Why is Urban Design Important?

Urban Design is an important concept because it is a way of bringing professionals together so that they can offer their services with a logical workflow.

It should also be able to inspire confidence; to deliver the assurances that the local community will be getting the best value for money.

Everyone should be involved in the process. As with all design, the process must involve a dialogue with the customer and it is important to be able to identify and relate to all these customers. Urban design is a process that needs to generate and sustain local interest. Never underestimate the value of local knowledge; it is often the key to how an existing area works.

For each household and each business, large and small: you are the customer; you will be the end user; you will be the people who have to live with the outcome once the developers have gone.

Much can be done to involve communities early in the urban design process. A shared understanding of local issues can reduce the possible antagonism that may result when communities are faced with changes to their lifestyles and surroundings.