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SHETLAND ISLANDS COUNCIL

TOWARDS BETTER DESIGN IN SHETLAND

Guidance on Design

December 2008

Produced by Shetland Islands Council Development Plans Planning Service Grantfield Lerwick Shetland ZE1 0NT Tel: 01595 744800 www.shetland.gov.uk Development Plans Officer: Jon Molloy You may contact the Development Plans Team at: email: [email protected] tel: Jon Molloy 01595 744836

Mid Yell School Visual Gareth Hoskins Architects

(cover photo Mark Sinclair – Phat Sheep Photography)

Towards Better Design

Development Plans December 2008

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Contents Page

Introduction 4

Aim 5

How Does Design Affect Choice 8

Design of Places 11

Design of Landscape 13

A Sustainable Future 19

Sustainability in Design 20

SIC Key Design Objectives 22

A Legacy for the Future 24

Conclusion 25

Questions for Designers 26

Digital Resources 28

Towards Better Design in Shetland 29

A Policy on Architecture (2001) 30

Planning Advice Notes 31

Shetland Planning Policy 33

Extracts – Shetland Local Plan 34



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Scottish Natural Heritage HQ Inverness - Keppie Design

INTRODUCTION Everyone owns Design; the built environment impacts on all members of society in their day-to-day lives. Design has a strong influence on the quality of people’s experience of the environment. This Advice Note provides background to the preparation of Interim Planning Policy on Design in the built environment, and should be seen as a tool to promote better standards of design.

Everyone has views on design – new buildings can be considered as icons of modern design by some and as grotesque travesties by others. Even those with informed views, such as architects and urban designers, will disagree over specific buildings and consensus is often difficult to achieve. However, in an area where subjectivity can override objective judgment, there is clearly a need to provide some ground rules. Ground rules provide clarity of expectation both for those who prepare design schemes in Shetland and for development management officers and the Planning Committee who must judge whether proposals are

environment refers not only vidual buildings, but also to joining buildings and spaces. ban Design Alliance as the:

ary process of shaping the wns and villages.”

which may encompass roads, blic realm” is seen as being themselves.

acceptable.

Design in the context of the built to the architectural quality of indihow their design responds to adThis has been defined by the Ur

“Collaborative and multi disciplinphysical setting for life in cities, to

The spaces between buildings,footways and open space “the pujust as important as the buildings

Bad design has a negative affect on the external image of Shetland and ultimately COSTS the community in terms of tourism and poor self-perception, good design added value to a built environment and gives a sense of place.



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Good design is reliant on the skills and abilities of the design teams involved, supported by investors and developers who are keen to achieve high quality schemes. Shetland’s planning and development management functions are also essential elements towards the achievement of high standards of design in development. Policies are already in place at a national and local level to help achieve good design.

Aqualibrium, Campbelltown Page & Park Architects

AIM The design quality of our buildings and public spaces is important. They set the scene for our lives and help to create a positive environment that nurtures and inspires us, as individuals and as communities. Good design supports the economy and meets the challenges of creating a dynamic Shetland with strong visual identities and a sustainable future.

Shetland Islands Council believes that high standards in architecture and design should be promoted. High standards of design should be inclusive and be afforded to all end users of buildings and spaces no matter their perceived importance.

The Scottish Executive, through its ‘Policy on Architecture of Scotland’, ‘Building our Legacy – statement on Scottish architectural policy 2007’ which followed on from ‘Designing Places’ policy statement, Scottish Planning Policies and a variety of Planning Advice Notes, has put design at the forefront of the planning process. These documents re-emphasise that design is a material consideration in determining planning applications.

When a planning application is made, the design quality of the proposal is amongst the matters considered and assessed by Shetland Islands Council, acting in the public interest.

The following pages identify the objectives of Shetland Islands Council in achieving improvements in Design of Places, Design of Buildings and Design of landscapes and give some guidance on how to put these principles into action.



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Objectives: • To ensure that new development is of the highest design quality and

respects, safeguards and enhances the special character of the area. • To ensure that Shetland develops in an integrated and sustainable manner. • To create new and distinctive places which enhance the special character of

Shetland and meet the needs of residents and other users. This guide sets out the key issues that must be addressed by anyone proposing to build in Shetland or re-design any part of its environment. In recent years the town centre has benefited from a number of high quality investment and high profile and often-prestigious developments such as Lloyds bank and the new museum. These have had a major impact on its appearance and functioning. Modern buildings and innovative architecture have been inserted into historic settings without upsetting the basic harmony of the environment.

Borneo Sporenburg represents about one third of an enormous redevelopment of Amsterdam's Eastern Docklands area (photo J Molloy)

In the future the development and redevelopment of sites poses significant opportunities for icon design that demonstrates all the Shetland can not only aspire to but actively achieve. These opportunities must be grasped, to create high quality new environments, which


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contribute to the Council’s aims of achieving sustainable development through good design. Physical infrastructure and amenities such as open space for a cross-section of community needs, helps to achieve balanced, well planned communities and places that will be robust and hold their value over time and improve the Quality of Life for those in the community. Through “Designing Places”, published in 2001 by the Scottish Executive, Scottish Ministers have signalled the importance they attach to achieving improvements in the design and quality of new development. Planning authorities are encouraged to adopt an approach that does not focus solely on new buildings but also on the way that all buildings, old and new, work with each other to create the spaces and sense of place that influence the quality of life for communities. “Designing Places” also identifies six qualities, which create successful places:

1. They have a distinct sense of identity

2. Their spaces are safe and pleasant

3. They are easy to move around, especially on foot - movement

4. Visitors feel a sense of welcome

5. They adapt easily to changing circumstances – making a place adaptable

6. They make good use of scarce resources – they are sustainable.

Shetland Museum & Archives (Shetland Cultural Strategy 2004-2008)

December 2008



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HOW DOES DESIGN AFFECT CHOICE? The design of a place and buildings affect the choices people can make, at many levels: • It affects where people can go, and where they cannot: the quality we shall call

permeability. Are buildings and places welcoming? • It affects the range of uses available to people: the quality we shall call variety. Is it

obvious that the public are welcome? • It affects how easily people can understand what opportunities it offers: the quality

we shall call legibility. • It affects the degree to which people can use a given place for a different purpose:

the quality we shall call robustness. • It affects whether the detailed appearance of the place makes people aware of the

choices available: the quality we shall call visual appropriateness. • It affects people’s choi • It affects the extent to which people

we shall call personalisation. This list is not exhaustive but covers the key issupurpose is to show how these qualitand outdoor places. (Responsive Environments – Bently, Alcock, MurDESIGN OF PLACES – ‘SENSE OF PLACE’ Definition of Good Design Where good design can be measured in terms of technicaorientation to take advantage of solar gain, and structural thermal performance it is easy to evaluate. Other aspects of the design includes the relationship of buildings to landscape and context, the relationship between internal and external space, the changing qualities of light, the feeling of delight, peace or excitement that a place engenders, having a workspace that encourages work, living space that makes living a pleasure and a grouping of buildings that enhance social interaction. These are much harder to define and to some extent subjective, but of crucial importance. Scale, form, proportions, colour, texture, density, composition and rhythm are all aspects of design that should to be considered and if skilfully combined is likely to result in good design.

Culloden Battlefield Memorial Centre photo: Andrew Lee

ce of sensory experience: the quality we shall call richness.

can put their own stamp on a place: with what

es in making places responsive and its ies can make and achieve quality design of buildings

rain, McGlynn, Smith (1985) )

l or operational achievements like



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ousing designs that tend to

of pastiche when not afforded through, can

iveness.

courage well thought out heir context, and make more imaginative use of

o safeguard existing identity

Design is not just a visual concept, it is also about making places work better and it goes beyond aesthetic considerations into the realms of function and durability which ties into the aim of achieving sustainable development. Good design is not an added extra but a necessity. The links between good design and good planning are fundamentally clear.

Mid Yell School Visual Gareth Hoskins Architects Shetland Islands Council is not trying to determine the style or impose an aesthetic; the designer should be able to make judgments based on a particular site, location and user requirements. It is the applicant’s role to deliver good design and it is recommended that they seek the advice of skilled architects and designers and produce a design statement to explain the design as part of any application. The following ‘Design Principles’ go some way towards encouraging high-quality sustainable developments by giving guidance to enhance creativity, rather than setting rules that would limit it. Design Principles Principle one: to maintain and improve the identity and character of Shetland. Applicants must be able to identify and capture the character and essence of a place, however intangible, so that it’s values can be strengthened or maintained through the design proposals. It is often due to the combined impact of a number of small interventions that can detract from the architectural quality and character of the place. Sensitive design therefore has to be considered at all levels from a dormer extension to a large hdevelopment. Applicants often propose ‘safe’mimic their surroundings and utilise and mixture architectural details. Such designs, contribute to the destruction of local distinct To counter these trends, Shetland Islands Council aims to encontemporary designs that respect tstructure, technology, function, materials and visual interest tand evolve that identity for the future.

Places that are distinctive and designed with an understanding of surroundings are likely to be enjoyed, cared for and valued.



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Principal two: to encourage innovation and sustainability in design. The quality of the architecture and of our rural and urban places reflects the cultural aspirations of Shetland and it is vital to the perception of Shetland as a place of imagination, creativity and innovation. Designers have a key role to play by conserving the character, which gives value to our built heritage. It is possible to achieve a sustainable future through responsive specification and stimulating local economy through contemporary, sensitively integrated, well-designed and efficient developments, which positively enhance our built environment. The innovative design process avoids the imposition of standardised solutions, which makes it difficult to tell one place apart from another.

Principle three: to encourage well-connected welcoming places. A good design must have well-connected routes for ease of access and permeability, have clearly defined boundary between public, semi-public and private space and be designed to be safe and secure. It is important for designers to recognize the importance of connected routes between places to avoid soulless forgotten places; this will involve multi-disciplined approaches to determine layouts for new developments.

Robin House Childrens Hospice photo: Andrew Lee

Priority should be redirected from the needs of the car and other motor vehicles to include all road users, including pedestrians and cyclists. Well designed and maintained public spaces, whether they are footpaths, streets, parks, or squares can be seen as places for people to meet as well as routes for transportation. They also provide integration between different places, spaces and buildings and are encouraged to be part of new developments.



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Active street design is important to provide vitality, safety, ease of movement and distinct identity; this will require street design to be integrated with landscape design and building design. By applying these principles, Shetland Islands Council aims to raise the standards of design quality and the built environment when determining planning applications, to ensure that Shetland is a welcoming successful and creative place. Shetland Islands Council believes sustainable development is achieved through close relations between innovation, conservation and regeneration; balancing dynamic change on one hand with fossilisation on the other; creating a place recognized for its heritage but also for its vitality and vision. Building and urban design involves particular skills and applicants are recommended to employ the services of skilled design professionals inclusive of Architects,

Urban Designers, Engineers and Landscape Architects to give advice on appropriate design solutions to any given project.

photo: Jon Molloy

All applications should consider and provide information in the form of a Design Statement where necessary to demonstrate compliance with these three principles, as set out in PAN 68 and CABE (Commission for Architecture and the Built Environment) advice notes.

The designer should consider the relationship of a design to its context. This does not necessarily mean that the aims of design should be to ‘fit in’. Difference and a variety can be a virtue in design as much as sameness and conformity. There are places for both prominent buildings and inoffensive buildings in the built environment, relating to the buildings context and to its purpose and status.



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DESIGN OF PLACES Shetland Islands Council has produced this guide to help conserve and strengthen the special character of the built environment in Shetland, especially its traditional towns and villages. It will give the individual house builder or developer an indication of the standards expected when extending an existing settlement or creating a new place within it. Particular emphasis is placed upon improving the quality and attractiveness of residential areas through an innovative and multi disciplined approach. Existing settlement patterns vary greatly; the traditional settlements of Shetland are made up of a tapestry of spatial experiences, creating a sequence of legible and memorable places. As you travel about Shetland the long established settlement clusters are all clearly recognizable. You know where you are in Shetland from Fair Isle and Dunrossness to Unst. Design of Buildings - the importance of Architectural Design This guidance relates to the architectural design of buildings, both new and building extensions, and how they relate to a specific location or area. There is an overlap between the ‘design of places’ and the design of buildings, in particular the height and proportion of the buildings elevations. The architectural design of the building or it’s extension will be a material consideration in determination of a planning application, and inappropriate design is liable to lead to the refusal of planning consent. Detailed architectural design considerations of the context of a site are likely to be an important planning issue in the following situations: • Where uniformity of building architecture contributes significantly to the special

character of an area. Often this is the case in Conservation Areas, but it can occur elsewhere.

• Where development would affect a building which is listed or of special architectural

or historic interest or its setting within a Designed Landscape. • Where development is to take place in the close context of a street frontage or the

frontage to a public place. This includes extensions to existing buildings that may be seen from the street or a public place.

• In the countryside where buildings are invariably seen in three dimensions, making

facades less important than the appearance of the building as a whole. In the same respect buildings on the edges of towns and villages also play an important role as they form the interface between the settlement and the countryside.

Robin House Childrens Hospice

photo: Andrew Lee


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Conversely there will be greater freedom of the individual design expression in the following situations: • Where development is envisaged in the street or area where there is a wide variety

of designs, architectural styles and detailed buildings. • Where development of a large site is proposed, which would be large enough to

accommodate and create its own individual design identity. • Where the proposed design would not really be seen in the context of surrounding

buildings or public spaces or where a design may be less important than density of scale. The example being land area within the centre of a street block or a site, which is visually separated from its neighbours.

Traditional or Contemporary Architecture A sensitively designed contemporary architectural approach is more likely to be acceptable in many situations. The context of the site, scale of the development and its relationship to the surroundings will determine its acceptability. A contemporary design solution may not have the design problems often associated with the traditional approach. A wide range of modern materials can be used in contemporary design, where they would be inappropriate in a traditional designed building. Being contemporary does not necessarily mean currently fashionable, but instead modern design, which relates to our current way of life and living patterns. When an additional architectural approach is required or desired, it can often present design problems. If this is not fully addressed it can lead to second-rate architecture. Any new building project following the traditional approach needs to be very exact and accurate in terms of scale, proportions, materials and even minor details, if the finished result is to have any architectural credibility. This will involve careful research and specifying very specialist building materials. Without extremely careful consideration of these aspects, the result can be seen as a very poor and unconvincing pastiche, which, even at a glance can be seen to be something other than what it pretends to be. By contrast contemporary design will tend to have a sense of honesty about it. Although it may have the potential to have a more noticeable impact as a consequence of its essentially modern nature, it provides a sound basis for achieving buildings of their time. This does not necessarily mean that alien forms are introduced, instead and reinterpretation and evolution of our traditional buildings. With the exception of the New Town Conservation Area within Lerwick, our towns and villages grew slowly and organically where roads converged and following the natural contours of the land. They are often near bridges where ways often meet across the valley. They often take advantage of narrow strips of good building land between bog and bray. Shetland crofters had a distinctive link with the sea for fishing, seabirds, shellfish, kelp & seaweed so we see shore settlements often in sheltered voes. This frequently resulted in

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settlement patterns along the shoreline or depicting an informal distorted grid of tracks lanes and spaces. This is a marked contrast to the modern suburban characteristic layouts ruled by the car, where traffic is safe and there are anonymous dead ends. When laying out new developments, it is important that buildings are not sited as indiscriminate individual units having no relationship to one another. Consideration must be given to creating employment areas with the clear ‘sense of place’ and a local identity that successfully meshes into the existing site’s context. New developments should comply with the following urban design objectives:

DESIGN OF LANDSCAPE Shetland Islands Council attaches particular importance to the design of landscape to raise the quality of development and assist in the promotion of biodiversity. As already indicated in the existing landscape guidance notes, features such as streams, walls or Dykes and trees should be identified and, where appropriate, retained and suitably integrated into developments, together with the provision for adequate open space in the vicinity to ensure their visual settings are protected. Regard shall be given to the ways of integrating pleasant, attractive and landscaped areas of public open space that integrate children’s play spaces as an intrinsic element of any new development. Open space not only has recreational and social value, but it is also considered vital to the overall design quality of the development. All open space should be suitably located proportioned and planted. Narrow or leftover areas will not be acceptable; the open space should be designed to be useful, and could act as a vital focal point adding value to development. Roads and public spaces are an important element in the successful design of any development. All roads should be planned and designed to contribute to the overall safety and quality of the development. Issues include good movement patterns and connected routes providing convenient routes to the wider road networks, public transport links and public facilities. Road layouts must combine technical requirements and a regard for quality of public realm in order to be acceptable. Applicants will be required to carry out all landscape works associated with their developments and must provide establishment maintenance and ongoing long-term management. Key functions which public open space should perform: • Enhance and protect the landscape setting of settlements. • Provide informal recreational opportunities close to home such as walking, cycling,

play, exercise. • Provide informal sports provision. • Provide opportunities for well designed attractive SUDs schemes and increased

local bio-diversity.

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• Protecting existing trees and woodland is important to the setting, character and amenity of settlements.

• Incorporating children’s play equipment areas and skating facilities into sufficient

well-designed land.

Proposals and Priorities Whilst there is some existing design guidance available for Shetland, this guidance is now in need of review and is by no means comprehensive. An approach is needed which will provide a range of guidance for all forms of development, from the householder extension to a major development site, and which will translate the national guidance into the local context. Design statements need to cover the following: • Character • Design Vision, based upon the Shetland Context • Topic vision • Area reflective • Good design development sketches and reasons, policy and guidance used. (This

will help the Development Management Team in making a more speedy decision.)

photo: Mark Sinclair Phatsheep Photography

Character This objective is to promote Shetland’s identity from the landscape and townscape, in responding by reinforcing local distinctive patterns of development, landscape and culture. Where local distinctiveness is ignored, new development will reflect only the limited ‘alien’ timber kits available or standard practices using products from the building merchants, the builders can only build with what is available.

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Local distinctiveness requires recognition of local practices on the one hand and the latest building technologies, mass production techniques, building types and the users needs on the other hand. Character and innovation can go together, there is normally no need to disguise the one as the other. The positive features of a place and its people’s contribute to its special character, and sense of identity. Where there are no significant local traditions, the challenge is to create a distinctive place will be all the greater.

Consideration should be given to: • Integrating new development within the natural topography. • Integrating new development into it’s existing setting and introducing walls and

planting. • Responding to the existing building layouts, streets and spaces and ensuring new

buildings relate to the adjacent settlement or street pattern and the connecting spaces.

• Designing buildings in groups rather than on their own. • Designing buildings with respect to mass scale and height. • Designing building form and patterns to site specific. • Designing car parking spaces and their relationship with the buildings to avoid car

orientated frontages. Continuity and Enclosure The objective is to create coherent rural settlements or urban fabric. Successful public spaces that include streets could be ‘home zones’ or pedestrian friendly areas to enclose buildings and landscape. The key is the relationship of one building to another, and that of the building to the space. Consideration should be given to: • Designing building frontages to provide architectural enclosure and overlooking the

street front rather than stand alone houses built in the middle of a site. • Designing to provide clear definition between public, semi-public and private spaces. • Designing main entrances to buildings to be clearly identifiable. • Ensuring the scale of buildings relate to the width and importance of the space

which they enclose. • Designing buildings on corners as a ‘landmark’ building as the architecture turns the

corner. • Designing boundary treatments where buildings are set back from the road edge, to

provide a means of enclosure through the use of walls, railings, hedging etc.

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Quality of the Public Realm This objective is to achieve public spaces and routes that are attractive, safe, maintainable, uncluttered and work effectively for all users. The public realm includes streets, parklands and squares. Consideration should be given to: • Designing public spaces to help give character to an area in the same way the

buildings do. • Designing public spaces with a purpose in mind. Spaces, which are left over after

development, will rarely add to the character of the area. • Designing buildings to provide surveillance of streets

and spaces to increase feeling of safety. • Orientating public spaces to take best advantage of

sunlight and shading and shelter from prevailing wind.

• Co-ordinating street furniture design was spaces

including lighting, signage, railings, paving, seating, shelters and cabinets, cycle racks and works of art.

• Avoiding clutter as a consequence of excessive

street furniture and signage.

Ease of Movement This objective is to increase accessibility and local permeability by making places that connect with each other and are easy to move through, generally putting people before traffic and integrating land uses and transport. Consideration should be given to: • Designing a network of directly connected spaces and routes which readily connect

into existing movement patterns and streets to minimise walking distances to local services and transport facilities.

• Designing streets as public spaces in conjunction with flexible and innovative road

layouts. (see ‘ Roads Development Guide’ and PAN 76 ‘ New Residential Streets’.) • Designing street patterns and the size of blocks to make the place more accessible

and able to mesh with existing patterns of development. • Encouraging slow traffic speeds through the arrangement of buildings, roads and

spaces, rather than engineered traffic calming solutions. • Designing with out signage in main spaces ‘de-clutters’ the public realm and makes

the space feel car free and discourages / slows traffic.

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Understanding This objective is about designing recognizable routes and focal points, intersections and landmarks, which help people, find their way, avoiding disorientation and allowing an understanding of place. Consideration should be given to: • Providing views and vistas focusing on important routes, memorable buildings and

landmark features. Designing corner buildings to provide strong identity and the point of orientation, as well as providing visual interest.

• Designing with careful attention to

detailing and materials to reinforce understanding especially on important buildings.

• Designing landscapes to provide

ing from a mix of

to provided within a

finer

Central Stairwell and Outside Tower : The Lighthouse Glasgow photos: courtesy of The Lighthouse

distinctive public realm, attention to detail and materials to reinforce an understanding of a human scale especially, on important buildings and at ground level and entrances.

• Designing public spaces to include

public art.

Diverse and Adaptable This objective is to increastyles, or think of Edinburgh’s Georgian Streets were the buildhouses, offices, shops, restaurants or flats as thcreate viable places that respond to building or within the street or neiggrain within town centres and within rural Shetla

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se diversity in the choice of robust timeless buildings have been used as

ere spaces work together over time local mixed needs. The mix may be

hbourhood. This mix is likely to be wider and of and settlements.

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ge of uses to help create a balanced community, n be accessed without reliance on the

s, types and tenure to accommodate a range of e mixed in with private housing ‘pepper

its design standard. Subdivision of large sites into different tenure can help create diversity.

ensity development with a good mix to encourage create a diverse, thriving community and a reduced impact on


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Consideration should be given to: • Designing developments with a ran

enjoying a good range of local services, which cacar.

• Designing buildings of different size

different uses over time. Social housing should bpotted’ and not be distinguishable bysmaller developments and areas with

• Designing where appropriate, high d

local services, helping togreen field land.

• Encouraging the use of existing buildings. In the making of places, Shetland Islands Council expects applicants to employ a fully integrated approach to proposals when an application is made. This should involve the design team consisting of a professional architectural designer and if necessary landscape architect and urban designer to take account of all aspects of the development. New innovative ideas are encouraged to avoid the standardised solutions so often associated with new developments. The characterless suburban type of development is no longer acceptable. Instead the applicant should be able to demonstrate the type of place they are creating and how integration with existing fabric and community is achieved, to strengthen and enhance Shetland and its communities of successful towns and villages. Shetland Islands Council expects good building design to be part of every planning application, with a clear understanding of the site and context demonstrated. It is important for applicants to have an understanding of the buildings which contribute to our heritage and safeguard them for future generations but in the same extent allow them to evolve to meet the needs of today and of the future. This will often suggest a modern approach with good use of technology, responsible specification and balancing a traditional approach to construction methods with the aid of age-old crafts and building materials with respect for the buildings context. Any new building should express its time, culture and available technology in the same way that the buildings from the past did. Emphasised through the contrast of form to the inherent strengths in both space and order.

photo: Jon Molloy



A SUSTAINABLE FUTURE Sustainable development and mitigating climate change have moved further to the forefront of government and public concern since 2001, and sharp rises in fuel prices over recent years have contributed to a further sense of urgency for many. ‘Choosing our future: Scotland’s Sustainable Development Strategy’ was published in December 2005 and sets out actions which will be taken forward with shared priorities set out in the UK Framework for sustainable development, published earlier the same year. Following a formal review of the Executive’s response to climate change, the Executive also published ‘Changing Our Way’s: • A Sustainable Development

Implementation Plan (SDIP) is a requirement of local authorities in Scotland to exercise the powers and duties in relation to sustainable development contained in the Local Government in Scotland Act, 2003 “in a way which contributes to the achievement of sustainable development”. It contains actions to ensure implementation on Shetland Island Council’s Climate Declaration. Executive Committee agreed to the development of a SDIP for Shetland by November 2006, at the latest. The SDIP spans activity for the next 5 years and progress against outcomes will be provided to Committee on a six monthly basis. The role of the Policy Unit is to co-ordinate, promote, monitor and report on activity.

• Scotland’s ‘Climate Change Programme’ in March 2006. This strengthens the

original Programme, published in November 2000, and represents a stepping up of the Executive’s ambition and action to tackle climate change.

• Report to SIC Executive Committee, 20.06.06 PL-02-07-F (Minute Ref: 30/06). This

implementation plan was approved by Council in 13.12. 06, alongside agreement to sign the Scottish Climate Change Declaration.

• The challenges of sustainable development and climate change establish a new and

increasingly complex agenda for architecture. Decisions we take today about the design, construction and layout of the built environment will have a profound effect on whether we can achieve our objectives of building a sustainable future and how we conserve our existing resources. The way that our buildings perform can make a significant contribution to reducing CO2 emissions – and there is a real opportunity for clients, designers and the wider construction industry to work together in tackling one of the most important challenges that we face as a society.

• We believe that good architecture and design can and must start to lead the way in

addressing how a sustainable future can be successfully delivered.

The government wants all new homes to be carbon neutral by 2016 carbon neutral by 2016

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SUSTAINABILITY IN DESIGN The architectural design of the building can also offer opportunities for the minimisation of the consumption of scarce or non-renewable resources. The main factors, which any development should consider: • Selecting wherever possible locally sourced materials. • Including features in the design of buildings to generate energy for its occupants and

others. • Considering the

orientation of the building and the internal layout to harness the energy from the sun and shelter from prevailing wind.

• Making full use of

recycled materials. • Selecting materials,

which involved least energy consumption over their lifetime.

• The embodied energy in

some materials can be quite high, but in the case of some installation the considerable amount of energy used their manufacture over the lifetime has to be weighed up at the design process. This embodied energy is very small over the ‘life cycle’ of the building.

• Including high levels of thermal insulation in

the development. • Including features in the design of the building to minimise the consumption of

energy and other natural resources in the lifetime of the building. • Considering the depth of plan to minimise the need for artificial light and ventilation. • Considering terraced forms of construction, which reduces heat loss by minimising

the wall surface/building volume ratio. • Reusing existing buildings.

image reproduced with the permission of the Hockerton Housing Project



Materials In the past, locally available materials were used because of the difficulty or the expense of transportation. Over many years, individual settlements achieved an association with the locally derived materials, which now helps provide distinct identity. Indigenous materials give a sense of place, continuity and permanence, as they are often borrowed from the land around in which the building sits ‘borrow pits’. This can assist in absorbing new development and in most situations, will be acceptable. Mid Yell School Visual Gareth Hoskins Architects

Shetland Island Council has nothing against the use of modern materials, wisely used at the hands of a skilled designer, new materials can be successfully integrated. There are examples of new buildings in Shetland that owe their success largely to the skilful use of modern materials. New products should however be permanent and capable of ageing and weathering in an attractive way. In special areas where there is a historic context, modern materials are often less satisfactory unless selected to complement, or otherwise be compatible with existing traditional building materials, particularly those which give local character and identity. Modern materials used in an attempt to mimic a natural material are best avoided as it promotes dishonesty in design. An example would be concrete products pretending to be natural it is rarely convincing through uniform colour and poorly scaled coursing. In areas were it is desirable due to context, walls or slate roofs should use the natural materials rather than poor copies. An acceptable building form can be made incompatible with its surroundings by the use of unsuitable material finishes. Consideration should be given to the following: • Building materials -- type/colour/texture • Building alignment • Building on spatial scale • Roof shape and pitch • Rhythms of building fall search has payees, gables, or the frontage and widths • Vertical or horizontal in the composition of the elevation fenestration croft rec. • Rhythms of building mass spaces • Landscape and boundary treatment

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The detailed design of buildings has always varied to suit the local climate, site conditions, materials, skills and tradition. This flexibility must be continued to adapt to modern needs and challenges. Creating an appropriate built heritage for the future will require a greater awareness and respect for the design principles of the past.

SIC KEY DESIGN OBJECTIVES We have reviewed the policy objectives in order to respond to these emerging themes as follows: 1. Leadership and delivery: encourage the quality of new developments in both the

public and private sectors to be of a standard that provides an outstanding legacy of well-designed new public buildings, schools, healthcare buildings, homes and neighbourhoods, streets, squares and parks – contributing to the development of successful and sustainable places.

2. Cultural context: stimulate a cultural climate which acknowledges and appreciates

the role of architecture and design in society, which provides a supportive framework for architectural debate and which encourages the widespread involvement of communities in their local built environments.

3. Education, skills and advocacy: steps to put the right skills, tools and support

mechanisms in place to ensure the obstacles and barriers that prevent or hinder the development of good quality sustainable built environments are tackled.

4. Sustainability, accessibility and inclusive design:By strengthening the development

of a built environment and architectural culture which embraces sustainable, inclusive and accessible design as key components of the development industry now and in the future.

photos: Jon Molloy

December 2008


We will encourage a better understanding of the role that our built heritage can play in uture, and better connections between our past, present and future


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BUILT HERITAGE

shaping a sustainable fbuilt environments. (Mike Finnie’s book SHETLAND - an illustrated architectural guide, is a good guild to the sequence of the built heritage of Shetland.)

photos: Planning Service



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HOW MANY OF OUR 20th & 21st CENTURY SHETLAND BUILDINGS WILL BE STILL IN USE AND WORTHY OF NOTE IN 100 YEARS?



A LEGACY FOR THE FUTURE – MAKING A DIFFERENCE Shetland’s distinctive landscape includes not only its celebrated scenery, but also its towns and villages. These are a testament to the skills and abilities of those who commissioned, designed and built the places and spaces we use and inhabit today. If we are to respond effectively to present and future challenges, we must ensure that our new developments provide us with buildings and public spaces that not only serve the needs of the organizations and people who use them, but that also create an attractive and enjoyable environment from which we can all benefit. The creation of such successful and sustainable places will build upon Scotland’s reputation as a place where architecture and urbanism are valued as part of our culture. LEADERSHIP In seeking to effect this change in the quality of the built environment, it is clear that, given the scale of investment in new building programmes such as education, health, housing, regeneration, and transport, the Scottish Executive itself must show leadership and a commitment to good design and architecture in publicly funded construction. The aim must be to secure maximum value from public expenditure by enhancing the lives of our citizens and communities through well-designed, well-built outcomes that contribute positively to their settings, promoting aspiration and a sense of belonging within users whilst, at the same time, using resources responsibly. In other words - helping to create thriving, sustainable settlements. All public bodies need to show their commitment to good design and we have set out some key factors that we would expect to see emerging from public investment in new buildings. All publicly funded new buildings should: • Contribute positively to the public realm, their surrounding context and the local community. • Meet the highest standards of access for people with disabilities. • Work well for all users and add social and business value to service delivery. They should also: • Demonstrate high standards of design quality. • Be well-built, built to last and easy to maintain.

photos : Mark Sinclair/Austin Taylor/Planning Service

December 2008



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energy efficient and minimize the use of resource in ation.

rted and encouraged, and achieving a good quality

ole to play in encouraging applicants to improve wards Better Design in Shetland is guidance to encourage

it is just a string of words, not buildings that we use, lk or homes to make. This document can make a big difference to es, but only if everyone involved uses and interprets the guidance

deliver good design and it is recommended that they seek the ners. The recommendations in this document will and. The document will be used to guide the longside Scottish executive guidance and the Shetland

s in determining the material consideration of design in any

s should be asking of their developments and ments.

• Be ecologically sound, construction and in oper

This good design needs to be suppooutcome does not come automatically or easily.

CONCLUSION Shetland Islands Council has a key rstandards of design. Toapplicants to improve standards, butpart to play, streets to wathe quality of all such placcorrectly and pushes for the best. It is the applicant’s role toadvice of skilled architects and desigapply to all applications across Shetldevelopment management process aStructure and Local Planapplication for planning permission. Below are some questions designerincorporating into their design state

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QUESTIONS FOR DESIGNERS

Has energy consumption in the construction and use been minimised through responsible specification of long-lasting, local or renewable materials, and building orientation and good thermal performance?

• Has open space been created within the development? Does the external space encourage association with the natural seasonal environment?

• Have the roads been designed to be attractive public realm and integrated with

existing road and path networks avoiding disorientating dead ends? • Is the development part of a viable community? Has a ‘sense of place’ been

achieved? • Are there qualitative shortcomings locally that could be remedied with the new

development? • Does the development site contain or propose structural landscaping? • Has the design of buildings, landscaping and design of roads being considered

integrally?

• Where will the new development be visible from?

• Does the proposal relate to the

existing form of the land? • What are the characteristics of local

traditional settlement patterns? • Which characteristics could be used in

a modern context? • Is the scale, layout, density and setting

of the scheme sensitive to the local context?

• Does the architecture proposed give

delight? Is it of its time? Is it site specific?



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The Shetland House The Shetland House – 4.51, has a useful tool for the critique of a building / development design - ASSESSING THE QUALITY of a design. It is obviously difficult to judge the overall quality of a house design, the ‘drawing’ give a 12 point appraisal system, the higher the score the better the design. (below)

Architecture’s ‘art’ of form - space & order is balancing the argument of the art or science, in design and now estimating emissions from new buildings. ‘Art is solving problems that cannot be formulated before they have been solved. The shaping of the question is part of the answer.’

Piet Hein Danish poet and scientist.



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photo : Mike Finnie

DIGITAL RESOURCES Scottish Executive www.scotland.gov.uk/Topics/Planning

Royal Incorporation of Architects in Scotland www.rias.org.uk www.scottisharchitecture.com Sustainable design in architecture and the built environment www.sust.org

Scotland’s Centre for Architecture and Design www.thelighthouse.co.uk

Architecture and Design Scotland www.ads.org.uk.

Urban Design Alliance www.udal.org.uk

Urban Design Group www.udg.org.uk

Commission for Architecture and the Built Environment (CABE) www.cabe.org.uk

Association of Environment Conscious Builders www.aecb.net

Scottish Ecological Design Association www.seda2.org

Shetland Architectural Society www.shetlandarchitecture.co.uk

ACKNOWLEGEMENTS

Scottish Executive

Edinburgh City Council

Perth and Kinross Council

This section is just for member’s information.



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‘TOWARDS BETTER DESIGN IN SHETLAND’ SUPPORTING POLICY CONTEXT TO THESE PRINCIPLES When the European Forum on Architecture Policies came to the UK in 2005 as part of the UK Presidency of the European Union, Scotland hosted the event. They were encouraged strong signs of increased international awareness of the quality of architecture in Scotland. Other local authorities have embraced the challenge of securing quality design in recent years, with significant positive results. Many have used design as a means of promotion and further development. THE PLANNING ETC. (SCOTLAND) ACT 2006 One of our central aims is to nurture a wider understanding and appreciation of the

well-designed places and the positive role that the these.

e the preparation of Development Plans as a bureaucratic exercise. We aim to towards the position where there is greater

s should be trying to achieve in y and the natural and built environment

amental to these goals.

ains provisions regarding Scotland’s ramework (NPF). The NPF was first

utory Scotland-wide planning document, first published by the cond National Planning Framework is a statutory

nction of guiding the spatial development of

entified in the NPF are of a design quality, which befits ional significance.

In recent years the policy and guidance framework has been expanded upon by: Scottish Planning Policy SPP 20 - Role of Architecture and Design Scotland February 2005 (see APPENDIX A) is based on the current range of design based policy and advice documents, together with work being carried out to address skills. This is summarised below along with the development of policy since February 2005.

significant cultural and social value ofPlanning system plays in achieving Many perceivchallenge this perception, and moveunderstanding and commitment in Shetland to what the planterms of beneficial outcomes to the communitsecuring appropriate design is fund NATIONAL PLANNING FRAMEWORK The Planning etc. (Scotland) Act 2006 also contnational spatial strategy, the National Planning Fpublished as a non-statScottish Executive in 2004. The seplanning document and well have the central fuScotland to 2025. One of the key strategic themes idtheir importance as proposals of nat



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A Policy on Architecture (2001)

This has an important bearing on the way in which the planning system should work to deliver good design. In addition, the policy emphasises the importance of collaborative working to ensure that appropriate professional skills are available in the planning process. In June 2006, a debate on

architecture and the impact of the policy was held in the Scottish Parliament. A report on the public consultation was published in December 2006, leading to ‘Building our Legacy: Statement on Scotland’s Architecture Policy 2007’ with the new Shetland Museum and Archive on Hays Dock, highlighted as an example of good architecture.

Building our Legacy: Statement on Scotland’s Architecture Policy 2007 Sets out how we will further draw together and integrate our architecture and planning policies. The modernised building standards system established the Scottish Building Standards Agency (SBSA) in 2004. The new system provides a flexible approach to regulation, which takes Scottish building standards into the 21st century. Although more demanding in building performance, it is less prescriptive in the way that this is achieved, allowing more innovative approaches to building design. Scottish Planning Policy (SPP) 1: The Planning System (2002) SPP 1 sets out the key principles of land use planning in Scotland and reinforces the message that “ design is a material consideration when determining a planning application. A proposal may be refused, and the refusal defended at appeal, solely on design grounds. It is therefore important that planning authorities can draw on expertise with a sound understanding of the principles of design” (Para 19).

“Design is a specialist skill but it is not an exclusive activity and depends on a meaningful and sustained dialogue between designers and clients, users and communities”.

Designing Places (2001) Designing Places, the Executive’s planning policy statement on urban design, demonstrates the value of good design, not only in urban areas but also in rural areas. It emphasises the importance of design considerations in reaching planning decisions. Designing Places is the starting point for a series of actions and initiatives which support the general thrust of raising design awareness.



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Six qualities at the heart of good design: distinctiveness a distinct character and identity safe and pleasant public places are well looked after easy to get to and move around easy to reach, especially on foot welcoming occupants and visitors feel at easte adaptable have the capacity to cope with change resource efficient promote the sustainable use of resources Designing Places: A Policy Statement for Scotland (2001)

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Other SPPs Design issues are taken forward, where relevant, in a number of other planning policy statements, such as SPP 3 Planning for Housing (2003) and SPP 15: Planning for Rural Development (2006) national planning policy focusing on sustainable rural development. It laid particular emphasis on the need for a more aspirational planning vision for rural Scotland.

PLANNING ADVICE NOTES (PANs) PAN 44 Fitting New Housing development into the Landscape (1994) This Planning Advice Note, with the attached consultants’ manual follows up earlier advice in PAN 36 on the sitting and design of new housing in the countryside (which dealt with proposals for individual houses and small groups) with a consideration of design principles for larger developments on the edge of built up areas. The advice offers suggestions to help planners, developers and local communities achieve residential developments which are in harmony with their landscape setting and which make a more positive contribution to the character of existing settlements. PAN 65 Planning and Open Space (2003) provides advice for the implementation of suitable public realm and spaces which create a setting for a wide range of social interactions and pursuits that support personal and community well-being. They allow individuals to interact with the natural environment and provide habitats for wildlife. They can also be important in defining the character and identity of settlements. New areas of open space of enduring quality and value have, however, been the exception rather than the rule and existing spaces are under pressure not just from physical development but also from poor management and maintenance. PAN 67 Housing Quality (2003) provides advice on the layout and design of new housing developments. It was prepared in association with Homes for Scotland, Communities Scotland, and with advice from a wide range of representatives from local authorities, architects, landscape architects, and transport planners. Its aim is to achieve improved design and quality in new housing developments.

PAN 68 Design Statements (2003) can be a valuable tool within the planning process. It explains the purpose of design statements, the circumstances in which they should accompany planning applications, how they are prepared, and how they should be structured. The aim is to ensure that both applicants and planning authorities are clear about the role of design statements, and how they can have more of a key role within the planning process. This PAN seeks to ensure that local authorities and applicants are clear about the role of design statements. The Planning etc. (Scotland) Act 2006 has made provision for design and access statements to be prepared for certain types of developments. This measure will come into effect during 2007/08 following the introduction of secondary legislation and guidance.



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‘This Design Snapshot’ Snapshot’ is an easy-read guide to design in Scotland, aimed at anyone who has a role in designing places, to help them gain more confidence in dealing with the subject. It is intended to be an information source rather than a manual on design, to reinforce the importance of design, to emphasise its role within the planning and development process and to reiterate the need to create quality environments. PAN 71 Conservation Area Management (2004) This PAN identifies good practice for managing change. It provides advice on funding and the implementation of proposals, as

vation areas are living

ments in the countryside, if e quality of a landscape. The

quality rural housing which respects the wever, intended to be a

vative and carefully aces PAN 36 Sitting and e Vaila Shore Base as a good her good examples of rural

hat the design of many housing ering requirements of road sign in new developments, if we

ality, more attractive and safe residential

PAN 77 Designing Safer Places (2006) aims to address crime and designing out crime. However the planning system alone cannot be responsible for tackling all the social, economic and environmental problems. PAN 78 Inclusive Design (2006) An inclusive environment is one which can be used by everyone - regardless of age, gender or disability. This supports the Executive’s aim of promoting more equality in the areas where we live and work. The objective of inclusive design therefore, is to widen the user group that an environment is designed for.

Mid Yell School Visual Gareth Hoskins Architects

well as a checklist for appraising conservation areas. Conserenvironments where change must be carefully managed.

PAN 72 Housing in the Countryside (2005) New developproperly planned, sited and designed, should contribute to thintention is to create more opportunities for goodScottish landscape and building tradition. The advice is not, hoconstraint on architects and designers wishing to pursue innoconsidered contemporary designs. PAN 72 updates and replDesign of New Housing in the Countryside. PAN 72 shows thexample of a distinctive Shetland development, along with othousing. PAN 76 New Residential Streets (2005) growing concern tlayouts has become dominated by the technical and enginedesign. We need to change our approach towards street deare to realise our ambitions to produce better quenvironments.


005 as Scotland’s national ilt environment. The principal

at Scotland’s built our economic growth and our

proactive role in advocating the ns at national,

ly by

e and Design being

ve a clearer view of tribute to the


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Architecture and Design Scotland www.ads.org.uk Architecture and Design Scotland was established in April 2champion for good architecture, design and planning in the buaim of the body is to inspire better quality in design and architecture so thenvironment contributes in a positive way to our quality of life, built heritage. Architecture and Design Scotland has a wide benefits of good design in the built environment to a range of organisatioregional and local level. It operates as a Company Limited by Guarantee funded directthe Scottish Government. In September 2008 the Scottish Government announded that ArchitecturScotland will undergo the first review of its policy and financial management since established as the nation’s design champion for the built environment in April 2005.

“After three and a half years of growth and development, we hathe ways in which we can Champion the built environment and condelivery of the Scottish Government’s National Outcomes."

Sebastian Tombs, Chief Executive

photo : Courtesy of the Lighthouse, Glasgow



SHETLAND PLANNING POLICY EXTRACTS - Shetland Structure Plan (July 2000) adopted January 2001 A Sustainable Vision for 2016 2.13 A clear, long term, sustainable vision for Shetland is of fundamental importance. Without a vision for the future, there is a danger of merely planning for short-term trends. The vision is the driving force of the Plan, providing the values to be followed in the policies and giving direction in tackling the key issues that confront Shetland. Today’s Key Issues (2000) & Vision for 2016 Built Environment: Shetland’s built environment is an essential part of the islands’ heritage. It is therefore important that new development is sympathetic to existing patterns of development and that opportunities are taken to preserve and promote our outstanding archaeological and built heritage. By 2016 The standard of design in Shetland is now a central issue to the consideration of new development. Shetland has continued to find innovative new uses for its traditional buildings, thereby reducing the need for new build. The promotion of Shetland’s outstanding archaeological and built heritage has been considerably enhanced through improved visitor facilities and attractions. Aim 3: To protect and enhance the natural and built environment 2.19 Together with its people, Shetland’s greatest asset is its natural and built environment and this needs to be protected and, where possible, enhanced so that future generations have at least the same level of opportunities that we enjoy today. The Structure Plan policies can help achieve this by safeguarding key environmental assets and guiding new development to locations that minimise environmental impact. Policies also need to ensure that new development can achieve environmental and community benefits by improving access, safeguarding public health, assisting nature conservation, helping to regenerate the built heritage and conserving and enhancing the Shetland landscape. Appropriate design guidance also has a valuable role to play.

Ge

General Development Policy Natural and Built Environment GDS4

New development will conserve and, where possible, improve the quality of life and the environment by:

a) controlling the location, scale and design of new development to respect, protect and conserve the natural and built environment;

b) minimising water, air and land pollution and waste generation;

c) considering all opportunities for the re use of land and buildings;

d) avoiding hazards to health and safety:

December 2008



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neral Development Policy Natural and Built Environment GDS4

EXTRACTS - Shetland Local Plan (June 2004)

EMERGENCE OF OTHER KEY DRIVERS 2.19 Whilst many elements of successful architectural production can remain fairly constant, such as: – the important combination of briefing and the involvement and vision of the client/developer; the skill and creativity of the architect and the wider design team in meeting the demands of the brief; and the contribution of the contractor/builder – new challenges are also emerging which could have a fundamental impact on the way in which we design, construct, use and re-use the built environment in Shetland. Good urban and rural design draws together the many strands of place making and resolves often-conflicting demands: planning and transportation policy, architectural design, landscape, engineering, social inclusion, development economics and responsibility to the environment – and integrate these to create inspiring places with character, to raise awareness of the value and importance of place-making and urban design across Shetland.

Policy Structure Plan NE1 The Council will encourage developers and their professional advisers to produce a high standard of design, in terms of siting, scale, colour, materials and form, for all new developments (including roads and other engineering works) to ensure that new developments are sympathetic to the landscape and built environment of which they will form a part.

Local Plan BE13 Design The Council will require developers and their agents to produce and execute a high standard of appropriate design, in terms of sitting, layout, scale, colour, materials and form, for all new developments (including roads and other engineering works) in accordance with the design principles set out in Appendix F. Justification The most immediately obvious impact that any development has on the environment is the way it looks. In Shetland’s open landscape, design is all important and appropriate guidance, principles and information on siting and design is set out in Appendix F and in the supplementary design guidance document “The Shetland House.” Good design does not necessarily mean traditional design. New, carefully considered innovative and experimental designs will be encouraged in appropriate locations in accordance with the Appendix. This policy conforms to: • Structure Plan policies GDS4, SP NE1 This policy supports: • The Corporate Plan • Development Plan Aim 3: To protect and enhance the natural and built

environment.



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This Guidance is just one of a suite of documents prepared by the

Development Plans Team to help guide development:

Guidance Notes

The Shetland House Guidance for Housing Development in Shetland

Housing & Colour

Guidance on using Colour in Shetland

Towards Sustainable Construction Guidance on Sustainable Design and Construction for

Dwellinghouses and other Buildings

Towards Better Design Guidance on Design

Renewable Energy Technologies

Guidance on Domestic Renewable Energy

Reducing Carbon Emissions in New Development Guidance for developers

Masterplan Development Handbook A Best Practice Guide for Developers and Communities

Design Statements A good practice guide

Interim Planning Policy

Towards Sustainable Construction and Better Design

in Shetland Location, design and amenity guidance and policy for

housing and other development in Shetland



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Development Plans Shetland Islands Council Infrastructure Services Department Grantfield Lerwick Shetland ZE1 0NT

GUIDANCE ON DESIGN SHETLAND ISLANDS COUNCIL

towards better design in shetland - shetland … · towards better design in shetland 29 a policy...

Documents