The communication of architectural design analysis in residential design guidance: legibility, commodity and design

Abstract

This article will propose new approaches to the representation of architectural design principles, in residential design guidance. The visual appearance of new development is key in its successful integration of new housing in historic environments, providing an important means of analysis for planning departments and client users and establishing key information for developers regarding local-authority expectations and the contextualisation of proposed schemes. An epistemological analysis of content in 98 currently accessible guides identified a need for a more concise and accessible approach to architectural analysis. This figure is representative of a majority of residential design guides in England. A greater understanding of the visual impact of architectural design decisions is key in ensuring the continuity of the built environment. This research is more widely significant in terms of consolidating architectural design approaches in design guidance, as many authorities and bodies have adopted similar approaches globally.