Poundbury Estate, Dorchester – Urban Design

The Pondbury Estate is a high density residential development at the edge of Dorchester. Construction commenced in 1994 and continues to be built and expand to this day. It is a mixed use development incorporating all the needs of a well functioning community including housing, shopping, leisure facilities and work. The development has not been zoned in planning terms and different uses exist alongside one another. The development layout uses a number of principals and techniques to reduce traffic speed with the aim of creating a safe, pleasant pedestrian focused environment. The building types and urban grain vary throughout the scheme, giving the feeling of a settlement which has evolved through time rather than the usual mono typical housing estate.

Poundbury Estate, Dorchester – Parking to Centre of Square

Poundbury Estate, Dorchester – Shared Space to Square

Ramps within the carriageway, change of direction and level surfaces are indicators to the driver that they should slow down and are entering a different driving environment.

Poundbury Estate, Dorchester – Change of Direction to Slow Traffic

Poundbury Estate, Dorchester – Speed Table to Square

Poundbury Estate, Dorchester – No Through Route to Traffic

Poundbury Estate, Dorchester – Raised Table and Change of Material to Traffic Junction

Uneven road widths, non linear carriageways and parking to the edge of the carriageway (reducing road widths) all help to reduce traffic speed.

Poundbury Estate, Dorchester – Uneven Traffic Junction to Slow Traffic

Poundbury Estate, Dorchester – Irregular Road Edge to Slow Traffic

Poundbury Estate, Dorchester – On Street Parking to Slow Traffic

Poundbury Estate, Dorchester – Pedestrian Crossing Point at Junction

The change of surface material to the rear parking areas indicate to the driver that they are entering a shared space and they should be vigilant for pedestrians.