Urban Design Study
Urban Design Strategy
Masterplan
Urban Realm Strategy
Urban Strategy
Urban Vision
Design Strategy…

Call it what you like the list goes on, but how do we go back and ‘constructively critique’ what has been done to see if we achieved the objectives that are so easy to write, if at all?

The Farringdon Urban Design Strategy:
‘The study aims to set out strategies and recommendations for how to integrate a high-quality public transport interchange within Farringdon, and how to increase capacity within Farringdon in terms of public space and new development.’ http://www.lda.gov.uk/projects/Farringdonuds/index.aspx

and…

Six urban design objectives were identified and agreed:

•Make Farringdon more Farringdon.
•Increase synergy between uses, places and stakeholders.
•Create an integrated public transport interchange and movement strategy.
•Make the most of the public realm.
•Make the most of new development and uses.
•Make Farringdon more sustainable.

Make Farringdon more Farringdon, what does this mean? How can you be sure if this has been achieved? Who’s the person/s that will assess this, judge and tick or cross the box depending on their findings what ever they may be?

I’m as guilty as the next person for writing what some would call ‘inspirational goals’, its easy to write them: Make London more London, does this mean more iconic black cabs, red telephone boxes and poor transport infrastructure!? Well I suppose it depends on what London means to the individual! My perception will differ wildly from a visitor, resident or commuter, so perhaps an object such as this is personal?

Make Farringdon more sustainable a reasonable objective and one that could be easily measured if your definition of sustainability is recycling or energy efficiency. I suppose what I’m getting at is, its easy to write a sound bite, harder to deliver it.