You’ve got a project with excellent architecture, you’ve finished months of assessment and adjustment, your design team is very sure this project will receive a major notoriety, yet after hours of moving to and fro in City Council meetings, they ask you to reduce the project in half, increase the obstacles, or just completely drop the project.

Does this sound familiar?

Developing commercial and residential projects in urban areas require special care.  Though some urban areas are on the edge of new developments, conflict and community disapproval can block even the best designs.

You can reduce risks by taking a considerate method to the process.  Some politicians and residents based on trust, honesty, and consensus building.  This should not mean you compromise your design.  Carrying out these ten vital steps can produce strong design and a smooth process.

Consensus does not mean that everybody settles it’s more about giving respect for different views, developing relationships, and recognizing shared goals to establish positive public opinion so the project will gain both community and government approval. It’s important to encourage supporters and expose the extremists.

The following 10 points should be addressed:

 

1. Create the vision.  It's about designed, not density.  Establish a vision early by connecting it to local settings and looking for ways to build partnerships.  Good design attracts people.

2. Know your market.  Do the homework necessary to understand the competition and the market forces that influence a project.

3. Understand the issues.  All communities have a set of unique characteristics and issues that guide their decisions.  It’s essential to have a good understanding of the marketplace, environment, regional influences, and financial aspects.  There is no single solution.

4. Get the public benefit.  Make the benefit for the city & community clear.

5. Pay attention to everyone who has a stake in the project.  Have small discussion groups to get their feedback.

6. Establish trust.  Do this by sharing knowledge and listening carefully.  Be truthful, boost contribution from everyone, remain neutral and chase win-win goals.

7. Inform decision makers.  Meet individually and offer solutions to educate decision makers.

8. Use the media.  Take the high road and keep the message simple.  Talk about helping the community.

9. Use the unique.  Incorporate the area’s physical social and historical environment into the design.

10. Be patient.  Listen wisely, offer assistance, establish credibility, and let the process grow.

By making use of these ten points, numerous revitalization strategies have been concluded in the face of tough initial community disapproval.  Led by strong visions which have been recognized by working with city programs created to solicit feedback and inform everyone has had a deep effect in the success of revitalization efforts.

Applying key public and private improvements can transform old spaces into lively gathering places for community activity.