Design Excellence should be the aim for Guildford

Guildford needs better design for new developments and effective placemaking

There have been attempts over the ages to codify design. The Greeks and the Romans codified design principles by following a highly structured system of proportions that related individual architectural components to the whole building. This system was developed according to styles, or orders.

More recently the Wood’s created a style for Bath, which in turn was based on Italian Palladian, although it only covered the main façade of the building.

The recent Planning for the Future White Paper proposes design guides. Various planning authorities have issued design guides; Guildford Borough has started on this process with the recent Strategic Sites SPD and the Development Managment Policies.

The Society with all the development due to take place is concerned that we have the highest standards adopted in the borough.  Developments such as Weyside Urban Village, Wisley Airfield, and North Street area opportunity to demonstrate the best of British Planning and Design. We await the promised Design Guide that is to be be produced for Weyside Urban Village with interest.

Design also encompasses some simple standards on space, open space, light and access.  We are concerned that we have clear minimum standards on these aspects for new dwellings.  National standards are not overly generous and many local authorities are insisting on better standards for their localities.   

The Society runs the Design Awards - See our 2020 winners at link below that we have recently annouced - to encourage good design and we will also be looking for examples for good design, which we will publish, which we hope can inform local developments.