Today's trend towards the renewal of cities, sociable places,
higher standards of architecture and sustainable city centre living
is the business of urban design. In Britain, effective urban design
is now at the forefront of government policy.

However, even when the goals are clear, how do you make a start?
If you are a planner, an elected councillor, or a developer what do
you have to do on a day-to-day basis? In particular, how do you
handle design within the planning process and ensure it is
connected to other aspects of policy? How do you maintain this good
practice as a matter of course?

Tony Hall offers solutions not through idealised prescriptions
but by setting out practical action based on what has been achieved
on the ground. Uniquely amongst texts on this subject, the book
draws upon his combination of both professional and political
experience. This accessible and highly illustrated book shows how
to:

* * focus the organisation on design

* incorporate design principles into policy

* make design briefing effective

* prepare for successful negotiation