London Borough of Southwark: Coding in a dense inner urban area

This pilot case study sought to explore the National Model Design Code (NMDC), focusing on developing a design code for a highly dense and complex opportunity area (Hatcham Road and Ilderton Road, Southwark). A key theme of the testing was a strong emphasis on engagement to drive forward the work, which included site visits, interviews, workshops (including a pattern making art workshop), a webinar, exhibition events, 3D and physical models, and a Community Review Panel meeting. An approach to building rapport – and supporting engagement - with existing local businesses through having a regular design team site presence was particularly successful. Clear briefing and strategic decisions concerning the structure and focus of the design code – being very concise, well-illustrated and focusing on the street level pedestrian experience – have resulted in a very well-received design code.


 

 

 

Scale: Site-specific

Context: Urban

Focus: Producing a code for a highly dense and complex opportunity area.

Project team: London Borough of Southwark; Farrells; Gbolade

Design Studio; Exterior Architecture; Momentum Transport Consultancy; Savills.

Region: London

"If you are the owner of a big estate then there is long-term interest, however on this site there are many different landowners so long-term stewardship is inherently difficult. So - this is really about enabling a place to flourish and change"