The efficacy of rural design guides: Northern Ireland, Ireland and Scotland

They continue to operate as a key response or mechanism utilised by planning authorities to address poor standards of design in rural dwellings, despite no analytical evaluation of their success. This research therefore addresses this profound gap and questions the efficacy of Rural Design Guides in effort to examine whether they achieve their objectives to improve design. Northern Ireland is the main focus of study, with Ireland and Scotland used as regions for comparison. <br><br>This research uses mixed methods including questionnaires, case studies and an expert Design Review Panel to assess design quality.

It unveils findings pertaining to their use, implementation (by planning authorities) and effects, contributing to broader conceptual debates on "good design" and design governance. It reinforces the importance of conveying design as a process rather than a product, maintaining neutrality and avoiding endorsement of design preferences in pursuit of a rural idyll. It supports the argument that design governance shouldn't be dependent on isolated "tools" but "be about shaping the decision-making environment within which design decision-making occurs" (Carmona, 2018, p.5). <br><br>This research concludes by calling for an urgent review of Rural Design Guides (in the context of the climate emergency) and proposes a "Rural Design Initiative" to tackle root causes stemming from historical cultural traditions and socio-economic context, which today continue to impede design quality.<br><br><i>Thesis is embargoed until 31 July 2028</i>.<br><br><br>