Private‐property decision makers and the quality of urban design

Abstract This paper is based on a research study funded by the UK Department of the Environment and the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors which examined the involvement of developers, investors and occupiers in urban design. The findings draw on the results of five case studies, six expert panels and a literature review. The paper examines, from the perspective of private‐property decision makers: the role and importance of urban design considerations; the benefits of giving explicit attention to urban design considerations; the factors which constrain the promotion of good urban design; and the incentives and other measures which might encourage increased attention and contribution to urban design quality. The paper argues that a better understanding of the relationship between urban design, the development process and the property industry is a prerequisite to achieving lasting improvements in the quality of the urban environment.