‘Design matters’: understanding professional, community and consumer preferences for the design of rural housing in the Irish landscape

Town Planning Review (2013), 84, (3), 337–370.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.3828/tpr.2013.19
Language: English
Pages: 34

Abstract

This paper addresses the issue of residential design of new development in rural localities. We explore both the use of rural housing design guidelines by planning authorities and also design preferences among the public and stakeholder groups in rural Ireland. Drawing on analysis of design guidelines, survey results and focus groups, we argue that although a consensus among planning practitioners can be identified in relation to ‘good design’ principles, this expert-centric perspective is challenged by the house attributes favoured by rural residents, and also fails to recognise underlying cultural values underpinning aesthetic preferences.

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