Capacitycheck aims to improve the skills that individuals and organisations need to create better places. 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.
When you use Capacitycheck to create a particular output (a job description, training programme or project team brief, for example) you are free to use the Capacitycheck logo. Click on a link below to download it:
Placecheck
Placecheck is a method of assessing the qualities of a place, showing what improvements are needed, and focusing people on working together to achieve them. If necessary, a Placecheck can start small: with half a dozen people round a kitchen table, or a small group meeting on a street corner. A Placecheck can cover a street (or part of one), a neighbourhood, a town centre, or a whole district or city. The setting might be urban, suburban or a village. The initiative can come from anyone, in any organisation or sector.
Placecheck is probably the most simple available method for involving a community. It requires the minimum of resources and preparation. It is ideal for paving the way for other means of community engagement.
Developed by the Urban Design Alliance in the 1990s, Placecheck is now in widespread use in communities throughout the United Kingdom.
Further details and the full Placecheck User's Guide and checklist are available here
The Academy for Sustainable Communities (ASC) is the national centre for delivering the skills and knowledge needed to make better places in the UK. View current projects and courses on learning and skills.
Architecture and Design Scotland (A+DS) is Scotland's national champion for good architecture, design and planning in the built environment.
CABE, the Commission for Architecture and the Built Environment, is the English government's advisor on architecture, urban design and public space. Go and read CABE's skills and learning section, including its library of publications.
Community Planning is a website where residents and professionals alike can access best practice information on shaping their local environment.
The Dictionary of Urbanism is a reference on words related to urban design, planning, regeneration and the culture of cities. See a list of entries.
English Heritage protects and promotes England's historic environment.
English Partnerships is England's national regeneration agency that supports high quality sustainable growth.
The Improvement Service supports improvement in efficiency, quality and accountability of public services in Scotland. Read about the training programmes for Scottish planners and councillors.
Living Streets fights for vibrant streets to revitalise neighbourhoods and reconnect people.
Placecheck is a method of assessing the qualities of a place that can be used as a basis for community engagement.
RUDI, the Resource for Urban Design Information, offers over 5,000 web pages of urban design information to help with research, proposal preparation, commissioning projects, fact-checking and general reference. Read about the listed skills and training sessions.
Transport for London is a local government body responsible for most aspects of transport throughout Greater London.
The Urban Design Alliance (UDAL) represents a network of professional and campaigning organisations that shape the urban environment. Find out about these organisations and forthcoming events.
Urban Design London (UDL) is a network organisation that helps all London authorities to achieve better-designed environments. Click here to see UDL's listing for meetings, seminars, lectures, conferences, walks and talks.
Urban Design Skills (UDS) is a training and education specialist delivering hands-on courses in urban design and regeneration.
By Design: Urban Design in the Planning System - towards better practice, 2000
Placecheck is a method of assessing the qualities of a place that can be used as a basis for community engagement.
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