Good design helps beat the recession

A study by the North West regional design panel has found that quality design can help weather the economic storm, and could even add up to 20 per cent in rents and capital value.  The research urges planners and developers to pay greater attention to ‘cost-neutral’ aspects of good design, looking at the ‘whole life’ costs of a development, and ensure resources are targeted to add value. The study added that sustainability and energy efficiency were becoming increasingly significant factors in competitive markets.