How do you effectively integrate heritage elements into modern urban design?
In many of our projects, heritage and urban design considerations are integrally linked.
Most projects, whether urban or rural, fit into an existing and often historic urban or landscape context which has evolved over time. One of the primary roles of urban design is to ensure that any new development fits seamlessly into the established built and landscape environment.
Understanding and Analysing Context
Fully understanding and analysing the context is an essential early stage of the urban design process. In urban design terms, understanding the urban and settlement morphology (urban fabric, grain, and building pattern) is fundamentally important. This helps in making informed decisions that respect the historical context while meeting modern needs.
Design Framework and Integration
When undertaking urban design master planning and considering new development and change, the first task is to get the fundamental design framework right (street and block structure, etc.), making sure that a development is fully integrated and linked into the fabric of its built, landscape, and settlement context. This also provides the framework for developing and informing a design code.
Respecting Historical Patterns
Heritage integration and urban design involve fully understanding the built pattern over time – plot layout, building typology, scale, and form, as well as the use of appropriate materials and building detailing. The urban designer’s task is to ensure that new development respects the detailed elements that contribute to good townscape and settlement character.
Modern Design within Historical Contexts
Modern and contemporary design can be accommodated if the context and adherence to these basic principles are respected. Remember, most of our towns and settlements have evolved over a long period of time, accommodating many styles and details. It is this urban patina that contributes to character and sense of place. The urban designer’s role is to ensure that new development follows the established urban pattern and traditions, ensuring future placemaking.
Harmonising modern design with historical elements is achievable through adherence to principles of context and respect. Integrating heritage elements not only preserves the character and sense of place that define our towns and cities but also contributes significantly to the economy. According to the Heritage Alliance 2024 report (full report below), the heritage sector contributes an estimated £45.1 billion in gross value added to the UK economy and supports over 538,000 jobs. Moreover, heritage has substantial wellbeing value and offers creative solutions to future challenges, driving sustainable growth and supporting communities.
Our role as urban designers is to continue this tradition thoughtfully and sustainably, ensuring that new developments honour the historical fabric while contributing to contemporary urban life.
Want to work together?
If you’d like to hear more or have a project in mind that we can support you on, please do not hesitate to reach out to us to discuss your planning and design-related projects.
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Heritage Alliance 2024 report:
