An appreciation of the concept of continuity leads to a better and more meaningful understanding of context. In cases where new buildings are being designed for sites adjacent to architecturally outstanding buildings or in conservation areas, it is especially important to avoid imitation. Imitation results in a blurring of historic buildings with their setting, resulting in a loss of distinctiveness and authenticity. Similarly, imitating landmark buildings harms their setting - the whole point behind the design of distinctive landmark buildings is that they make an individualistic statement, setting them apart from their surroundings. The character of most areas in the City is based on a range of contrasts.
Contrast is in many cases the most sensitive and contextual thing to do.
Much of the City has a diverse urban character. However, there are some areas that have, to differing degrees, a more homogeneous character. The Villas and Winton Square Conservation Areas are examples of more homogeneous areas. In such areas, careful consideration needs to be made of the desirability of reacting to more explicit characteristics of the built environment, such as materials and the general form of buildings. However, even in very homogeneous areas, new development should be contemporary and not imitative of detail.