The report explains why good design is important in creating spaces that are safe, sustainable and healthy. It highlights examples of good design in improving educational performance and health, and discusses environmentally sustainable design and the need to minimise the amount of energy consumed by buildings during construction and use. It identifies some of the barriers to good design, such as lack of adequate benchmarks and standards.

It also looks at role of the Prime Minister's Better Public Building Award in recognising excellence in design quality and procurement practices, and describes the 2001-2004 winning buildings. The report outlines the evidence on the benefits associated with good design in housing, public spaces, education, cultural buildings, and offices, and lists ten principles for achieving the best public building projects.

Commission for Architecture and the Built Environment
Phone: +44 20 7070 6700
enquiries@cabe.org.uk

01/12/2006

policy

Urban Policy

Urban environment