News

Vu.City: an advanced approach to townscape and heritage assessments

We are now able to offer clients a 3D digital modelling service using Vu.City.

This further strengthens the services we offer in townscape, heritage and visual impact assessment, and accords with the latest approach for testing development proposals to reinforce our advice and help support the planning process.

The software enables us to import a 3D model of a development proposal and place it into an accurate 3D model of the existing townscape. This allows us to walk through views of a scheme in its context and test different height and massing options, enabling quicker understanding and appreciation of potential impacts on key views and the significance of heritage assets. The software also includes useful datasets such as protected views, conservation areas, listed buildings and trees which allow such sensitive receptors to be easily identified.  

The Vu.City model provides valuable support for identifying representative viewpoints and informing the selection of viewpoints which require accurate visual representations (AVRs). We are using it to support the design development process in advance of submissions, and as part of more formal Heritage Statements or Townscape and Visual Impact Assessments (TVIA) required at application.

We are also offering interactive Vu.City workshops with clients and their design teams, providing advice on the interpretation of Vu.City models and identifying potential project risks at an early stage. This helps to optimise the development potential of sites in historic or other sensitive contexts.

London is at the forefront of using Vu.City modelling to inform the planning process. The model covers all 33 of the London boroughs and 25 of these have signed up; use of it is rapidly becoming a requirement for major development projects.  

Other cities currently covered by Vu.City are:

• London
• Manchester
• Belfast
• Birmingham
• Edinburgh
• Dublin
• Bristol
• Liverpool
• Brighton
• Cambridge
• Sheffield
• Oxford
• Woking
• Cardiff
• Leeds
• Nottingham
• Portsmouth
• Slough
• Southend-on-Sea

To find out more about Vu.City and our specialist Heritage and Townscape team, please contact Joanna Ede, Roger Mascall, Kate Dowdall, Richard Brookes or Rosa Gonzalez or download the below PDF.  

6 September 2019