Form & character

This section explores the fabric of the place itself, its pattern of growth and its atmosphere. The character of a place, its distinctive atmosphere, is created by a wide range of factors: history, growth, town form, materials, details, colours and textures. Phases of development up to the present day can be read through the ages of buildings and street patterns. The expansion or closure of industry, changes to agriculture, the arrival of toll roads, turnpikes, bypasses and motorways, the effect of wars and conflict, 20th century town expansion and the growth or decline of tourism will have had an impact on the places we live in.

The character of your place is partly made from the patterns and materials used. The materials - stone, timber, brick, render, tiles, and so on - define the palette of colours and textures that characterise a place. Take a close look. What details, colours and textures give your place its unique character? Look for themes and similarities in roof shape and materials, chimneys, patterns of windows, colours, details around doors and porches, shop fronts and façade decoration. Important public buildings, such as churches, chapels, museums and town or village halls might stand out by being taller, larger or a different style and material than their surroundings. In the best examples, recent developments draw inspiration from their surroundings, with high quality designs that respond to the place. In poor examples, these new buildings seem like they ‘could be anywhere’.