Design Coding for Sustainable Development

Design codes based on the National Model Design Code (NMDC) have become one of the most powerful tools councils have to improve the design of streets and buildings in their area. The new National Planning Policy Framework strongly encourages the creation of design codes, and the draft Levelling Up and Regeneration Bill will mandate them. The industry is aware of the need to create places that are walkable, healthy, sustainable, and contextual, allowing residents to live happy, prosperous lives.

This course outlined what participants needed to know about design codes (within UK and international contexts) and provided practical advice on how to create successful codes based on Create Streets’ extensive experience working with councils and communities. An introductory session focused on the theory and purpose of design codes and how they can be used, including how they differ from design guides.

Attendees were shown how to create provably popular design codes based on the historic context. This was followed by an in-depth session that looked at how to write design codes, with particular focus on street design, layouts, built form, and house types (identity).

After lunch, for those attending in person, a site walkaround in a historic neighborhood was followed by a practical workshop led by urban designers and experienced coders, where attendees began working on a design code of their own, putting their newfound knowledge into practice.

At the end of the course, attendees had a strong grasp of how to use design codes and what key opportunities and risks they might encounter.