Design for London is a regional design resource for London.  We are part of the London Development Agency (LDA) and work on behalf of the Mayor of London.  Our role is to help the LDA ensure a design led approach to delivering improvements to infrastructure and the built environment in London.  We also work with the boroughs and others to support the delivery of good urban change and well-designed projects across London.

London's growth

Over the next twenty years, London is forecast to grow by around one million people.  The Mayor’s vision is for London to become prosperous, better connected, more environmentally responsible, fairer, and to offer a better quality of life to all its citizens.  It will need to contain its growth within existing boundaries, without encroaching on green space and protecting its distinctive character, its diverse neighbourhoods and unique heritage.

Design

With creative, careful and integrated design, London will be able to accommodate its growth without sprawl, while improving the quality of life available to Londoners and visitors alike.  Without it, we will not successfully deal with areas of dereliction or social exclusion, nor meet the rising challenge of climate change.

Integration

Good design is not simply a matter of aesthetics.  It is about establishing an appropriate mix of uses and creating a network of safe and accessible open spaces, and ensuring that major new infrastructure is integrated into the public realm and with existing development.  Good design also helps create a sense of innovation and excitement that draws people and business to an area.

Our team

We are a small team, with a unique understanding and a breadth of expertise in shaping places.  We also host, and work with Urban Design London, who help build and share place shaping expertise with London’s public sector and decision makers.

Design for London aims to create:

* Beautiful and accessible buildings, with low environmental impacts and the ability to adapt to changing uses and a changing climate

* Inspiring, well managed public spaces that everyone can use, from pavements to parks to wild places

* Neighbourhoods and high streets that blend old and new, respecting London’s heritage, and creating great places for a diverse population

* Transport infrastructure that makes moving around the city easy, pleasurable and environmentally responsible