Planning and Environmental Regulation: Urban Design

This document discusses the role of urban design in planning and environmental regulation, specifically focusing on the Better Placed policy in New South Wales (NSW). It provides an overview of the policy's objectives, including addressing health concerns, resilience in climate, high population growth, shifting lifestyles and demographics, and urban structure and renewal. The document also discusses the policy's design approaches, such as design review and competitive design processes.

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PLANNING AND ENVIRONMENTAL REGULATION: URBAN DESIGN
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Contents
1. Summarize the Content........................................................................................................................3
1.1. Introduction.................................................................................................................................3
1.2. NSW Priorities and Objectives....................................................................................................4
1.2.1. Health..................................................................................................................................4
1.2.2. Resilience in Climate...........................................................................................................5
1.2.3. High Population Growth......................................................................................................6
1.2.4. Shifting Lifestyles and Demographics..................................................................................6
1.2.5. Urban Structure and Renewal..............................................................................................7
1.2.6. Availing Timely and Steady Review of Key Projects............................................................8
2. Discuss the Role of This Policy in the NSW Planning System............................................................8
2.1. Policy Design Approaches...........................................................................................................9
2.1.1. Tool for Design Review........................................................................................................9
2.1.2. Acts as a Competitive Design Process...............................................................................10
2.1.3. Oversees Procurement Approaches...................................................................................10
2.1.4. Provides Comprehensive Project Information...................................................................10
2.1.5. Ensures Collective Involvement.........................................................................................11
2.1.6. Provides Supporting Documents........................................................................................11
2.1.7. Form of Design Research..................................................................................................12
3. Conclusion.........................................................................................................................................12
References.................................................................................................................................................13

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Planning and Environmental Regulation: Urban Design
1. Summarize the Content
1.1. Introduction
New and original development in New South Wales (NSW) has the ability to change
people’s livelihood, alter the economy for the better, and enrich the environment. The layout of
the built environment determines where the inhabitants of the state work, live, and interact. As
such, the quality of a design stipulates how spaces operate, interrelate, and contribute towards the
general surrounding in which the users or audiences support (Fisher, 2016, p. 2). Better Placed is
a policy in the state’s planning system targeted at the collective needs, ambitions, and prospects
of all its inhabitants. It aims to augment all features of NSW’s environment, to produce modern
and improved spaces and architecture, and thus create more enhanced communities,
neighborhoods, towns, and cities. In order to fulfill this objective, good design was emphasized
as the main developmental aspect of the project strategy and description, particularly with regard
to the basic concepts, development, and maintenance of the intended outcome. Similarly, the
policy propagated a baseline using which the state’s inhabitants may expect to realize good
design across all other projects in the state (NSW, 2017, p. 15). The concept of a good design
was integrated into the policy as a form of aspiration into the vision of NSW, and defines the
desired operational process upon which the objectives of the built environment may be attained.
According to the policy, the design is targeted at achieving a useable, attractive, and pleasing
spaces targeted at providing great value to everyone for the longest possible period of time via
different partnerships, stakeholders, and projects (See Figure 1). The purpose of this paper,
therefore, is to summarize the contents of the Better Placed policy, and to specify its role in the

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New South Wales’ planning system as a tool for continually increasing the social, economic, and
environmental values of the state.
Figure 1: Better Placed State-wide Priorities (NSW, 2017, p. 15)
1.2. NSW Priorities and Objectives
The Better Placed Policy propagates for efficient urban design purposed to solve the
following challenges in NSW:
1.2.1. Health
Within the state, there is a growing interest in the effects of the urban environment on its
inhabitants’ health. Sources indicate the presence of a strong correlation between the urban
design, and the increase in chronic illnesses, including obesity, heart disorders, and type-2
diabetes. While the association between these illnesses and the environment is still complex,

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studies show that with the right interconnected factors, it could greatly impact physical
wellbeing. The suggested factors entail the local economy, lifestyle, physical activities, and the
available recreational space. In dealing with these growing health concerns, these diseases as
well as the related social, economic, and environmental stimulators ought to be comprehended
and examined concurrently (Galaxy Poll, 2015, p. 3).
The policy, thus, proposes beneficial design methods and practices by combining the
various factors influencing health, and avails possible solutions that may be used to structure the
environment in a manner that includes cohesive, unified, and long-lasting solutions. The design
methods not only convey intricate factors necessary in creating connective outcomes, but also
integrates feedback acquired from these inputs. The design may also be used to initiate urban
planning prototypes and assess different ideas, while generating feedback applicable in
subsequent activities that address all the initial concerns. As such, the Better Placed policy aims
to provide a design of the urban structure that not only addresses health concerns, but also
includes health priorities in restoring and developing urban layouts (Galaxy Poll, 2015, p. 3).
1.2.2. Resilience in Climate
By focusing on original and creative urban design, the policy will aid in generating
resilient cities better structured and adapted to the forecasted impacts of the changing climate.
The objective is to guarantee that the need for better investment and urban construction leads to
the creation of more sustainable urban spaces useful to all inhabitants of NSW. The decisions
outlined in the policy, thus, affects the current and future livelihood of everyone in the state.
Using the proper design policy, as studies show, the state can easily comprehend and underlying
associations between the climate, and the resources needed to mitigate future consequences.
Similarly, by initiating a better layout for the state’s environment, Better Placed may potentially

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inhibit any extreme climatic conditions by reducing the rate of carbon emissions, for instance, by
advocating for the use of more sustainable resources, building materials, and sources of energy
(Hu, 2012, p. 11).
1.2.3. High Population Growth
Surveys indicate that the population of the state is expected to increase to approximately
10 million people within the next 18 years. This was based on the population increase of more
than 2.5 million people by 2011. In Sydney alone, the population increase is projected to rise by
more than 2 million people within the next 20 years, resulting in up to 6.4 million inhabitants in
the city. This increase, irrespective of other associated factors, will have a major impact on the
current urban environment. Studies show that city structures, including the manner in which
citizens housing and transportation needs are met, as well as how efficiently the urban planning
system sustains the population growth is mandatory in attaining the most suitable outcomes for
the state. Despite the fact that 97% of all Australians believe the town and city structures would
be more conducive if public buildings and spaces were better developed, the possibility of poorer
design qualities may lead to a collective fear of urban change. Consequently, Better Placed
proposes an increased emphasis on the ways in which the urban planning system can better
understand design to utilize these design methods in the initial stages, and better engage the
community in creating their desired outcome (Hu, 2012, p. 13).
1.2.4. Shifting Lifestyles and Demographics
The population in NSW is not only rapidly rising, but also growing older. Forecasts
indicate that the state’s population, by 2036, will have more than 2.6 million people aged over 60
years; this is an increase of at least 50%. Another great concern is the fast-growing youth
population. Within the next 20 years, the size of the population aged between 0 to 19 years will

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have increased by 24%, which is approximately 2.4 million people. Owing to the change in
demographics, NSW will require more diverse housing and transportation systems, and
community buildings in support of the rising population. The Better Placed policy suggests that
the proper use of design and analysis may be used to better comprehend how both the older and
young population would like to live, particularly with regard to the geographical location, and
the design of all places and recreational spaces. The objective of the policy, in this case, is to
provide a human-based solution, which equitably integrates the requirements and aspirations of
all inhabitants (NSW, 2017, p. 20).
1.2.5. Urban Structure and Renewal
The government, in association with the private sector, seeks to develop and enhance the
state’s current infrastructure, from its transportation systems, educational and health institutions,
to other min government-owned spaces since large scale urban upgrades are significantly
challenging, all projects undertaken concurrently must take place in close proximity. A good
design project can, thus, easily aid in making any disjointed parts appear more holistic, while
integrating several facets of the projects, such as the old and new urban ideas, the target user
groups, necessary renovations needed in the architectural and recreational spaces in the area. The
Better Placed policy purposes to create an effective design process that will collectively enhance
the benefits of all the state’s investments, and ascertain that the new improvements enhance the
existing spaces and buildings, and yields better returns. The increased value of the improved
spaces in the public domain is crucial, particularly because it has the ability, in its earlier stages,
to ensure the right support for better outcomes in consequent projects (Trivess, et al., 2014, p. 6).

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1.2.6. Availing Timely and Steady Review of Key Projects
Another significant objective of the Better Placed policy is to oversee the review and
restructuring of key urban design projects as stipulated by the State Significant Development.
The policy avails the state’s urban planning system with clear and concise urban design
strategies that work concurrently with the several government mechanisms, such as, the Design
Review, to develop a system for the most efficient design and implementation practice.
Similarly, the policy stipulates the relevant processes necessary in ensuring the smooth running
of operations, defines the interval of review processes, thereby guaranteeing efficient outcomes.
By so doing, the policy efficiently defines the best ways for eliminating risk, while maximizing
the effects of all structural improvements (Trivess, et al., 2014, p. 8).
2. Discuss the Role of This Policy in the NSW Planning System
The role of the policy is to aid in the delivery of a functional urban design in NSW by
acting as a guideline for the practice processes and set objectives. The policy also serves to direct
projects towards the realization of the most practical and efficient outcomes. Similarly, the
policy calls for the association, interrelation, and unification of the entire planning, design and
implementation process during the initial stages, for the purpose of ensuring long-lasting impacts
related with regard to project coordination, decision making, and the changing of key systems
and practices. As such, the policy provides a way of integrating more efficient practices into the
NSW planning system, and enhances the government’s response towards the entire state’s
economic and planning system. The policy’s following design approaches better outline the
design’s role, all of which advocate for adoption as concerned with three main sectors: the urban
planning industry, professional institutions, government agencies, and the general community
(Walker, 2017, p. 5).

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2.1. Policy Design Approaches
The role of the policy is to facilitate NSW’s design approach based on the concept of a
project, from the initial planning process, to its final construction and operation. Since good
design very rarely takes place in isolation, the NSW government took the initiative to join forces
with other pre-established design processes, such as, Design Excellence and Design Review. The
policy, thus, compliments potential different mechanisms by providing alternative solutions
during the various stages of the design process, and suggests the most useful possible mechanism
relevant in the implementation of the project’s type, scale, and complexity (Freestone, et al.,
2016, p. 12).
2.1.1. Tool for Design Review
The policy offers a design review that is both tried and tested with regard to enhancing
urban design. If executed properly, it ensures a process that is both cost-effective, and efficient in
enhancing urban value and quality. Similarly, the policy avails advice that is unique,
independent, and professional with regard to architecture, infrastructure, and recreational spaces.
For example, with regard to larger projects, the policy suggests the use of panels entailing
various individuals from a variety of disciplines, as well as environmental experts tasked with
making initial assessments of the project proposals. On the other hand, the policy also suggests
the use of internal consultation among professional colleagues for much smaller projects. Being
that the policy suggests a variety of methods suitable for different types of projects, it is, thus,
significant in ensuring professional adherence to a structure influenced by proper statutory
planning rules and regulations (Freestone, et al., 2016, p. 9).

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2.1.2. Acts as a Competitive Design Process
The policy embodies a competitive design process suitable for the generation of new
ideas, or in the sourcing of solutions for complicated risks and briefs. The policy’s role, in this
case, is to act as a process on its own, and encourage creativity in a unified environment rich
with new ideas and possibilities (NSW, 2017, p. 35).
2.1.3. Oversees Procurement Approaches
Due to the potentially huge risk associated with the procurement of a design on the final
outcome of the design, sources indicate that the procurement of a better delivery practice could
significantly support a functional design. As such, the Better Placed policy acts as a good design
process, within which the successful procurement of designs can occur, such as, the employment
of a highly skilled design team, and sourcing of different perspectives from an integrated
thinking system (Lee, 2015, p. 8).
2.1.4. Provides Comprehensive Project Information
The initial use of brief development and vital project information are vital in determining
design outcomes. Much like selecting the best design team informs the long-term efficiency of
the project, giving enough time to the section of the design team is also vital when it comes to
delivering the aspirations of the client’s objectives. To realize and create a professional working
environment between the client and the rest of the team members, the Better Placed policy
provides a briefing document with a set of objectives purposed to outline the project’s goals,
client relationships, and act as a guide in coming up with possible solutions for operational
hiccups. The policy is, thus, an evolving document that concisely outlines every step of the
project, and provides all associated documents relevant to the design process, such as,
monitoring and evaluation tests, and accompanying proposals (Lee, 2015, p. 8).

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2.1.5. Ensures Collective Involvement
The policy is a tool through which the stakeholders and members of the community can
work together to determine the project layouts, design structure, perform tests for desired
outputs, and create a more unified vision of the places and buildings that they wish to develop
(see figure 2 below). The cooperation leads to the development of all-inclusive proposals, better
targeted to fulfill the desires of the population. The policy suggests a design process suited to
include the people, and produce results desired by the people (NSW, 2017, p. 32).
Figure 2: Stakeholder Involvement in Design Process (NSW, 2017, p. 33)
2.1.6. Provides Supporting Documents
As previously established, the Better Placed policy entails a set of documents, such as,
design manuals, and case studies that the NSW planning system may use to support relevant
projects. It enhances both the undertaking of best practices, and provides tools necessary in
comprehending potentially complex projects. For example, while the case studies can specify
possible project successes, the manuals entails guidelines depicting the lessons learnt from
previous mistakes (Freestone, et al., 2016, p. 15).

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2.1.7. Form of Design Research
In its more specific form, the policy acts as a research document which specified the
methods that the NSW planning system may adopt to gather relevant data and information, and
any other useful fact relevant in the advancement of knowledge. In this instance, the Better
Placed policy is design in contemporary research that incorporates original and divergent
thinking as a means of analysis, and in revealing possible opportunities in the proposed urban
planning strategies (NSW, 2017, p. 35).
3. Conclusion
Better Placed is intended to deliver the kind of urban environment that NSW constantly
aspires, and provides the most efficient way that all inhabitants, including civilians and
professionals, may easily comprehend the benefit of improved urban design. The policy is not
only geographically specific, but also provides methods and strategies consistent with the
inhabitant’s character and objectives. Since the policy also adheres to the evolving nature of the
state and its population, it acts as a tool for environmental responsiveness seeking sustainability
and better standards of living in all cities and towns. The policy is founded on the belief that
sustainability is no optional, but fundamental in attaining the holistic advancement of the entire
Australian community. Thus, it proposes a design that advocates against economic and social
inequity by suggesting inclusive implementation approaches, and wholesome aesthetic
environments. By so doing, the policy ascertains both ongoing value for the architecture,
recreational spaces, and economic markets, but similarly ensures execution using the least
possible costs. Creating the shared value will, in time, lead to a high return on investment, the
development of a more collaborative environment, and a thriving physical environment that is
aesthetically pleasing.

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References
Fisher, T., 2016. Designing our Way to a Better World, Minessota: University of Minnesota
Press.
Freestone, R., Gethin, D., Hu, R. & Baker, S., 2016. Institutionalizing Design Excellence in
Central Sydney. International Planning History Society Proceedings, 17(7), pp. 5-17.
Galaxy Poll, 2015. The Benefits of Good Design, Sydney: RMIT University.
Hu, R., 2012. Shaping a global Sydney. Planning Perspectives, 27(3), pp. 12-16.
Lee, L., 2015. An Integrated Design for SA, Sydney: RMIT University.
NSW, 2017. Better Placed: An integrated design policy for the built environment in NSW,
Sydney: Government Architect New South Wales.
Trivess, M., Martel, A. & Horne, R., 2014. The Value of Design Project, Melbourne: RMIT
University.
Walker, R., 2017. Celebrating Design Without Contending with It. The New Yorker, 14
February, pp. 5-6.