1.6 Legible

Street types should not be standardised but should have a clear hierarchy, built up from a series of components (footway, cycle track, street trees, verge, swale, landscape, views, etc.) to suit their position in the hierarchy scale.

Guidance on the design of these individual elements is given in the Detailed Design Technical Sheets. At the Concept Design stage it is important that a logical hierarchy of streets is developed and agreed with the City Council.

Streets and spaces should be well defined by buildings to help aid legibility and wayfinding. For example a tree lined avenue through a development can be an easy and effective way to help people find their way around.

The Housing Design Guide: Ten tips for healthy, legible places gives further guidance. Giving streets a name in tune with the street hierarchy is also relevant to aid legibility. People are familiar with names that reflect the characteristics of the place, like Windmill Road, Cherry Lane, Waterside Avenue, etc.

Design Criteria

1.6.1 Streets, landscape and buildings were designed in coordination to achieve a coherent scheme.

1.6.2 The proposals follow the guidance of the Ten tips for healthy, legible places.

1.6.3 Street names have been considered to help people understand the place and create a mental map of the area.