easy to understand Adaptability A place that can change easily Diversity A place with variety and choice Aspects of Development Form Layout: urban structure The framework of routes and spaces that connect locally and more widely, and the way developments, routes and open spaces relate to one another Layout: urban grain The pattern of the arrangement of street blocks, plots and their buildings in a settlement Landscape The character and appearance of land, including its shape, form, ecology, natural features, colours and elements, and the way these components combine Density and mix The amount of development on a given piece of land and the range of uses. Density influences the intensity of development, and in combination with the mix of uses can affect a place’s vitality and viability. Scale: height Scale is the size of a building in relation to its surroundings, or the size of parts of a building or its details, particularly in relation to the size of a person. Height determines the impact of development on views, vistas and skylines. Scale: massing The combined effect of the arrangement, volume and shape of a building or group of buildings in relation to other buildings and spaces Appearance: details The craftsmanship, building techniques, decoration, styles and lighting of a building or structure. Appearance: materials The texture, colour, pattern and durability of materials, and how they are used. In 2002 the criteria used for the case studies were: Continuity and enclosure Legibility Character Ease of movement and layout Connections Travel choices Streets and spaces Density and mix Maintenance Safety Disabled access Parking Community facilities The case study selection criteria needed to codify what was being celebrated. There was a need to clearly state on what basis the case studies were chosen. A set of questions were produced turning principles from several publications into shorthand, notably English Partnerships' "Urban Design Compendium", By design: urban design in the planning system towards better practice, and Urbed's "Building the 21st Century Home". The author of these was Design for Homes' David Birkbeck who worked with CABE's Dr Edward Hobson and proposed them to Home Builders Federation's Mark Rice. These 20 questions were eventually published as the Building for Life criteria in July 2003, following input from the Civic Trust's Liz Wrigley and CABE's Alex Ely. In 2003, ten housing developments were celebrated with the Building for Life awards, on the basis of their good