Introduction to the Built Environment Indicators
The NSW Movement and Place Framework has established 36 Built Environment Indicators for evaluating Movement and Place projects. The indicators are based on qualities that contribute to a well-designed built environment and are grouped under five themes (inner circle) relating to ten user outcomes (outer edge). The user outcomes reflect good performance related to that theme. Click on the below tabs for more information.
The Built environment indicators
Of the 36 Built Environment Indicators, there are nine core indicators (indicated below). These core indicators provide a balanced representation of desired outcomes for each theme. They should be applied to all projects, ensuring that they are focused on both movement and place outcomes.
The remaining indicators are supplementary indicators. These are not required for every project or plan but are selected by the core project team according to the context and objectives.
A factsheet for each of the Built Environment Indicators has been developed to assist with the interpretation and application of each indicator. The factsheets outline the objectives, methods, and guidance to support the application of the indicators.
Access and Connection
Amenity and Use
Green and Blue
Comfort and Safety
Character and Form
View all Built Environment Indicator factsheets [.PDF]
Using the Built environment indicators
As practitioners look to develop better place outcomes, the Built Environment Indicators are used as a tool to assist practitioners in a variety of exercises. These include:
- Baselining current movement and place performance
- Informing needs assessments/gap analyses
- Scenario testing
- Multi Criteria Analyses (MCA)
- Monitoring and evaluation of movement and place outcomes.
- Visually communicating current and proposed movement and place outcomes.
The Built Environment Indicators are used throughout the Vision and Validate process, as outlined in the NSW Movement and Place Practitioners Guide:
- Step 1: establish evaluation criteria for the project vision and objectives
- Step 4: present a gap analysis including the current, baseline (planned intent), and desired future performance of the study area
- Steps 5 and 6: develop and compare options and assess the preferred option.
The built environment can be assessed in a number of ways, including quantitative and qualitative comparison; gap analysis by reference to benchmarks or standards; needs assessment; an analysis of strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats; analysing the capacity and performance of an area; and studying its character.
Performance Assessment Tool
The Built Environment Indicator Movement & Place Performance Assessment Tool is a simple and effective way to visually display the performance gap between the existing built environment and desired vision for a study area.
In early conversations, project teams set ambitious targets and establish ‘what good looks like’. Teams can then use this tool to identify priority areas, investigate how they are performing, and develop options.
This tool is best used when working at a precinct or neighbourhood scale. Read more on the Supporting Tools page.
Built Environment Indicators web map
Baseline performance for each Built Environment Indicator is available in the web map below. Use the map for an initial overview of your study area and to communicate the gap between current and desired future state.
Note that the map reflects currently available data which will be updated and improved as provided.
We want to hear from you
If you have applied the Built Environment Indicators in your work, we would love for you to share your experience. Fill out the case study template and submit it to contactus@movementandplace.nsw.gov.au. Your experience and feedback will help us to improve our resources. If you require assistance in filling out the case study template or you have questions about applying the Built Environment Indicators, please contact us.