N.1 Nature first
N.1a Existing natural assets are identified and made an integral part of the design, maximising access to nature and season awareness within the site and by connecting it with the infrastructure network in the area.
N.1b Natural water management principles are integrated into the design with multifunctional infrastructure to provide spaces for wellbeing and mindfulness.
N.1c Landscape proposals ensure every plant is in healthy soil and in an adequate location for optimum growth (light/shade, water/drainage, air/wind, etc.).
N.1a Existing natural assets, like the tree on the left, are identified and made an integral part of the design.
N.1b Natural water management principles are integrated into the design for wellbeing and mindfulness.
N.1c Ensure every plant is in healthy soil and in an adequate location for optimum growth.
N.2 Food security
N.2a Existing edible landscapes are identified in the contextual analysis, and they are retained and integrated to the design. A management plan is in place to protect these during construction.
N.2b Planting schemes and green spaces are designed to encourage inclusive public harvest/foraging and edible play. For example urban orchards with trees that have multiple purposes (nuts, fruits, flowers, etc.). Edible perennials and bee/pollination-friendly species are included in the landscape proposal.
N.2c Spaces for communal/social growing are provided, including raised beds to cater for every age and ability, vehicular, harvesting (e.g. cherry picker storage/access) and waste collection access to a highway-adoptable standard.
N.2a Existing edible landscapes are identified and integrated to the design. A management plan protects these during construction.
N2.b Edible perennials and bee/pollination-friendly species are included in the landscape proposal.
N.2c Spaces for communal/social growing are provided, including raised beds to cater for every age and ability.
N.3 Community resilience
N.3a A brochure is given to residents to raise awareness regarding the type, use and purpose of landscape features, explaining what people can do to increase their contact with green spaces, for the handover and post occupancy stages.
N.3b Water supply, adequate drainage points, electricity points, lighting, storage and seating to every communal/social growing space is provided.
N.3c For large developments, composting facilities are provided on site; these are accessible, easy to use, and with a waste collection access designed to a highway-adoptable standard. When composting facilities cannot be provided, a platform or scheme is created to raise end users/public awareness regarding existing food networks in the area, for example indicating places or organisations that can use their surplus produce and/or their composting waste.
N.3a A brochure is given to residents to raise awareness regarding the type, use and purpose of landscape features.
N.3b Water supply, adequate drainage points, electricity points, lighting, storage and seating is provided.
N.3a Composting facilities are provided on site; these are accessible, easy to use and with a access to a adoptable standards.
N.4 Community cohesion
N.4a Proposals demonstrate how green-blue infrastructure/networks can be used by people of different ages and abilities, and for a variety of activities and interests, including community activities and seasonal festivities. For example, providing dog-walking circuits with bins, seating and illumination, sensory gardens, natural play areas, etc.
N.4b Spaces to eat that are comfortable, considering sun and shade, wind and cover are provided; for example, pergolas and outdoor dining tables with internet access, community infrastructure like pizza or tandoor ovens, barbecues, outdoor fires, etc. These assets offer a great opportunity to engage new and existing communities in co-design and co-build, processes that help raise emotional investment in place, increasing outdoor space use and contact with nature.
N.4c A platform or scheme is proposed, to raise awareness regarding activities people could engage with, socially or individually, to use and maintain their urban edible landscapes. For example, jam making, baking competition, soap making, tree planting, den building, living playhouse, etc.
N.4a Proposals demonstrate how green-blue infrastructure/networks can be used by people of different ages and abilities, and for a variety of activities and interests.
N.4b Spaces to eat that are comfortable, considering sun and shade, wind and cover are provided.
N.4c A platform or scheme is proposed, to raise awareness regarding activities people could engage with.
Vision
Nottingham City Council has embraced Placemaking as the ethos for design and planning processes in the city, and has set an ambitious target: to be carbon neutral by 2028. A sustainable future can only be achieved by working together and by taking every opportunity to make places that are environmentally and socially positive. Many development proposals show opportunities to create more balanced urban systems but often, designs underachieve due to costs or maintenance issues. However, good design does not have to be costly, and more can be achieved by working in broader partnership with local agencies.
Links
Definitions
Wellbeing:
“Wellbeing is about people, and creating the conditions for us all to thrive. It’s quality of life and prosperity, positive physical and mental health, sustainable thriving communities”. whatworkswellbeing.org
“Tackling preventable disease by shaping the built environment so that healthy activities and experiences are integral to people’s everyday lives”. Design Council
“Placemaking that takes into consideration neighbourhood design (such as increasing walking and cycling), improved quality of housing, access to healthier food, conservation of, and access to natural and sustainable environments, and improved transport and connectivity.” Public Health England