Introduction to Residential Layout

What makes a successful residential neighbourhood?

Drawing on more than 35 years of research and professional practice, Introduction to Residential Layout sets out the key ideas and principles that underpin the design of places where people genuinely want to live.

Mike Biddulph demonstrates how neighbourhoods must reconcile everyday human needs with environmental sustainability and commercial viability. Focusing on the medium-density housing that shapes much of the world’s development, the book explores how to organise streets, spaces and buildings to create distinctive, liveable places.

It covers the enduring relevance of the neighbourhood concept, integrating nature into development, accommodating low-carbon homes and how to design places that support mixed modes of movement. You will learn how to evaluate financial viability, design for safety and create attractive townscapes that also encourage a rich social life.

Highly illustrated with exemplary developments from around the world, the book demonstrates how to translate design principles into practical solutions, highlighting both strengths and trade-offs that should foster both critical thinking and creativity.

Essential reading for students and practitioners in urban design, planning, architecture, engineering and landscape, this is a comprehensive guide to designing successful places and communities.