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Architect Chris Williamson disputes the view that planners are obstructive to good architecture. Williamson advocates listening to the views of all the concerned parties and using the architect's skills to incorporate their views into the design without compromising the basic principles. Two projects where this aproach has been successful are the facade of Putney Bridge Station, London, England and a church hall extension in Pinner, Middlesex, England.

The Netherlands' Home Zones, which block automobile traffic on neighborhood streets, give children a safe place to play but children need to learn about the dangers of the real world. Growing up around streets with traffic teaches kids to be fearful of cars.

Richard MacCormac is a long standing campaigner for the concept of urban design. The Royal Inststute of British Architects president is to chair a colloquium on the subject with the aim of working out a basic code for urban development. MacCormac uses principles for assessing urban design which are based on his own experience but hopes for a pluralist approach to the issues rather than the prescriptive nature of developments like Poundbury, Dorset.