2015 Yearbook

R E V I E W 39 essential for the planning system to maintain its integrity. ‘Character’ is often associated with the ‘good’ or ‘positive’ qualities of a place. However, while some places may have a positive character – for example if residents or visitors perceive it as a pleasant, stimulating, or relaxing place to be – there are other places which have a negative character. In these places, the atmosphere might be alienating or threatening, it might feel run-down or devoid of any sense of focus or place. The character of a place can also be said to be neutral, for example if it is monotonous, lacks stimulation, or has little to distinguish it from other areas. Undertaking the process of characterisation requires a range of skills. In part it is a collaborative activity involving perceptive observation of people and their interaction with the built and natural environment. A characterisation study can be undertaken over a short period of time with a relatively small number of people, preferably a mix of local people and professional facilitators. This ensures the diverse mix of views and values needed to achieve a balance between local knowledge and insight on the one hand and, on the other, a degree of detachment which allows the project to be seen in its wider context (usually the job of a facilitator). Characterisation will always require the exercise of judgement and evaluation; it is more than the pure description of a place. We are looking for what is significant that defines the place, what is typical in the pattern of built forms and layout and what may be unique and which stands out. It is the job of planners, urban designers and other ‘placemakers’ firstly, to work with communities to identify the character of neighbourhoods, to identify what is valued and what is of value (there may be a difference here), and to pinpoint the negative and neutral aspects of the character. Secondly, the task is to develop strategies whereby the positive character can be conserved and enhanced, where the negative can be sensitively and appropriately replaced, and to propose interventions in the neutral areas where improved landscape, diversity or legibility, for example, may be appropriate. This all sounds very laudable in principle, but in practice enhancement can be very difficult to achieve. The default is for strategies to promote development that is in keeping with the character of a place, thus missing opportunities for diversity. In some ways, the outpouring of local opinion in favour of the ‘traditional’ has helped focus views back on how to use context to design and effect change in development. However, all too often the result is a watered-down version of the original principles of the Poundbury model (in terms of plan-making rather than architectural styles) and a general cherry-picking of local details. This might consist of a panel of flint, some stone facades (although the stone and its finish often do not reflect local tradition), or various modern interpretations of traditional roofing materials (such as thatch) and, the ultimate charade, the false plastic chimney, moulded to mimic brick or stone. Successful interventions in areas of distinct character are typically underpinned by committed clients and strong character-led analysis which is often highly visual and makes use of acknowledged techniques such as notation to produce townscape analysis. It is also important to maintain a high level of attention to detail which is often taken through by a single architect or team of professionals retained throughout the development process. Cost is, of course, a significant issue and vernacular materials can be very expensive to procure and utilise in development. While this should not be a barrier to change it should be Anywhere places: where is this? Diverse but not locally distinctive. East Molesey Conservation Area Appraisal: the use of area mapping by small groups is a successful part of the Community Heritage Initiative Partnership which forms the basis for adopted appraisal documents in Elmbridge Borough Council.