Guidelines for the type of distances that are regarded as walkable. Source: IHT 2000
2.5 Urban grain & massing
The urban grain relates to the footprint of buildings. A finer grain is formed by smaller building blocks. These are perceived as a softer barrier because the many connected streets between buildings let people move freely and find the shortest way.
Nottingham City Centre has medieval alleyways, lanes and little squares at short distance from each other, this means that this is a very walkable city, a quality that needs to be protected and enhanced. However, this needs to be done with great care to avoid creating links, walkways and public areas where crime and antisocial behaviour flourishes. A coarser urban grain tends to become a stronger barrier because people have to walk longer to turn around the buildings, to find their way round or to identify the shortest route. This is the case around railway stations and large structures.
The barrier element of larger volumes can sometimes (but not always) be managed through good design. Sometimes the perception of a barrier is powerful enough to prevent people from walking, even though the actual walking distance might not be that large. Similarly, people would choose not to walk if places feel unsafe, dark and not overlooked.
Design Criteria
2.5.1 Proposals are in keeping with the existing urban grain unless otherwise specified in site specific regeneration strategies/guidance.
2.5.2 Massing solutions are in keeping with the setting and in compliance with the principles outlined by the Nottingham City Centre Urban Design Guide (2009).
