In this development, blue render was used to highlight buildings in key locations in order to aid wayfinding. Although the use of render is not ideal in terms of maintenance, it is a positive compromise, when there is little flexibility in adapting standard house types. However, the type of blue used is not within the colour palette of nearby bricks and for that reason this particular building clashes within the landscape (see Palette & Textures).
2.4 Legibility
Demarcating public from private spaces helps making the environment more legible, research showed that not finding our way round can be very stressful. Walkable places make navigation simpler and encourage people to depend less on their cars for short journeys. Clearly demarcated spaces also result in better maintained streets which are free from litter. The most important user of the street is the pedestrian – people should be able to walk, skate or cycle safely to any location in the neighbourhood, by the shortest and most direct route possible. Car-dominated environments are strongly discouraged.
Designers should create street patterns and shapes that make it easy to find the way around. Routes should be visible and accessible, and every street or path should lead to a meaningful destination, so dead ends are strongly discouraged. Significant end views to all roads need to be considered, ending in buildings or landscape to aid way finding. Front doors must be visible and identifiable from each other. Wherever possible, an undercover transition space should be included but any roofing or canopy provision must always be in character with the building as a whole and not seen as an addition.
Design Criteria
2.4.1 Proposals were designed to enable people to create a mental map of the place.
2.4.2 Proposals were designed according to the Ten tips for healthy, legible places.