ABSTRACT
A properly integrated design approach can maximise social opportunity and enhance the quality of urban areas. Integration of professional input, if followed from the outset gives clarity and structure to new urban solutions around the emerging priorities of sustainable development. Housing form and layout should be generated by the need to achieve simple social pleasures: such as having access and views to attractive gardens; each home should have good orientation for solar gain so that living spaces have a pleasant and warm ambience for the family to enjoy; in urban areas each home should be connected to a good transportation system that is prioritised to people; and above all, there should be linkage to a clear framework of supporting community facilities.
