Context-Responsive Design and Local Distinctiveness

There is no single or universal version of quality design. What is right in one place might be quite unsuitable in another. Quality design comes from achieving a balanced response to all the factors influencing a scheme. It will require housing layouts with individuality and which respond to a local context by making the most of a site's characteristics and its landscape or townscape setting. Quality design also entails variety and contrast within developments, in layout, in boundaries and planting, and in adapting the buildings and spaces around them, to enhance local distinctiveness. It requires a greater attention to detail and consideration of other matters which contribute to a sense of place, such as the creation of landmarks and the use of public art.