ABSTRACT
Introduction Good design is not simply a matter of what buildings look like but how they function and relate to each other. The spaces between buildings are also important in the creation of quality environments. While, in the UK, structure plans and local plans consider where new development should go, design guides inform how development should take place, offering decision makers the parameters by which to judge proposals, and giving developers advice on how to meet design objectives. New development represents only a small proportion of the built environment but it can make a significant contribution to promoting sustainability by demonstrating good practice and raising awareness of environmental issues.
