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Greater by design
• at an individual level - embodying values and fostering a sense of place and identity; raising morale and expectations; responding to the needs of people

• at a community level - contributing towards environmental renewal, making neighbourhoods more accessible and convenient, safe and secure; bringing people together and contributing to social cohesion and cultural exchange;

• at a city level - revitalising entire urban areas; making the best use of space; promoting civic pride for the city;

• at a national level - attracting investment and economic growth to well designed and managed areas;

• at a global level - promoting sustainability in the design, development, use and maintenance of buildings and spaces; reducing the negative impact of city living
London is a city of extraordinary contrast. It is home to a highly diverse mix of people, living and working in a wide variety of places. It is a city of many centres, an area where the boundaries between urban and suburban are becoming increasingly blurred. The international financial and cultural centre sits alongside pockets of serious deprivation. World class heritage and contemporary architecture jostles with run down and derelict streetscapes.

Urban design reflects and responds to this complexity. It is a discipline concerned with problem solving in the built environment. It analyses how spaces appear and function, respond and interact. It adds quality, value and efficiency to the way we build. It is also about beauty - moving the spirit through the interaction of light and shadow, scale and detail, texture and sound.
 Architecture is an important consideration because it surrounds our daily lives:

• It shapes our cities, adding value and quality

• It a key consideration in where people live and businesses locate

• It is a major attraction to visitors

• It projects an image to the world

People want an attractive, healthy and welcoming environment in which to live and work. It is no co-incidence that a high quality of life is linked to well designed spaces and buildings.


Architecture is a key element in any strategy for social, economic and environmental development:

Architecture and urban design are an integral part of a package of measures for urban improvement.

The Mayor and GLA can contribute significantly to making London a city that is greater by design.