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.
Paying for parks
5 October 2006
There is increasing recognition of the value of well-designed, managed and resourced parks and green spaces. Yet finding funding, in particular long-term revenue funding, remains a significant challenge. Paying for parks: eight...
The value handbook: Getting the most from your buildings and spaces
30 July 2006
The value handbook is aimed at public sector organisations who want to get the most from the buildings and spaces in their area. The aim of the guide is to encourage local authorities to assess whether the places, streets, and...
The cost of bad design
18 June 2006
Everyone can think of a building they hate, a place that really depresses them or a place where they’d call in the bulldozers. So why, when the problems it creates are impossible to miss, are we still surrounded by bad design? The...
Design and Access Statements: How to write, read and use them
1 June 2006
In May 2006, the government introduced changes to the planning applications process. The circular 'Guidance on Changes to the Development Control System', effective from 10 August 2006, set out the formal requirements. This Design...
The principles of inclusive design
11 May 2006
Inclusive design aims to remove the barriers that create undue effort and separation. It enables everyone to participate equally, confidently and independently in everyday activities. This guide explains the principles of...
Designed with care
14 February 2006
The built environment plays a pivotal role in keeping us healthy. This is now well understood. So why are we still building health facilities that lack design quality or engagement with the local community? Designed with care...
RED Paper 02: Transformation Design
1 February 2006
This paper sets out the characteristics of the emergent discipline that is transformation design. It identifies a nascent but growing community of practice. It highlights an under-supply of designers equipped to work in this way....
Start with the park
30 June 2005
Start with the park is a good practice guide for everyone involved in the processes of sustainable growth and renewal in England. It is particularly relevant to the creation and care of green spaces in housing growth areas and...
The impact of office design on business performance
30 April 2005
This study examines the ways in which office accommodation can create economic and social value for businesses. Commissioned by CABE and the BCO, it reviews the academic and scientific literature that has attempted to assess the...
RED Paper 01: Health
1 November 2004
Healthcare needs a shake-up to handle the rising tide of chronic disease. RED Paper 01 Health: Co-creating Services sets out a new vision for healthcare in which users take a key role in shaping the services they receive.
The Councillor's guide to urban design
1 November 2003
The purpose of this guide is not to show you how to design, but how to think about design. The Councillor's guide to urban design provides the essential knowledge needed for planning and leadership decisions. It builds upon recent...
The use of urban design codes
11 January 2003
This guide explores how urban design codes can help to increase property values, reduce crime, contribute to public health and ease transport problems. CABE is a supporter of the use of design codes in the right circumstances....