The Place Standard tool

The Place Standard tool is a framework design to structure conversations about place. Specifically, it encourages meaningful discussions about the key characteristics of a place and its ability to support us. Our environment has an important effect on our lives and our wellbeing. As a result, improving the quality of places and their accessibility is critical to promoting healthy lives and addressing inequalities. 

The tool encourages users to think about the physical elements of a place, as well as the social aspects. The framework criteria has 14 themes chosen based on their combined influence on our health and wellbeing. Each criteria begins with a main question, then uses further prompts to support additional conversation. For example, the inclusion of ‘natural space’ as a principle in place thinking. This theme asks ‘how easy is it for me to regularly enjoy natural space?’, then asks user the consider the type of natural spaces available, accessibility and maintenance. You give scores to each theme on a scale of 1 to 7, and then plot them on a compass diagram. Next, the tool asks you to consider how to improve each aspect.

It can be applied across the UK, and is intended for use by everyone, from local communities to professionals. The tool provides prompts for discussions, allowing you to consider all the elements of a place in a methodological way. It serves as a method for assessing places, helping to identify their strengths and areas for improvement. Ultimately, the Place Standard tool can support the design and delivery of successful places, creating good-quality places where people want to live. Users can apply the to cities, towns, and neighbourhoods, in urban, rural and islands settings.

Scottish Government developed the Place Standard tool alongside partners Architecture & Design Scotland, Public Health Scotland, Glasgow City Council, and Improvement Service. You can access the toolkit PDF here.