Reports & Resources
Explore our work from previous projects.
Search our extensive back catalogue to learn more about what works in design, including emerging trends and practice, as well as policy position papers about how to increase its use.
This way to better residential streets
7 January 2009
Too many neighbourhoods are structured around cars. Design Council Cabe believes that this needs to change. This report sets out our investigation into residential street design using examples from across England and Scotland. ...
Space in new homes
6 January 2009
Design Council Cabe present their case for functional, flexible and fit-for-purpose homes, focusing on the need to ensure residents have an adequate amount of space in their homes. If homes are to have a long life, they must...
Building better homes for our old age
6 January 2009
People who need care support generally want to stay in their own home, a view that carers and commissioners have come to accept. However, some people will need specially designed buildings. This guide focuses on how we can achieve...
Planning for Places
6 January 2009
An efficient planning system and a good spatial plan are essential to achieving high-quality places and good design. The Cabe team at the Design Council have been working with local authorities to see how design quality can best...
Our street: learning to see
3 January 2009
This invaluable handbook provides teachers of key stage 2 with an in-depth project for awakening students’ curiosity about the built environment. It aims to get pupils to look afresh at their streets, to appreciate, question and...
Design in Britain
1 January 2009
Design in Britain features facts and figures underlining the financial and cultural benefits design can bring to businesses. In 2008 we surveyed 1,522 firms across the United Kingdom in order to gain insight into how UK businesses...
Grey to green
1 January 2009
Green infrastructure does not receive anything like the investment or management that goes into grey infrastructure. Grey to green aims to fuel a debate about whether this is smart, given the dangers of climate change and the...
Designing Demand Review
1 November 2008
This review of Designing Demand was jointly commissioned by DIUS and BERR in June 2008. Designing Demand is a business support programme developed by the Design Council and delivered in partnership with the Regional Development...
Design Blueprint
22 October 2008
The Design Blueprint is an action plan for designers to help them access a range of professional tools, information and advice to improve their skills and career development and to help prepare design students for the challenges...
Sure Start children’s centres: A post-occupancy evaluation
5 October 2008
Children’s centres are crucial to the government’s 10 year strategy for childcare. The government is funding 3,500 new Sure Start children’s centres by 2010 in support of its ambitious plans to give pre-school children the best...
Designing and planning for play
1 October 2008
Play is intrinsic to a healthy childhood. High-quality play provision offers a route to fitness that is fun. For families, it offers a safe location for meeting with friends. Perhaps most of all, well designed play space helps...
Skills to grow
16 September 2008
It is no wonder people love parks. High quality parks and green spaces are crucial to our well-being. They invite physical activity and they provide a positive and welcoming environment for both physical and mental health. As well...