Defining and assessing what constitutes good building design is not an easy or straightforward task. Opinions vary on what makes for a good building or development, and judgements are often coloured by personal tastes and preferences.

         To provide a means by which proposals may be assessed in a consistent and reasonably objective way, the Guide sets out 5 key design principles based on widely accepted architectural and urban design concepts. The key design principles will form the basis of the Council’s design assessment of all development proposals.

          The key design principles make clear the various issues the Council expects designers to take into account when drawing up proposals. Whilst designers should have regard to all of the design principles listed, it is acknowledged that the relative importance of each principle will vary according to the particular circumstances of a development. It is important to note also that the 5 principles are closely related and overlap one another - particular design issues will often touch on several, if not all, of the principles. In some cases, trade-offs between competing design objectives will be required

1. respect for context
   New development should integrate well with its surroundings, and take full account of site features and local character. New development should be neighbourly and, where appropriate, reinforce local distinctiveness.
   
2. sense of place
   New development should be designed to create a sense of place and identity. Particular attention should be paid to the design of spaces and places between and surrounding buildings
   
3. good looking buildings
   New buildings should be pleasing to the eye, soundly built and fit for their purpose. Particular attention should be paid to issues of scale and proportion, visual balance and order, architectural expression, detailing and the use of external materials.
   
4. sustainable construction
   New developments should be based on established principles of sustainable construction. Particular attention should be reducing energy consumption.
   
5. a safe and healthy
   environment New developments should create places where people feel safe and that are easily accessible to all.

The concept known as bioregionalism is based on the idea that all life is established and maintained on a functional community basis and that all of these distinctive communities (bioregions) have mutually supporting life systems that are generally self-sustaining. Human civilization is an integral part of the natural world and is dependent on the preservation of nature for its own perpetuation. Over the ages the complex interaction of natural evolution and human adaptation has given every place on earth a unique set of qualities that sets it apart from all other places.

Preserving the special characteristics of a place requires in-depth understanding of the natural systems in place and immersion into the time-tested cultural responses to that environment's assets and liabilities. In meeting the needs of the human community, development must be designed and built with an awareness of the interrelationships between natural, cultural, social, and economic resources both locally and globally. Development must be limited to improving human life within the carrying capacity of resources and ecosystems. Development must not be an economic activity fueling the belief in endless growth. Thus the goal of sustainable development and sustainable building design is to create optimum relationships between people and their environments. More specifically, sustainable development should have the absolute minimal impact on the local, regional, and global environments. Planners, designers, developers, and operators have an opportunity and a responsibility to protect the sanctity of a place, its people and its spirit.

It is the uniqueness of certain environments that creates the curiosity for tourism and the desire to experience their special relaxative, recuperative, or recreative qualities. In providing facilities and activities for visitors, special care must be taken not to destroy the very resources or qualities they come to experience. This requires built environments that can sensitize and educate its users. Those responsible for park- and tourism-related developments must recognize that by providing knowledge of the environment, they create the knowledge that is necessary to protect it.

Design by: Engr. AbdulRahiim S. Desinon