Urban Design

TRL has a strong track record in transport planning, urban design, walkability, streetscapes, impact assessment, behavioural science, environment and economics. Key members of TRL staff are on the CABE Space Enabling Panel, which provides advice on the planning, design management and maintenance of public space through direct advice, workshops, seminars and training events.

Our staff have conducted research into the quality of the urban realm, in particularly regarding the accessibility of urban centres and public places for different social groups. We develop tools for measuring the quality of urban spaces, which incorporate qualitative and quantitative assessment methodologies and community consultation. We were lead researchers in the application of the Home Zone concept in the UK, with consideration of the design and planning approaches that take into account differing local circumstances. We have considerable experience in community and stakeholder consultation through a variety of methods, including in-depth interviews, focus groups and household surveys.

TRL is at the frontline of research into the design of inclusive streets that meet the needs of vulnerable road users. We've contributed to the Department for Transport's 'Manual for Streets', which provided guidance on street design that will lead to an improved streetscape without compromising safety, and investigated the safety and navigation of disabled people in Home Zones. TRL also conducts street audits using the Pedestrian Environment Review System (PERS), which TRL co-developed with Transport for London to help target resources for improving pedestrian access in Greater London and around the UK. 

The redevelopment of brownfield sites offers an opportunity for improving the quality of urban spaces whilst reducing the environmental impact of future development. Our researchers offer expertise in master-planning and land-use planning to balance an understanding of the legislative framework with innovative thinking for creating usable and attractive places.

Our key capabilities in this area include:

• walking access master-planning
• detailed recommendations of walking improvements in the urban realm
• community consultation in designing better streets
• focus groups with key stakeholders
• quality review and assessment tools
• accessibility planning
• CAD/GIS mapping
• policy guidance and review
• advice and training.

Further information on our expertise in creating inclusive urban environments is available in the Social Impacts of Transport and Walking & Cycling sections of this website.