Involving the local community doesn’t need to be seen as a hurdle to overcome.
Bristol is a vibrant city with a rich architectural heritage that has brought about world acclaim—especially since it became the UK’s first city to win the European Green Capital Award in 2015.1 And local people and businesses have played a key part in shaping the city as we know it today.
That’s why considering public opinion when planning major urban developments is crucial moving forward.
The importance of community involvement in urban planning
Architects, developers and local councils are eliciting more public feedback than ever before. On average, twice as many people have responded to city-wide surveys since 2017.
At present, there’s a flurry of urban regeneration projects getting approved across Bristol. Outdated, fragmented city areas are being revitalised and better connected.
The Bristol City Council is encouraging those involved in urban planning to build towards a “fair, healthy, and sustainable city.”3 And for this to happen, urban regeneration efforts must adopt a long-term outlook.
The more local communities are involved in shaping the future urban environment, the more likely communities and businesses will flourish. Thereby making Bristol a more attractive prospect for investors.
By taking public opinion into account at an earlier stage, architects stand a higher chance of avoiding local opposition at a later stage. Plus community feedback can help identify potential problems early on before expensive, irreversible decisions are made.
Engaging the public at an earlier stage
Community members told Bristol City Council they want more opportunities to influence planning proposals earlier – i.e. before formal consultations with local councils. In response, Bristol’s Community Development Team has been testing new approaches – since 2021.
A host of other initiatives are also involving people early-on in the urban planning process. However, these tests are still in their infancy, requiring greater collaboration from everyone involved.3
So how can we achieve this?
It can be difficult for architects and developers to communicate their vision to stakeholders. However, now it’s possible to show people how a scheme looks and impacts the surrounding urban context—within an accurate, up-to-date 3D model of Bristol.
Currently, architects are using this new tech to eliminate ambiguity, speed up planning conversations, and help people visualise their schemes in a full interactive urban context.
The future of Bristol's urban planning lies in collaboration
Bristol's urban evolution thrives on its rich heritage and a future that places its residents at the heart of decision-making. As architects, it's important to recognise the invaluable insights and diverse perspectives that communities offer.
Engaging with the public early can streamline the design process, sidestep potential challenges, and foster more trust amongst community stakeholders. Leveraging advanced tools, like immersive 3D modelling software, bridges the communication gap—allowing residents to visualise and contribute to their city's transformation.
By championing public involvement, architects not only preserve Bristol's legacy but also pave the way for a sustainable, inclusive, and resonant future.
Discover related content below:
The Bristol Boardwalk Scheme Fiasco & the Future of Urban Housing
Bristol Architecture: 4 Examples of Sustainable Urban Design
1 BristolGreenCapital.org - European Green Capital Award
2 Bristol City Council - Involvement in planning applications and the Local Plan - Statement of Community Invovlvement
3 Bristol City Council - Consultation and Engagement Strategy 2021-2024
