthetics.
Great design enhances our lifestyle
Over the lifetime of a building, the and personal health, as well as our
construction costs are unlikely productivity and enjoyment.
to be more than three per cent of
total costs, but the operating costs Design value should be a balance
will often constitute 85 per cent of of three factors; social, economic
the total. On the same scale, the and environmental.
design costs are likely to be 0.30.5
per cent of the whole-life costs, and
yet it is through the design process
that the largest impact can be made
on operating costs (CABE, Improving
Standards of Design).
The value of
good design
Design proportionally represents
the smallest investment in the
total lifetime cost of a building,
yet it can provide the greatest
cost saving benefit over time.
Operating
costs (85%) Design costs
(0.30.5%)
GLOSSARY
Policy documents Australia Policy documents International Research papers and design articles
rban Design Protocol
U ederal Foundation of Baukultur
F Fisher, Thomas
Creating Places for People: An Urban Baukultur Report 201415, Baukultur Designing our Way to a Better World,
Design Protocol for Australian Cities. Report 201617. University of Minnesota Press, 2016.
Integrated Design Commission Commission for Architecture and u, Richard
H
5000+ Integrated Design Strategy, the Built Environment (CABE) Shaping a global Sydney, Planning
Atlas of Urban Excellence: 5000+ The Value of Good Design, The Perspectives, Vol 27, No.3, July 2012.
Knowledge Base Recommendations Value of Urban Design, The Cost
obert Freestone, Gethin
R
Report, Economic Benefits of of Bad Design, Good Design: The
Davison, Richard Hu, Sarah Baker
City Activation and Renewal. Fundamentals, Design Review: How
Institutionalising Design Excellence
CABE evaluates quality in architec-
Office of the Victorian Government in Central Sydney 19882000,
ture and urban design, By Design:
Architect (OVGA) International Planning History
Urban Design in the Planning System,
Government as Smart Client. Society Proceedings, Vol 17, No 7,
Improving Standards of Design in
2016. The Regulation of Excellence:
Office of the Western Australia the Procurement of Public Buildings.
Design Competitions in Sydney,
Government Architect (OWAGA)
The City of New York State of Australian Cities Research
Better Places and Spaces: A Policy for
OneNYC. Network, 2015.
the Built Environment, Good Design
Guide, State Planning Policy 7. he Danish Government
T alaxy Poll
G
Danish Architectural Policy: The Benefits of Good Design,
SW Health
N
Putting People First. June 2015.
REFERENCES
Health and the Environment:
A compilation of evidence, Healthy Scotland Architecture & Design Lee, Laura
Urban Development Checklist: Creating Places. An Integrated Design Strategy for SA.
A guide for health services when
r Trivess Moore, Dr Andrew
D
commenting on development poli-
Martel, Prof Ralph Horne
cies, plans and proposals.
The Value of Design Project, RMIT
Australian Local Government University, 2014.
Association, the National Heart
Walker, Rob
Foundation of Australia and the
Celebrating Design Without
Planning Institute of Australia
Contending with It, The New Yorker,
Healthy Spaces and Places: A na-
February 14 2017.
tional guide to designing places for
healthy living.
CREDITS
NSW Architects Registration Board Cootamundra Shire Council
Peter Bishop Department of Planning and
Tim Horton Environment
Indy Johar Department of Premiers and Cabinet
Professor Laura Lee Eurobodalla Shire Council
Reiner Nagel Government Architects Network
Peder Balzer Neilsen Australia (GANA)
Greater Sydney Commission
Design Infrastructure NSW
Rodeo Kiama Municipal Council
Lake Macquarie Council
Photography Macquarie University
Cory White Midcoast Council
Andrew Cowen Newcastle City Council
All imagery
Government Architect
New South Wales
unless stated
government.architect
@planning.nsw.gov.au
68 69
The role of the Government
Architect is critical in helping
deliver good design and
planning outcomes across all
projects in NSW. This strategic
advisory role provides an
opportunity to work across
government, the private sector
and the community to improve
social, environmental and
economic outcomes for NSW
and its communities.
70 71
Better Placed
through integrated design
Better fit
contextual, local and of its place
Better performance
sustainable, adaptable and durable
Better working
functional, efficient and fit for purpose
Better value
creating and adding value