Journal of Engineering and Architecture

Improving the Quality of the Built Environment using Urban Design Review Panels: An Appraisal of Practices in Australia and New Zealand
Errol J Haarhoff, Lee Beattie, John Hunt

Abstract
This paper presents a critical appraisal of Urban Design Review whereby building development proposal are subject to comment and advice from an expert professional panel, prior to being submitted for formal approval by local authorities. In the context of urban authorities vigorously promoting „best practice‟ design on the basis that this will improve the quality of the built environment, Urban Design Review is contextualised as a form design governance. Recent evaluations of Review in the UK, Australia and New Zealand are presented and integrated with the outcomes to interviews with Urban Design Review Panellists in Auckland, Queenstown, Waneka and Cockburn City (Perth). Consistent with other studies that focussed on the views of developers and city officials, this study confirms that Panellist consider that Review leads to positive outcomes for the built environment, and serves public interest, but there remains a lack of sufficient empirical evidence to support these contentions.

Full Text: PDF     DOI: 10.15640/jea.v5n2a1