From the Autumn 2002 edition of About Wales

This is a simplified checklist derived from the Placecheck method of area analysis.

First steps in urban design: 2

Starter checklist

1 Context and character

How does your target area relate to its wider surroundings? Is it different or similar in character? Integrated or separate?

How is it laid out? Think about factors such as relief, the pattern of streets, and the grain of building blocks and open spaces.

What factors contribute to local identity? Think about the character, form and function of buildings, and whether there is a distinctive use of local or traditional materials? How far is character related to building type, form, materials, scale or use? Are there important views or vistas, landmark buildings, skylines or features? What natural features or ornamental planting are important? Think also about the significance and quality of design details such as hedges, boundary walls, railings, lamp-posts, seating, paving and other street furniture?

How do the appearance and uses of the backs of buildings compare with the fronts?

What buildings and structures are negative in their impact? Are there any untidy gap-sites? Could these be developed or recreated as public open space? How do the frontages of buildings relate to public space, such as pavements? Does the area have a pleasant feeling of enclosure?

What opportunities are there for development and/or conservation and re-use? Could there be better pavements and public spaces? Does private space dominate over the public realm?

2 Amenity and movement

Is this an area dominated by traffic or does it feel safe for pedestrians?

Is there too much or too little traffic? Is it too fast?

Is public transport important or convenient? What provision is made for bus users or cyclists?

How safe are its streets, junctions and pavements for the children, the disabled or the elderly?

Are there factors which make this feel an insecure place?

Is this a place which encourages activity in the street and public places?

Is it noisy or wind-swept?

Is it dirty or litter free?

Are there buildings that are disused or empty? Are upper floors in use?

Is parking or the presence of parked cars a problem?

Is it well or attractively lit at night?

Is public signage clear and helpful, or is it absent, or messy? Is this an area that is confusing or easy to move through, whether on foot or otherwise?

How could this place be made more safe, more welcoming or more lively? How could we encourage more people to find routes into and through this area?

3 People and economy

Who is this place important to? How could they be involved in making it better? Should we attract more people or keep it to ourselves?

Could there be greater variety of building use? Is there potential for new social, cultural facilities, shopping, employment or tourism? Is there an opportunity for public art, or street activities such as a market or entertainment?

Who would you need to work with to get your ideas off the drawing board?