FAQs

What is Capacitycheck used for?
Capacitycheck can be used either to assess the present skills, awareness and understanding of an individual or organisation; or to determine what capacity a person, project or organisation requires.

What is urban design?
The collaborative and multi-disciplinary process of shaping the physical setting for life in cities, towns, villages and rural areas.

Where does urban design begin? Where do architecture, planning, landscape architecture and other related disciplines end?
They don't. Urban design is not a profession occupying a niche between the others. It is a way of working.

Why does the full Capacitycheck list so many topics? Is urban design really such a broad subject?
The full Capacitycheck sets out a fairly comprehensive list of aspects and roles. It is long because it is a list to select from. It needs to be available in its full form so that it can be tailored for specific purposes. Your tailored Capacitycheck, on the other hand, can be as short as a single page if necessary.

How does Capacitycheck define the various levels of skill?
Capacitycheck assesses capacity in terms of awareness, understanding and (in the case of professionals) competence. Awareness: 'I am aware of this and of its role in making successful places.' Understanding: 'I have a good understanding of this and of its role in making successful places.' Competence: 'I have sufficient knowledge, expertise and experience to provide this as part of a professional service.'

Do I have to be trained in how to use Capacitycheck, or use it in a particular way?
No. Anyone is free to use Capacitycheck in any way that is consistent with the spirit in which it is offered, adding to it or adapting it to their own needs. Please let us know how you have used it and how it might be improved, so that your suggestions can be incorporated into a future edition.