Our philosophy

Company profile and objectives
We live in a fast changing world affected by global warming and the planning system has changed dramatically. In the last 10 years, sustainability and community opinion have become much more important for gaining approval for new development projects.  Phoenix Planning Design was formed in December 2009, to provide guidance and assistance to the property development industry in Norway.

What makes Phoenix Planning Design different is the approach taken in managing a site by developing a conceptual masterplan developed in conjunction with all the interested parties concerned including Kommune, Muncipality as well as the developer.  For new development to survive it needs to be integrated and become part of a place. 

There is also a strong economic rationale behind this approach and it reduces the unknown and uncertainties for a developer if the Kommune endorses in principle the direction and type of new work. This speeds up the approvals process because people understand what is happening because they have been in an early stage of the process and are not just being given a "fait accompli" or finished solution which has no benefit to the municipality other than just financial benefit to the developer.

What happens frequently now is that the developer spend a large of money on a scheme that will be fought, delayed and have no guarantee that it will be supported or approved. When a new development is handled in this way the developer is just throwing money away.

If on the other hand a Collaborative Design Workshop (charette) is held to consider options for the a property or place, then a conceptual masterplan can be developed and submitted for endorsement "in principle" by the Kommune elected representatives, for a relative small fraction of the cost of formal development application. This process reduces the amount of uncertainty for a projects and while it is not a complete approval, it tests if a scheme or project would gain support and get approval. Another benefit is that sometimes presents alternative options for a site.

 

Key Principles of Urban Design

Site and setting
The layout of a development must recognise its social, and physical context, and seek to integrate with existing patterns of urban form and movement. Design proposals should recognise that each location is different; that each place relates differently to the town centres, facilities and transport routes in its hinterland. (sense of place.)

Context, scale and character
Designs should respect local tradition and relationships, and draw on them to inspire and guide new forms of development. Re-using existing buildings and consolidating existing public spaces will contribute to achieving continuity and integration.

Buildings should be designed to last
Buildings should be designed to be durable over many generations and through changing social and economic needs, providing adaptable and flexible environments that are not fixed in single-use, single- occupier roles.

Sustainable buildings
Buildings, landscape and public spaces should be designed and built to high standards, aesthetically and structurally, with durable materials, appropriate technology and orientation that minimise energy use and encourage recycling.

Environmental responsibility
Land should be regarded as a scarce finite resource. Development projects should be as compact as possible and should enhance the environment, not just limit damage, by respecting biodiversity, harnessing natural resources and reducing the call on non-renewable resources.