TfNSW Movement and Place FrameworkEvaluating the qualities of a well-designed built environment

An evidence-based, data-led approach

Aurecon’s high-quality geographic information system (GIS), digital and spatial data analytics capabilities, produced state-wide mapping of agreed performance measures on a dedicated data portal. We developed 62 individual metrics across the 36 indicators through extensive stakeholder engagement with technical specialists across government agencies, and made clear recommendations for the future development of metrics based on best practice.

Aligning data with practice

Using TfNSW datasets and publicly available data, Aurecon was intentional in balancing the needs of a wide range of practitioners who would be using the indicator factsheets to identify issues and opportunities on their project.

We developed detailed calculation methodologies that outlined technical data processing and analysis methods, while simultaneously ensuring that the approach was easily understood by a transport or urban planner at a strategic level.

Putting the built environment indicators to test on live projects

During project delivery, Aurecon was offered an opportunity by TfNSW to test the indicators on six live projects, including an active transport corridor, a major regional precinct, a key inner-city transport interchange, major road corridor, new hospital and a suburban public school.

The key challenge in this process was taking the data outputs from the indicator factsheets – some of which resulted in hundreds or thousands of data outputs across the study area – and translating them into a concise single input for a separate assessment tool framework for TfNSW.

Our expert GIS capability was able to summarise the data for each relevant metric at an appropriate level to provide a meaningful input to the assessment tool that did not dilute the results of the assessment.

Expectations of practitioners using the built environment indicators

Practitioners, who comprise a wide range of sectors and disciplines, can apply the indicators to their projects based on the following expectations:

• Consistency of application – the production of consistent outputs across organisations and projects from a common starting point
• Measurement and interpretation – an understanding of how to analyse and interpret desktop data and real-life observation to measure performance and make functional classifications
• Relationship to other processes – ensuring that use and output of the indicators is appropriately integrated with other processes and measures such as assurance, budgeting and government policies
• Value adding – indicators contribute to a well-designed built environment beyond a box ticking exercise, while understanding and complementing their limitations
• Demonstration of project applicability – using the indicators to demonstrate the benefits of a project and provide clarity on why certain measures are applicable to a certain project and others are not

Measuring and evaluating options

The flexible and holistic framework of the Movement and Place Built Environment Indicators provides project teams and stakeholders with a mechanism to achieve optimal movement and place outcomes on built form projects. It also offers a process through which project teams can measure and evaluate options during the developmental stage of any project.

Aurecon understood customer needs and developed metrics that enable practitioners to create safe, attractive and equitable environments.

Using this rigorous framework throughout planning, development and realisation ensures that built form realises its optimal potential by achieving its intended movement and place functions.