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Dualchas assist Scottish Government |
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Practice partner Neil Stephen in Planning masterclass
"People before cars - that was the message of a design skills symposium held in Dundee by Architecture and Design Scotland. Dualchas architect Neil Stephen, who was assisting in leading design workshops at the event, said that the the positive response from councillors, and local government officials was extremely encouraging.
"The Scottish Government has ripped up the old rule book on urban design and roads engineering, and asked people to think about how we design beautiful places. We know examples like Edinburgh, Pitlochry and Footdee are wonderful, yet modern development has fallen woefully short of these standards. Delegates were told that true sustainability comes about when people love and invest in their own communities, and this only happens when there is a rich sense of place".
The highlight of the event was a lecture by architect and urban planner Klas Thom of Sweden, who explored the impact the built environment has on human well-being. Not only was monotomy harmful to health, it actually retricts mental devlopment. A rich and varied environment leads to happier and healthier lives - and we all have a responsibility to make this happen.
All development applications will now be judged against the new government policy "Designing Streets", which sets out principles of good masterplanning process and design. The aim is to end the building of the mundane cul-de sac suburbs and soulless housing schmes, and develop new communities which will be cherished by this and future generations. "
Link: http://www.ads.org.uk/ |