The Landscape Institute are pertinently launching their client guide at Ecobuild 2012

Woodhouse have been invited to share our experiences in the seminar stream at the exhibition, as we’re confronted on a continual basis by the clear need for deeper collaboration between groups of built environment professionals.

How can a plethora of stakeholders with a multitude of different and often conflicting interests all work together harmoniously?

The incorporation of colour into the built environment has always been integral to the design process and inspiration is often provided by the local context, in terms of either architecture or landscape.

But how can you be sure to choose the right colour?

What are the psychological effects of colour and how can you apply colour effectively in the urban realm?

In recent years, the bold use of colour has swept through the built architectural world to profound and dramatic effect, represented by the diverse sectors that have adopted this trend to great success.

As much as these colourful statements provide eye-catching fodder for the architectural press, just what lies behind this contemporary, and increasingly significant, movement?

And can it be replicated in other landscape elements?

What is wayfinding and, more to the point, what might be classed as good wayfinding?

With evidence of exemplar projects thin on the ground and customers often bewildered by multiple stakeholders’ conflicting needs, this article discusses the true principles of wayfinding best practice with applicative advice.

According to the BRE website, BREEAM is ‘The world’s leading design and assessment method for sustainable buildings’. It is developed to measure, evaluate and positively influence the design of buildings, however the external environment around those buildings does not appear to be subject to the same rigorous assessment. This article discusses the measures that could be implemented to make landscape developments quantifiably "green."

DDA Guidance Part 6: This post covers the impact of the DDA on lighting design.

Good lighting in the transport and pedestrian environment is important from several points of view: personal security, safety, the ability to see signs and instructions. People with visual impairments require clarity from a lighting system - reflection, glare, shadows and large variations in lighting levels generate visual confusion and, in some cases, discomfort.

DDA Guidance Part 5: This post covers the impact of the DDA on street furniture design for public space users with visual impairment.

DDA Guidance Part 4

This post covers the impact of the DDA on signage design, mainly for the visually impaired.

DDA Guidance Part 3

This post covers the impact of the DDA on handrail design

This 6 part guide serves as the Woodhouse knowledge base of how we interpret the DDA guidelines and therefore adapt the design of our street furniture for the most progressively inclusive public spaces.

Perimeter safety has never been higher on the agenda. With the threat of terrorism and the incredibly emotive subject of public safety at an all time high there is a real responsibility for both the specifier and end client to fulfill their duty of care towards all using the building and ensure that its environs are protected against potential threat. This article explains the fine line specifiers must tread in meeting safety standards, without compromising the aesthetics of the building.