Place

Studies of local vernacular in and around Ashford

Urban design is the art of making places therefore the notion of place is fundamental to urban design. Perceptions of place are based on a range of scales – from the settlement and its structure down to neighbourhoods, streets and buildings. They arise from understanding of physical and human geography, past uses, natural landscape and the buildings on and nearby the site

Everywhere is somewhere

To understand the characteristics of a place and its strategic context a character appraisal should be undertaken. This should include:

• Regional identity
• Linkages to surroundings
• Local character
• Morphology
• Natural features
• Socio- economic profile