Place By Design

Welcome to PLACE By Design

What we've been up to

PBD WRAP THE WEEK ON A HIGH NOTE: Join us in conv

PBD WRAP THE WEEK ON A HIGH NOTE: Join us in conversation?

From Grey to Green: Praising Vibrant Streets That Unite Creativity and Community

There we are! Standing proudly in front of one of our favourite streets during our recent visit to the #Minerva and #Equinox2, a vibrant space designed by our company. Whilst there is still room for improvement, it serves as a shining example of design-led streets that prioritize people, ensuring our streets are not just thoroughfares, but vibrant spaces for socializing, playing, and fostering a sense of community.

We understand that the relationship between design and highway authorities can sometimes pose challenges. But through collaboration and shared goals, innovative street designs come to life, bringing transformational impacts – from improved public health and reduced carbon emissions to enhanced biodiversity and water quality.

Here's to a world where we relentlessly push boundaries to create spaces that inspire, connect, and leave a lasting impression.

Wrap up your week on a high note, and have a fantastic weekend, everyone!

#GreyToGreen #CommunityFirst #InspiringSpaces #UrbanRevitalization #DesignMatters #SustainableCommunities #StreetscapeTransformation #CreativeUrbanSpaces #CommunityEngagement #PublicHealthMatters #GreenLiving #InnovationInDesign #UrbanPlanning #CommunityBuilding #EcoFriendlyCities #NatureInTheCity #Livability #SocialConnection #DesignInspiration #PeopleFirst #StreetLife #HealthyHabitat

KICKSTARTER MONDAY - SUDS: Design-led vs. Engineer

KICKSTARTER MONDAY - SUDS: Design-led vs. Engineer-led Approaches 🌧️🌿

Happy Monday, everyone! Today, let's delve into an essential topic that affects all new developments: Sustainable Urban Drainage Systems (SUDS). While calculations and technical aspects are traditionally handled by engineers, it is crucial for designers to actively engage with the process. By shaping spaces that seamlessly integrate SUDS, we can create extensions of our environment that harmoniously blend rich landscaping and ecological enhancement and could bring the community together.

During our recent visit to the #Minerva and #Equinox2, we observed a contrasting example in the design of a drainage basin. One basin stood out for its incorporation of design features that deliver playfulness, a sense of gathering, and community engagement. Its banks could be easily transformed into spaces that celebrate important milestones for the community or serve as an amphitheatre for performances. This demonstrates the power of thoughtful design in leveraging SUDS infrastructure to enrich the lives of residents and foster community cohesion.

On the other hand, we encountered a fenced-off basin devoid of any formal or informal infrastructure, with limited landscaping or accessibility. While the importance of considering health and safety risks is undeniable, we must strike a balance and shift our mindset from considering open, landscape divers and playful SUDS as a "nice to have but not need to have”.

A variety of open space typologies is vital to cater to diverse needs. Children, for instance, should have spaces where they can learn, explore, test their capabilities, and embrace challenges—a crucial part of their exciting learning process also outside of playground spaces.

Today, we invite you to join us in advocating for a design-led approach to SUDS. By integrating the expertise of both engineers and designers, we can create urban environments that prioritise both functionality and overall well-being.

#kickstartermonday #PBD #suds

PBD WRAP THE WEEK ON A HIGH NOTE: Join us in conv

PBD WRAP THE WEEK ON A HIGH NOTE: Join us in conversation?

// Unleashing Creativity and Ambition: Collaborative Workshops and Design Excellence //

Following our site visit, the PBD team had the opportunity to collaborate in a productive and inspiring full-day workshop. We engaged in lively discussions, presentations, and self-evaluations, which highlighted the importance of collaboration and communication among various professions. Designing a space involves the contributions of many, and it's crucial to stay connected and aligned with the shared vision.

During our discussions, we acknowledged the significance of paying attention to even the smallest details. A missed tree, a slight deviation from the agreed material, a fence around a pond, a wider gradient on junctions, traffic calming elements, surface considerations, planter variations, or a relocated bench—each aspect holds immense value. We understand the importance of continuous follow-up, both during and after the design process, to ensure that every detail aligns with the intended outcome.

At our core, our company values drive us to be creative, ambitious, and meticulous about every element. We approach each design with integrity, considering the community's needs and aspirations. By upholding these values, we create spaces that foster connection, enhance well-being, and contribute to a thriving community.

We are grateful for the opportunity to collaborate with diverse professionals and stakeholders who share our passion for thoughtful design. Together, we aim to create environments that enrich lives and leave a lasting positive impact.

Stay tuned for further updates as we continue to explore these exciting design ideas and work towards creating spaces that embody our values of creativity, ambition, integrity, and community.

#DesignWorkshop #CollaborationMatters #AttentionToDetail #CreativeDesign #IntegrityInWork #CommunityDrivenDesign #DesignInspiration #BuildingConnections #DesignValues #EnrichingSpaces #DesignExcellence #CollaborativeWorkshops #IntegrityInDesign #CreativeSolutions #BuildingConnections #DesignValues

🚀 KICKSTARTER MONDAY - Case Study Minerva: Revi

🚀 KICKSTARTER MONDAY - Case Study Minerva: Revisiting a Completed Project 🌟

Happy Monday, everyone! Today, we're thrilled to share an exciting update on one of our past projects. As mentioned in Friday's post, our team is embarking on a field trip, followed by workshops, to revisit a site we worked on back in 2015 and obtained approval for in 2017.

Since its completion last year, we've eagerly awaited the opportunity to witness the growth and evolution of the community within this space. We're excited to see how they have embraced and interacted with other parts of this broader new community.

During our visit, we'll be observing, gathering insights, and engaging with the residents to better understand their experiences and the impact our project has had on their lives. We're eager to share these valuable findings with all of you in the upcoming posts, so stay tuned!

Revisiting completed projects allows us to celebrate the culmination of hard work, collaboration, and dedication. It also provides us with valuable lessons and inspiration for future endeavors.

We extend our gratitude to the community for their ongoing support and trust in our vision. We're building spaces that foster connection, play, and well-being.

Stay tuned for more updates and insights from our case study as we revisit this completed project!

#KickstarterMonday #PBD #minerva #CompletedProject #CommunityGrowth #Collaboration #SustainableGrowth #Inspiration #FieldTrip #Workshops

PBD WRAP THE WEEK ON A HIGH NOTE: Join us in conv

PBD WRAP THE WEEK ON A HIGH NOTE: Join us in conversation?
//Embracing Adventure: Work, Learn, and Explore Together! //
Work Hard, Play Harder! 🌟

As we gear up for our upcoming field trip and design workshop next week, we're reminiscing about the amazing time we had exploring various developments, from Horsted Park and Newhall BE Harlow to closer examples like Wichelstowe last year. These photos capture the essence of our adventures, from strolling through urban streets to savouring delicious meals and immersing ourselves in unforgettable experiences and memories.

At PBD, we firmly believe that work should be more than just work. It should be an opportunity for growth, collaboration, and fun! Our company culture thrives on encouraging creativity, innovation, and learning from one another. Field trips, workshops, and team-building activities are just a few ways we foster an environment where everyone can flourish.

We take immense pride in our incredible team, who are the backbone of our success. Their dedication and passion drive us forward, and we remain committed to supporting their growth and well-being. Together, we're building something extraordinary. 💪🌱

Stay tuned for more updates as we embark on our upcoming field trip and design workshop next week. We can't wait to create new memories and elevate our collaborative spirit to even greater heights!

#PBDWraptheweekonahighnote #WorkHardPlayHarder #TeamBonding #CompanyCulture #EmployeeEngagement #design #collaboration #innovation #team

K I C K S T A R T E R M O N D A Y S // T H E R E L

K I C K S T A R T E R
M O N D A Y S
// T H E
R E L A T I O N S H I P
B E T W E E N
N E T
Z E R O
A N D
P L A C E M A K I N G //

Although we couldn't physically attend the inspiring Footprint+ conference, our team at PBD eagerly followed all the experiences and insights shared via social media. The event delved into the crucial topic of achieving a zero-carbon future, which resonates deeply with our company's mission and values.

At PBD, we have a burning ambition to explore innovative ways to reimagine and enhance our projects, especially when it comes to climate improvements at the masterplan level. We firmly believe that every step towards a sustainable future starts with the spaces we create.

One aspect we were particularly interested in was the relationship between net-zero initiatives and placemaking. We understand that a successful development should not only minimise its carbon footprint but also enhance the overall quality of life for its inhabitants. To achieve this, we aim to incorporate elements such as more green spaces, increased daylight, and optimised microclimates through rigorous testing of different massing forms.

Though we missed the opportunity to engage with attendees directly at FOOTPRINT+, we are committed to learning from their experiences and integrating those learnings into our future projects. We extend our heartfelt appreciation to the organizers and participants for sharing their knowledge and expertise, fostering an environment of collaboration and progress.

If you attended #FP23, we would love to hear your key takeaways and insights. Let's continue the conversation on creating a zero-carbon future together!

PBD WRAP THE WEEK ON A HIGH NOTE: Join us in conve

PBD WRAP THE WEEK ON A HIGH NOTE: Join us in conversation?
// Bridging the Gap - Empowering Graduates for Career Success//

🌟 At PBD, we believe in investing in our employees' growth and success. Our interview with Nick and Joseph this week shed light on the challenges graduates face when transitioning from education to employment. One key aspect they highlighted was the gap between the skills acquired in university and those required in the professional world. As a company, we're particularly sensitive to this issue, with two members of our senior team actively involved in teaching at the master level in design studios. Our commitment to education further strengthens our ability to bridge the gap and provide comprehensive mentorship and professional development programs. We're dedicated to empowering our employees to excel by equipping them with the tools they need to thrive in their careers. While there were many other valuable insights from Nick and Joseph's interview, we'll be sharing them in another post. Keep an eye out for more highlights to come!

#PBDwraptheweek #ProfessionalDevelopment #CareerGrowth
#EmployeeEmpowerment #MentorshipProgram #BridgingTheGap
#GraduateChallenges #DesignIndustry #EducationToEmployment
#InvestingInEmployees #ThriveInYourCareer #DesignStudio
#SkillsDevelopment #ContinuedLearning #CareerJourney

K I C K S T A R T E R M O N D A Y S // M A S T E R

K I C K S T A R T E R
M O N D A Y S
// M A S T E R P L A N N I N G, C Y C L Y I N G & O N L I N E D E L I V E R I E S //

As our cities evolve, it's crucial to actively promote sustainable and efficient logistics solutions while building resilience in our environment.

Last Saturday, we celebrated #worldbicycleday, highlighting the numerous benefits of cycling, including its positive impact on our health, environment, and overall well-being. As we reflect on this international day, let's further explore how integrating cycling and sustainable transportation methods into our masterplanning efforts can contribute to a resilient and sustainable future.

Securing funding from the government plays a vital role in realising these ideas and initiatives. To bring these concepts to life, we need to secure funding from the government. These initiatives align perfectly with Homes England drive for regeneration funding and the national government's commitment of Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities. By integrating these sustainable logistics solutions into the masterplanning process, we can foster regeneration, create resilient communities, and drive economic growth.

Some ideas include:
1. Identify Hubs within Allocation and Local Plans: When masterplanning areas, it's essential to identify dedicated hubs for logistics operations. By strategically allocating spaces for warehouses and distribution centres, we can streamline the delivery process and reduce traffic congestion.
2. Design Streets and Hubs for Cargo Bikes: To encourage sustainable transportation methods, we should design streets and hubs with cargo bikes in mind. Incorporating wider bike lanes, secure bike parking, and suitable electric vehicle (EV) charging points will ensure the i
nfrastructure supports eco-friendly last-mile deliveries.
3. Integrate Logistics Hubs with Other Uses: A successful masterplan should integrate logistics hubs with other community uses in their proximity, such as schools or recreational facilities.

#kickstartermonday #worldcyclingday

"Soft City" may not be a recent release, but it re

"Soft City" may not be a recent release, but it remains one of our personal favourites among urban design books. We are captivated by its exquisite illustrations and the compelling examples it presents, offering a refreshing alternative to the prevailing notion of a car-centric city.
Within its pages, "Soft City" provides a wealth of inspiration, ideas, and guidance for individuals invested in the art of city building. It delves into the fundamental elements of a desirable neighbourhood, such as the perimeter block, a balanced mix of vertical and horizontal structures, continuous frontages, active spaces, and the delicate art of integrating larger elements while preserving the human scale.
Among the concepts explored, high density emerges as a recurring topic, shedding light on its absence from the majority of new developments. However, the book astutely emphasizes that mere density escalation is insufficient. To create a truly soft city, one must consider the intricate organization and layout of the built environment, enabling fluid movement, comfort, and necessitating political will for support.
In our role as urban designers, we have come to recognize the heightened significance of the principles elucidated in "Soft City." As we confront the realities of a changing climate, it is imperative that we transition from a focus on low density to embracing higher densities, fostering human mobility, engagement, and overall comfort.
Nevertheless, we acknowledge the existing gap between our professional endeavours and our educational foundations. We contemplate the astonishment that newly graduated designers might experience upon realizing that their training emphasizes high-density design, yet they rarely encounter opportunities to engage with developments surpassing 40dph (density per hectare) throughout their careers. It has been several decades since most of us graduated, and while we have developed strategies to ensure sustainable urban environments and societies within the constraints we face, we yearn for a future where all designers collaborate harmoniously to create thriving, liveable urban space.

#UrbanDesign #CityBuilding #SoftCity

K I C K S T A R T E R M O N D A Y S // B U I L D I

K I C K S T A R T E R
M O N D A Y S
// B U I L D I N G L O N G – S T A N D I N G P A R T N E R S H I P S F O R I N N O V A T I O N/

As a company that has been supporting universities for many years, we have formed long-standing partnerships with prestigious institutions like @oxfordbrookes and @cardiffuni 🎓 What's more, two of our staff Olcay and Sebastian have been contributing to the courses offered by these universities.

These partnerships are a testament to our continued commitment to innovation and staying at the forefront of our industry. We believe in pushing the boundaries and exploring new frontiers in architecture and urban design. Through these enduring collaborations, we have had the opportunity to test different scenarios and unlock the full potential of what our industry can achieve.

Over the years, we have celebrated numerous milestones, demonstrating our unwavering dedication to this journey. We are proud of our longstanding support for these universities and the positive impact we have collectively made. As we look ahead, we remain open to forming new partnerships and expanding our network.

Join us on this transformative journey as we continue to push the boundaries, embrace innovation, and create a sustainable and inspiring built environment.

#PBDKickstarterMondays #InnovationInArchitecture #UrbanDesignTrends #OxfordBrookesUniversity #CardiffUniversity #CollaborativeLearning #PushingBoundaries #BuildingPartnerships #SustainabilityInDesign #FutureOfArchitecture #InspiringBuiltEnvironment