The case for good design - A guide for government

This report is an overview of the research on the impact of design of our surroundings. Read more exploring healthcare, education, workplaces, housing, justice, urban design and transport projects.

You can download The Case for Good Design - a guide for government here or read the individual chapters below.

The Case for Good Design - a guide for government
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Our everyday lives are touched by the places that surround us. The qualities of these places – our buildings, streets and parks – informs our interactions, understandings, wellbeing and memories. A review of research exploring healthcare, education, workplaces, housing, justice, urban design and transport projects demonstrates that good design enables people, places and the environment to thrive.

This report is an overview of the research on the impact of the design of our surroundings. It is hoped that the findings generate conversations about the importance of embedding design quality in every stage of a project’s lifecycle and inform decision-making about our built environment.

Supported by this evolving evidence, quality design is at the heart of a successful place – it is not an optional extra. Quality design ensures a positive legacy to become the heritage of the future.

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