An assembler

Land development essentially depends on tripartite negotiation between the landlords who own the land, the builder who needs the land on which to build and the local authority who will be responsible for managing the space once it is built.

The central role of the planner between the land vendor and the local authority - responsible for, among other things, the supply of energy, water, electricity and gas and waste collection - is generally filled by one or more property operators.

A process

The developer must first find and purchase land, make it technically and legally fit for building on, prepare and develop it and then offer it to purchasers as a series of plots.

Subdivision today means planning a neighbourhood and the details of the daily life of its future inhabitants. It means providing living space rather than virgin soil, industrial wasteland or a few soulless acres. It means drafting the rules and specifications to enable the ideal development. It means using the resources and tools required to plan an ensemble for living together.

Designing roads, pedestrian and cycle paths, creating green spaces and managing rainwater, designing street furniture the residents can make their own. Defining traffic and signage, garages and car parks for residents and visitors and responding to the needs of energy suppliers for energy storage and transport. Creating the daily environment, the estate's entrances and exits, disguising technical facilities, defining walkways and public play areas for young children..

These are the tasks of the France Terre planner/subdivider which give life to his commitments: fulfilling the promise to residents of a harmonious place to live that respects the environment.