Character Appraisal

Dan RobertsLichfield District Council/

Birmingham City University

Undertaking an Appraisal

survey is the first stage of the process

must decide on objectives from the outset

level of detail commensurate with scale of site/ area

spectrum of approach:

personal or subjective

democratic or objective

Methodology

reconnaissance

prioritise – full survey

‘training the eye’

the value of visual survey

gaining a ‘true impression’

Visual Survey

dividing and grouping the task

relationship with other aspects of (environmental) policy

feasibility of aims

some form of grading must take place

‘deliverability’ keep an eye on potential outcomes

for example, in town planning terms,

from land use to spatial

from control to management

Survey Content

context through to detail

3 broad elements:

settlement/ landscape relationship

townscape

individual buildings

a visual survey will inform both spatial and character

analyses

Spatial Analysis

interrelationship of spaces

visual contribution

relationship between public and private spaces

qualities of space

uses of space

key views and vistas

in to/ out of the site and town

the effect of high buildings

ref: ‘The Character of Towns’, by Roy Worskett

Character Analysis

discernable character zones/ areas

major and local areas of identity

sub-areas may overlap

assessment is more than (detailed) description; it must

include evaluation of significance

must relate to ‘the whole’

needs to take account of change

Character Appraisal - Checklist

activity past, present (future)

buildings individual/ group value

details specific, local; materials

spaces urban, green

negative factors

neutral areas

general conditions

capacity for change generic, specific

‘New’ Sites/ Sites for Redevelopment

connections with the wider pattern(s)

recognition/ retention of (any) features

views out/ across/ in to, to inform routes and axis

using historic plans

MRG Conzen’s

analysis of

Newcastle-upon-Tyne

Bird St car park site, Lichfield

Historic Plans

1884 1914

A Contextual Approach

achieving an effective balance:

• retaining the best of the past

• allowing for present needs

• devising for a desirable future

Some References

Alexander, C et al (1977), A Pattern Language, Oxford University Press

Cowan, R (2000), Placecheck – A Users’ Guide, Urban Design Alliance

Cullen, G (1971), The Concise Townscape, Butterworth Architecture

EH/ PAS (2006), Guidance on Conservation Area Appraisals, English Heritage

Lynch, K (1960), The Image of the City, MIT Press

Worskett, R (1969), The Character of Towns, Architectural Press