The fine art of masterplanning-ten golden rules

1 Use the plan pragmatically as a tool not a straightjacket. Concentrate on the principles, rather than shapes on the plan to achieve continual options for growth.

2 The planshould be derived from the spirit of the place - a fusion of thephysical qualities of the site and the aspirations andacademic requirements of theinstitution.

3Consider thefull potential of the site - short-termpriorities shouldnot be allowed to unbalance an understanding of how best to exploit the site.

4 On greenfield sites, buildfrom the middleoutwards, so that the centre is left undisturbed by future growth. On dense urban sites, use neglected spaces among buildings to create new courtyards/ meeting places and circulation routes.

5 Buildingsmust be flexible to accommodate changing uses.

6 The plot ratio should berelatively high to bring all parts ofthe campus within easy walkingdistance. Avoid dependence onlifts by using three or four-storeybuildings.

7 Buildings should be energy-efficient, exploit passive, environmentally- friendly technologies and be comfortable to use, with low running costs.

8Landscape should be respected as an integral part of the design, incorporating existing features supplemented by strategic structure planting.

9Main pedestrian routes should be direct, traffic-free, pleasant to useand sheltered from the elements. A coherent transport policy is essential to limit use of private cars.

10Do notforget thatyou have a strategy! When an urgent need crops up, keep the masterplan enshrinedwithin the overall corporate plan.