Local context and character in design

A knowledge and understanding of the local context and character is necessary in order to achieve high quality, sustainable design that successfully integrates new development with existing built form. This requires a thorough understanding of the city's physical form, historical development, uses, character areas, relationships between different areas of the city and patterns of activity which are already established. Getting to grips with the contextual backdrop at an early stage of the design process will help to develop a sound concept around which any design is then structured.