AY 2010-2011

PLN2
FUNDAMENTALS OF URBAN DESIGN AND
COMMUNITY ARCHITECTURE

UST COLLEGE OF ARCHITECTURE

 PLN2- Fundamentals of Urban Design and Community Architecture

Introduction to Urban and Community Planning: Urban design entails both 'hard' economic realities and a
Contextualization of Urban Design and Community number of 'soft' human-oriented elements coming together to
Architecture create a whole that is more than the sum of the parts.

Urban areas can be simple or complex. They can have a rural An early and significant advocate of urban design, Jonathan
flavor or that of an industrial workshop. They can be peaceful Barnett, wrote that,” Design is a methodology that ... can help
or filled with all types of conflict. They can be small and easy solve some of the problems of misallocated resources, misused
to maintain, or gargantuan and filled with strife and economic land and the unnecessary destruction of historic buildings."
problems. More positively, urban design provides a means by which to
bring together a wide range of factors affecting quality of life
An urban area can be defined as a composite of cells, and - going beyond utilitarian value - gives us scope to
neighborhoods, or communities where people work together for introduce coherence and beauty into our towns and cities.
the common good. The types of urban areas can vary as greatly
as the variety of activities performed there: the means of Urban Design Stakeholders
production and the kinds of goods, trade, transportation, the Urban design involves many people including practitioners
delivery of goods and services, or a combination of all these (architects, engineers, planners, landscape architects and many
activities. more), local and central government agencies, property
developers and investors, community groups and the public.
Cities have many obvious faults in terms of their services to They have varying interests, perspectives and criteria by which
people. However, even with all those faults, cities are here to they assess the merits of urban design activity.
stay. The challenge to urban planners and designers is to find
ways to make these essential elements in our social system Because the field of urban design is so broad, no single
work better, more efficiently, and thus to make our cities more profession has a monopoly on expertise. Instead, architects,
desirable places in which to live. engineers, landscape architects, planners, economists, surveyors
and many others must combine their knowledge with that of
The city is a work of art, it fosters art and is art. The city is an property developers, public agencies and community groups.
architectural, and therefore an artistic creation. Good urban design is thus collaborative in nature, integrating
various perspectives and concerns. This is one reason why the
Architecture claims superiority over other forms of visual art. subject is best approached with a long-term, 'big-picture'
Architecture has spatial quality unlike painting and sculpture. It perspective.
also incorporates elements of these art forms and therefore is
the most comprehensive of visual arts. Architects and designers tend to be more concerned with design
concepts and theories, ambience, character, image, symbolic
Architecture is superior because we are surrounded by significance and aesthetics generally ('cultural aspects'). These
architecture, unable to avoid buildings and the subtle but are matters addressed through critical discourse and
penetrating effects of their character. Architecture becomes the professional judgement, and exemplified in case studies. Users
“unavoidable art”. and owners, however, are more interested in fitness for purpose,
which they assess more pragmatically.
The city then is the “largest work of art possible”. The Value of Urban Design
Definition of Urban Design Many kinds of 'value' can be considered - economic,
environmental, social or cultural; tangible or intangible. The
Deals with the plan of the city, the various component parts benefits (and costs) of good urban design often accrue to the
of urban space, and their functional and aesthetic aspects. wider community; therefore, many stakeholders have an
The art of city building interest in what takes place at both the micro scale (street and
Concerned with the methods used to organize and structure building design) and the macro scale (eg, patterns of land use).
the urban realm. The benefits urban design might offer:
Urban design is defined as that branch of planning which is
primarily concerned with the functional and visual relationships Good urban design can offer significant benefits to the
between people and their physical environment, and the ways in community; conversely, poor design can have
which those relationships can be improved. significant adverse effects on the urban environment,
society and economy.
The Urban Design Protocol describes urban design as: "the While good urban design sometimes costs more
design of the buildings, places, spaces and networks that make upfront, this is not necessarily the case; moreover,
up our towns and cities, and the ways people use them". This is long-term costs can be avoided.
an inclusive definition that addresses both the public and Communities value the better quality of life that good
private domains of cities, and embraces the social as well as
urban design can deliver.
physical dimensions of the urban environment. According to
this interpretation, urban design must be considered at a number Urban design can affect people's ability and
of different scales, from the details of street furniture to the willingness to undertake physical exercise: good
infrastructure that shapes entire cities and regions. design can offer health benefits.

Urban design remains an art as much as a science, involving Urban design can help make towns and cities safer and
more secure.
concepts that are sometimes elusive, such as character. It
involves both public urban space and parts of the private Urban design elements are interconnected: urban
domain, and concerns the urban environment at a range of design is most effective when a number of elements
scales. Urban design is also context-specific. come together (eg, mixed use, density and
connectivity).

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 PLN2- Fundamentals of Urban Design and Community Architecture

The inclusiveness of urban design is both a strength and a Sustainable Development is development that integrates
potential weakness. By its very nature, design is integrative. It environmental, economic, and social concerns and can meet the
creates relationships among things that might otherwise be needs of the present without compromising the ability of future
considered separate. The holistic nature of urban design reflects generations to meet their own needs.
the multi-faceted nature of urban areas themselves, where so
many problems and potentials are interconnected. However, Development should not be confined with growth.
there is a risk that urban design may become so all- Growth is a physical or quantitative while development is a
encompassing that it lacks focus, substance or bite. qualitative concept. It is concerned with improvement of
Inclusiveness poses particular difficulties if the purpose is to progress including cultural social and economic dimension.
identify specific causes and effects. Studies that are able to
disentangle distinct effects, while holding other factors Development in the 21st Century is a multi-dimensional
constant, are thus particularly valuable. concept which combines five perspectives, all of which are
Two points to be emphasized in the definition of urban design keys to making development sustainable.
in the Urban Design Protocol. First, while urban design's
principal concern is the 'public realm' (ie, the streets, squares, Financial capital: sound macroeconomic planning and
parks, buildings and other spaces to which the average person prudent fiscal management.
has full or partial access), it must be emphasized that urban Physical capital: infrastructure assets such as
design does not exclude private property. Private buildings and buildings, machines, roads, power plants, and ports.
spaces have a significant impact on the quality of adjacent Human capital: good health and education to maintain
public areas. Also, privately owned spaces such as shops and labor markets.
entry lobbies are often freely accessible to passers-by. As a Social capital: people's skills and abilities as well as
result, public and private spaces are better thought of as a the institutions, relationships, and norms that shape the quality
continuum than entirely distinct. and quantity of a society's social interactions.
Natural capital: natural resources, both commercial
A second feature of urban design is a concern for physical and non-commercial, and ecological services which provide the
elements and spatial relationships. This focus keeps urban requirements for life, including food, water, energy, fibers,
design firmly grounded in a tangible, three-dimensional world: waste assimilation, climate stabilization, and other life-support
a place that is experienced through sight and sound, and
services.
sometimes through the tactile qualities of materials and details.
This emphasis does not discount people, their behaviour, the
significance of collaboration and participation in the urban Mankind is viewed as custodian of the earth for future
design process, or even the meanings people attach to places. generations. The aim therefore in the development policy is not
But it does stress that most of the impacts of urban design flow simply to maintain the status quo but for each generation to
essentially from tangible, physical characteristics. hand on a better environment particularly where it is degraded
or socially deprived.
What is good urban design?
Urban Design Framework- strategic planning that gives
demonstrates design excellence in urban development direction to areas in need of repair and undergoing changes
and architecture
distributes benefits widely in the population Principles

produces environmental benefits 1. Maintain a compact and diverse critical mass of activity
responds to local features and needs 2. Create civic elements
3. Integrate traffic movement and pedestrian safety and
is relevant to the contemporary world streetscape measures
leaves open the possibility for continuing adaptation 4. Respect the traditional urban development pattern
and change 5. New and renovated buildings should complement
forges connections with the past. adjacent building
6. Architecture should be simulated interest at street level
Urban Design 7. Reinforcement through color
Generally accepted name for the process of giving 8. Signs should complement building appearance
process design direction to urban growth, conservation and 9. Conservation of historic buildings.
change 10. Planning and design of transport and parking lots.
Aims to arrange and shape buildings open space and
infrastructure into a framework of activities, functions and The Nature of Design
development and to provide an engaging, rewarding
environment for people The methods of design used in single building or in a group of
Thoughtful integration of the human system with the buildings are ineffectual on a city scale for two major reasons:
natural system to house societies The geographic extent of the city is so vast that the human
mind is incapable of developing concurrently explicit three-
3 main goals of Urban Design dimensional plans for the entire area.
The city is of such a scale that its various sections are
To design and build urban development which built and rebuilt over a long span of time.
are both structurally and functionally sound
Sustainable development Simulation movement system – in three-dimensional terms has
Meeting the needs and aspirations of the the quality necessary to meet the two city requirements.
people
THE NATURE OF SIMULTANEOUS MOVEMENT
SYSTEMS

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Technology Architecture – an advanced online

To understand the significance of “simultaneous movement environment with a wide range of tools to support
systems” or path along which city-dwellers move or are collaboration, communication and coordination in an
transported, three concepts must be considered: efficient, effective and enjoyable way.
Relationship of mass and space
A well-designed architectural framework should let the
Continuity of experience
community:
Simultaneous continuities
Reduce mistakes due to approaches to community design,
RESPONSIVE ARCHITECTURE that don't account for the complexity of what is required to
cultivate coherent and productive conversations in
The idea that the built environment should provide its users cyberspace.
with an essentially democratic setting, enriching their
opportunities by maximizing the degree of choice available Orient evaluation of choices and tradeoffs among
to them. These places are called responsive. numerous design options, guided by a small set of
generative design principles.
How does design affect choice? Coordinate collaboration between design team,
The design of a place affects the choices people can make, community members, sponsor, facilitator and all those who
at many levels: have a stake in the community's success.
it affects where people can go, and where they cannot:
the quality is called permeability. Foster co-evolution of self-organizing "emergence" and
it affects the range of uses available to people; the deliberative "design," mirroring the co-evolution of the
quality is called variety community with its enabling architectures.
it affects how easily people can understand what
Establish coherence of design, by cycling through the key
opportunities it offers: the quality is called legibility
design dimensions, in re-iterative loops.
it affects the degree to which people can use a given
place for different purposes; the quality is called Chart an optimal course of the project, that takes into
robustness. account the interdependence of the four design areas--
it affects whether; the detailed appearance of the place community, knowledge, business, and technology--and
makes people aware of the choices available; the quality is their systemic interdependence
called visual appropriateness.
it affects people‟s choice of sensory experience; the Focus attention and other resources, first, on the critical
quality is called richness path of design.
it affects the extent to which people can put their own
stamp on the place; this is called personalization.

COMMUNITY DESIGN ARCHITECTURE

The Community Design Architecture (CDA) is a systemic,

highly scalable and robust methodology for the facilitated
co-evolution of communities of practice, other forms of c-
learning communities, and knowledge networks, with their
virtual learning environments.

People and their communities in value-creating

relationships, with continuous access to their shared
knowledge, both of which are supported by enabling
technologies.
DESIGN PRINCIPLES
Those components define the four layers of CDA as a
methodology for generating the social, business, and The CDA methodology is built on 4 inter-related design
knowledge and technology architectures of virtual teams, principles:
learning communities, and their networks. The four layers
Designing For Emergence
interact, cross-fertilize, and feed one another.
Communities are complex adaptive social systems
Social Architecture – the network of relationships, characterized by the phenomenon of “emergence.” It
collaboration, communication and coordination, with means that they can produce surprising new capabilities
supporting agreements, principles, metrics, leadership through the differentiation and integration of their
roles, decision making etc, need to create open and trusting members' capabilities. They cannot be planned or
interactions. “engineered” like a formal organization.
Knowledge Architecture – the body of available The “designing for emergence” principle is concerned with
knowledge (intellectual capital) to be upgraded to meet ensuring that all enablers of emergence are given proper
new challenges, by orientation, exploration, reflection, attention throughout the design process. They include all
sense-making, and shared memory. tools and process that foster the following activities:
Business Architecture - financing, attracting and allocating
resources (two-way value propositions), business model to spontaneity and individual and group creativity
ensure sustainability. member initiatives and experimentation
various forms of member-to-member interactions

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opportunities for group formation at the lowest Accept limitations

possible transaction cost No community planning activity can solve all the world‟s
problems. But that is not a reason for holding back. Limited
Productive Conversations practical improvements will almost always result, and
community planning activity can often act as a catalyst for
A key process for fostering the emergence of new meaning more fundamental change.
and solutions in communities is the re-combination of Accept varied commitment
ideas born in productive conversations. That re- Far too much energy is wasted complaining that certain people
combination occurs mainly in conversations. do not participate when the opportunity is provided. All of us
could spend our lives many times over working to improve the
The principle of "productive conversations" is concerned local environment. Everyone has their own priorities in life and
with designing into the system the capacity to sustain these should be respected. If people do not participate it is
networks of coherent dialogues and productive inquiries likely to be because they are happy to let others get on with it,
involving any number of members and their communities, they are busy with things which are more important to them or
across distance and time. the process has not been made sufficiently interesting.
"Across time" implies that there should be explicit Agree rules and boundaries
provision to promote the synergy of real-time There should be a common understanding by all main interest
(synchronous) and delayed-time (asynchronous) dialogues, groups of the approach adopted. Particularly in communities
which is the richest source of emergence through idea re- where there is fear – for instance that others may be trying to
combination. gain territorial advantage – it is vital that the rules and
boundaries are clearly understood and agreed.
Transformational Design Avoid jargon
Use plain language. Jargon prevents people from engaging and
Design is a matter of choice; it's the artful use of freedom
is usually a smokescreen to hide incompetence. Ignorance or
and constraints for maximizing the communities' and their
arrogance.
members' potential to create value with the designed
Be honest
environment. Be open and straightforward about the nature of any activity.
The “transformational design” principle is concerned with People will generally participate more enthusiastically if they
ensuring that all tools, structures, and processes are know that something can be achieved through their
optimised for continually meeting the user communities participation (e.g. if there is a budget for a capital project). But
evolving learning needs and aspirations. they may be quite prepared to participate „at risk‟ providing
they know the odds. If there is only a small chance of positive
To meet that requirement, transformational design has to change as a result of people participating, say so. Avoid hidden
be robust, flexible, and scalable. agendas.
Be transparent
Innovation Focus
The objectives and people‟s roles should be clear and
"If innovation is not widely understood to be the transparent at events. For instance, it may seem trivial but the
community‟s lifeblood, the pace of member acquisition importance of name badges to prevent events being the
will slow and membership will slowly erode." (Net Gain: preserve of the „in-crowd‟ can never be stressed enough.
Expanding Markets through Virtual Communities, by John Be visionary yet realistic
Hagel III and Arthur G. Armstrong) Nothing mush is likely to be achieved without raising
expectations. Yet dwelling entirely on the utopian can be
The principle of "innovation focus" is concerned with 4 frustrating. Strike a balance between setting visionary utopian
architectural layers as 4 domains of innovation, and with goals and being realistic about the practical options available.
their cross-pollination. The measure of innovation value of Build local capacity
each is in the value of new possibilities that they can open Long-term community sustainability depends on developing
to the community. human and social capital. Take every opportunity to develop
local skills and capacity. Involve local people in surveying
For example, good design brings social and knowledge
their own situation, running their own programmes and
innovation into interplay with one another and with
managing local assets.
business and technical innovation. That interplay will lead
to more consistently high returns than environments strong Communicate
Use all available media to let people know what you are doing
in only one or two dimensions of innovation.
and how they can get involved. Community newspapers or
Therefore, virtual learning environments should be broadsheets in particular are invaluable.
optimized--with effective, real-time feedback loops--for Encourage collaboration
synergy across the social, knowledge, business, and Create partnerships wherever possible between the various
technical layers of the architecture. interest groups involved and with potential contributors such as
financial institutions.
COMMUNITY PLANNING Flexibility
General Principles Be prepared to modify the processes as circumstances dictate.
Whatever community planning approach you choose, there are Avoid inflexible methods and strategies.
general principles which apply to most situations. This section Focus on attitudes
summarizes some of the most important principles. Adopt and Behavior and attitude are just as, if not more, important than
adapt as appropriate. methods. Encourage self-critical awareness, hading over
Accept different agendas control, personal responsibility and sharing.
People will want to be involved for a variety of reasons, for Follow-up
instance academic enquiry, altruism, curiosity, fear of change, Lack of follow-up is the most common failing, usually due to a
financial gain, neighborliness, professional duty, protection of failure to plan and budget for it. Make sure you set aside time
interests, socializing. This need not be a problem but it helps to
be aware of people‟s different agendas.
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and resources for documenting, publicizing and acting on the Personal initiative
results of any community planning initiative. Virtually all community planning initiatives have happened
Go at the right pace only because an individual has taken initiative. Don‟t wait for
Rushing can lead to problems. On the other hand, without others. That individual could be you!
deadlines things can drift. Using experienced external advisors Plan your own process carefully
may speed up the process but often at the expense of Careful planning of the process is vital. Avoid rushing into any
developing local capacity. Get the balance right. one approach. Look at alternatives. Design a process to suit
Go for it. the circumstances. This may well involve combining a range of
This is the phrase used most by people who have experienced methods or devising new ones.
community planning when asked what their advice would be to Plan for the local context
others. You are bound to have doubts; it is usually a leap in the Develop unique strategies for each neighborhood. Understand
dark. But you are unlikely to regret taking the plunge. local characteristics and vernacular traditions and use them as a
Have fun starting point for planning. Encourage regional and local
Getting involved in creating and managing the environment diversity.
should not be a chore. It can be a great opportunity to meet Prepare properly
people and have fun. The most interesting and sustainable The most successful activities are invariably those on which
environments have been produced where people have enjoyed sufficient time and effort have been given to preliminary
creating them. Community planning requires humor. Use organization and engaging those who may be interested.
cartoons, jokes and games whenever possible. Process as important as product
Human scale The way that things are done is often as important as the end
Work in communities of a manageable scale. This is usually result. But remember that the aim is implementation.
where people at least recognize each other. Where possible, Participation is important but is not an end in itself.
break up larger areas into a series of smaller ones. Professional enablers
Involve all those affected Professionals and administrators should see themselves as
Community planning works best if all parties are committed to enablers, helping local people achieve their goals, rather than as
it. Involve all the main interested parties as early as possible, providers of services and solutions.
preferably in the planning of the process. Activities in which Quality not quantity
key players (such as landowners or planners) sit on the There is no such thing as a perfect participation process. The
sidelines are all too common and rarely achieve their objectives search for one is healthy only if this fact is accepted.
completely. Time spent winning over cynics before you start is Generally, the maximum participation by the maximum number
well worthwhile. If there are people or groups who cannot be of people is worth aiming at. But any participation is better
convinced at the outset, keep them informed and give them the than none and the quality of participation is more important
option of joining in later on. than the numbers involved. A well organized even for a small
Involve all sections of the community number of people can often be more fruitful than a less well
People of different ages, gender, backgrounds and cultures organized even for larger numbers.
almost invariably have different perspectives. Ensure that a full Record and document
spectrum of the community is involved. This is usually far Make sure participation activities are properly recorded and
more important than involving large numbers. documented so that it can be clearly seen who has been
Learn form others involved and how. Easily forgotten, such records can be
There is no need to re-invent the wheel. One of the best invaluable at a later stage.
sources of information is people who have done it before. Respect cultural context
Don‟t think you know it all. No one does. Be open to new Make sure that your approach is suitable for the cultural context
approaches. Get in touch with people from elsewhere who in which you are working. Consider local attitudes to gender,
have relevant experience. Go and visit them and see their informal livelihoods, social groupings, speaking out in public
projects; seeing is believing. Do not be afraid of experienced and so on.
„consultants‟ but choose and brief them carefully. Respect local knowledge
Local ownership of the process All people, whether literate or not, whether rich or poor,
The community planning process should be „owned‟ by local whether children, women or men, have a remarkable
people. Even though consultants or national organizations may understanding of their surroundings and are capable of
be providing advice and taking responsibility for certain analyzing and assessing their situation, often better than trained
activities, the local community should take responsibility for professionals. Respect local perceptions, choices and abilities
the overall process. and involve local people in setting goals and strategies.
Maintain momentum Shared control
Regularly monitor progress to ensure that initiatives are built on The extent of public participation in any activity vary from very
and objectives achieved. Development processes are invariably little to a great deal. Different levels are appropriate at different
lengthy, the participation process needs to stay the course. If stages of the planning process but shared control at the
there has to be a break, start again from where ou left off, mot planning and design stage is the crucial ingredient.
from the beginning. Periodic review sessions can be very Spend money
valuable to maintain momentum and community involvement. Effective participation processes take time and energy. There
Mixture of methods are methods to suit a range of budgets and much can be
Use a variety of involvement methods as different people will achieved using only people‟s time and energy. But over-tight
want to take part in different ways. For instance, some will be budgets usually lead to cutting corners and poor results.
happy to write letters, others will prefer to make comments at Remember that community planning is an important activity,
an exhibition or take part in workshop sessions. the success or failure of which may have dramatic implications
Now is the right time for future generations as well as your own resources. The costs
The best time to start involving people is at the beginning of of building the wrong thing in the wrong place can be
any programme. The earlier the better. But if programmes astronomical and make the cost of proper community planning
have already begun, participation should be introduced as soon pale into insignificance. Budget generously.
as possible. Start now. Think on your feet

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Once the basic principles and language of participatory Preparation takes place including arranging timetables, venues,
planning are understood, experienced practitioners will find it publicity, equipment, technical support, background
easy to improvise. Avoid feeling constrained by rules or information.
guidance (such as this handbook). The even is held, often assisted by a facilitator or team of
Train facilitators from elsewhere. Proposals for actions result.
Training is invaluable at all levels. Encourage visits to other The event is followed up to ensure that proposals are put into
projects and attendance on courses. Build in training to all your action.
activities. Working together
Trust in others’ honesty. Local residents, business people, professionals, officials and
Start from a position of trusting others and generally this will politicians all work creatively together for an intensive period.
be reciprocated. Lack of trust is usually due to lack of Conventional boundaries tend to break down, releasing spirit,
information. humor, imagination, positive thinking and collective creativity.
Use experts appropriately
The best results emerge when local people work closely and
intensively with experts from all the necessary disciplines. Elements of Urban Design: Orientation and Identity in
Creating and managing the environment is very complicated Community Architecture
and requires a variety of expertise and experience to do it well.
Do not be afraid of expertise, embrace it. But avoid Urban Design Components
dependency on, or hijacking by, professionals. Keep control
local. Use experts „little and often‟ to allow local participants Urban design has three distinct components, which vary in
time to develop capability, even if it means they sometimes scale. These are described below:
make mistakes.
Use facilitators Urban spatial structure
Orchestrating group activities is a real skill. Without good This is urban design on a large, or macro, scale. It involves the
facilitation the most articulate and powerful may dominate. deliberate distribution, scaling, and combination or separation
Particularly if large numbers of people are involved, ensure that of land uses to create an integrated whole which defines the
the person (or people) directing the events has good facilitation form of the community. For example, it involves locating,
skills. If not, hire someone who has. linking and defining roles for activity centers, open spaces or
Use local talent major transportation corridors.
Make use of local skills and professionalism within the
community before supplementing them with outside assistance. Urban beautification
This will help develop capability within the community and This is urban design on a medium scale. This involves the
help achieve long-term sustainability. landscaping or beautification of public and private areas of the
Use outsiders, but carefully City and the defining of the relationship between the physical
A central principle of community planning is that local people location of different uses and the placement of buildings.
know best. But outsiders, if well briefed, can provide a fresh
perspective which can be invigorating. Getting the right Urban decoration
balance between locals and outsiders is important; avoid locals This is urban design on a small or micro scale. It involves
feeling swamped or intimidated by „foreigners‟. projects such as the choice of street furniture or colored and
Visualize textured pavers to decorate an area. Like urban beautification,
People can participate far more effectively if information is many of the decorating activities carried out in the renovation
presented visually rather than in words. A great deal of poor of areas are thought of as being urban design, but in reality they
development, and hostility to good development, is due to are simply the micro component of the overall urban design
people not understanding what it will look like. Use graphics, concept. Building and site design standards are to be regulated
maps, illustrations, cartoons, drawings, photomontages, and covering standards for, building design, setbacks, building
models wherever possible. And make the process itself visible placement, impervious coverage allotments, critical areas
by using flipcharts, post-it notes, colored dots and banners. protection and preservation, and natural vegetation retention.
Walk before you run These standards all contribute to the design of individual
Developing a participatory culture takes time. Start by using projects and to the overall design of the community. The City‟s
simple participation methods and work up to using more role in urban design is a large and important one since the
complex ones as experience and confidence grow. public sector has traditionally had responsibility for the open
Work on location space, transportation, utilities, and permitting portions of
Wherever possible, base community planning activities planning. By the same token, the concept of overall design
physically in the area being planned. This makes it much easier control on a large (i.e. “citywide”) scale is best overseen by the
for everyone to bridge the gap from concept to reality. public sector.
Elements of Urban Design: Creating and Identifying the
METHODS Sense of Place
Action planning events allow people to produce plans of
action at carefully structured sessions at which all those One reason that cities and towns routinely fail at creating active
affected work creatively together. They can be used at any social environments is that the community is not involved in
stage of the development process and provide an alternative establishing a vision for the place from the outset. Instead,
to reliance on bureaucratic planning. officials, designers and planners use a project-based approach,
The nature of the action planning event is decided on and whereby they deem what is wrong with a street, park or other
agreed by the main parties involved. There are many common public space, and make the necessary "improvements" without
types and the scope for inventing new formats in unlimited. truly consulting the community in what they might want to see
Events may last for an afternoon, a weekend, a week or a or do there. On the other hand, a community-based approach
month. involves a broad cross-section of residents and other local
leaders in defining the project from the start. This not only
provides a prime opportunity to gather local knowledge and

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ideas for creating a successful place, but it also fosters the

natural stewardship, in-kind donations and partnerships that  Fosters frequent and meaningful contact
contribute to that success. - improves sociability
- more cultural exposure, interaction
For these solutions to be successful, they need to go farther and - exchanges and preserves information, wisdom, values
incorporate two critical factors. For one thing, the design of - supports barter system
communities should focus on creating social, public places - - reduces race and class barriers
destinations that are accessible in a multitude of ways. In - feeling of interconnection
addition, communities should be involved from the outset in
planning and design, making changes, and generating a vision  Creates improved accessibility
for a place. - more walkable
- safe for pedestrians
- compatible with public transit
- reduces need for cars and parking
See p. 28 (Annex) - more efficient use of time and money
- greater connections between uses
 Promotes sense of comfort
- visually pleasing
- generally stimulating Just like luneta, walang pumupunta kasi
walang sense of comfort because of kyah
- sense of belonging kyah HAHAHHAHAHA
- greater security
- better environmental quality
- feeling of freedom

 Draws a diverse population

- more women, elderly, and children
- greater ethnic and cultural pluralism
- encourages a range of activities and uses
- new service, retail, and customer niches
- variation and character in built environment
- encourages community creativity
See p. 27 (Annex)

Example to make a
community or a space
a great space?

- open space and

variety of use “sun
bathing”
- sa open space dun
nakalagay lahat ng
establishment

Benefits of “PLACE”

 Builds and supports the local Economy

- small-scale entrepreneurship
- more quality goods available
- higher real estate values
- local ownership, local value
- more desirable jobs
- increased currency velocity
Just like dito sa manila, nagcocommute na lang tayo since wala
- greater tax revenue namang magandang view. Di mo trip maglakad kasi mausok ganon

- less need for municipal services What happens when people do venture outside? A lack of
sidewalks and safe places to cross streets discourages walking
 Nurtures and defines community identity or bicycling; where sidewalks exist, the surrounding
- greater community organization environment is usually so uninteresting that no one wants to use
- sense of pride and volunteerism them anyway. Blank walls and bleak landscapes are best
- perpetuation of integrity and values viewed from a speeding car rather than on foot. Equally dull
- “mutual coercion, mutually agreed upon” parks lie fallow much of the time. In short, in most of our
- les need for municipal control communities "there's no 'there' there," as Gertrude Stein said.
- self-managing

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No wonder people drive instead, especially in the typical

Sidewalks and
suburb, where sprawling developments and the lack of
crosswalks make
accessible public spaces and parks require adults to do errands
it easier and safer
via car and chauffeur children to activities. And so we've ended
to walk to
up with vehicle-dominated metropolitan areas and a crisis in
libraries, schools,
traffic congestion. You burn calories kapag naglalakad ka kung maganda.
Pag hindi, just like here in Manila, pag naglakad ka laundromats, local
makakalanghap ka pa ng pollution. Air quality poor.
shops, or
Creating places can provide the rationale for a range of downtown retail
solutions to foster health and livability. Making towns and areas
neighborhood centers more navigable for walkers and bikers
may promote physical and social activity - but it will not be a
fruitful activity unless this accessibility is linked to great
places. Who wants to use streets, sidewalks and bike trails that
don't go anywhere? Eto yung dahilan kung bakit magandang ilocate yung open space
para maencourage din yung iba to relax and feell comfy there. It’s like
a promotion kse nga surrounded siya ng public institutions/buildings
"Great" places are valued by and accessible to everyone in a
community: parks for recreation, play, and relaxation; streets
and sidewalks where neighbors meet and people can shop, jog Uses and Activities
and stroll; farmers markets with fresh produce and other goods. A beautifully designed space is not worth anything if people
They are also the "front porches" of public institutions: city don't use it. A community-based planning process lets all the
halls, libraries, schools, and post offices. These places must be stakeholders - including residents, city agencies, local leaders
situated so that people can conveniently reach them on foot or and merchants - define what goes on in a place. When ideas
by transit. Psychologically, thriving public spaces give come from the ground up, not the top down, the events,
residents a strong sense of community, and promote the kinds programs, recreation, and play areas in a public space are truly
of familiarity and social bonds that make neighborhoods safer connected to the communities that use them. In addition,
and healthier. They are critical to livable cities and healthy partnerships among local organizations, merchants associations,
communities - and unfortunately, they are all too rare. and government agencies act as new sources of ideas for
activities and help a public space become a true "community
Access and Linkages Example: super block concept. place." Planning for uses and activities in this way promotes
According to the Department of Transportation, 25 percent of sustainability and use, and therefore activity.
all trips are less than a mile, but 75 percent of those trips are
made by car. That 75 percent could be reduced if the design of
neighborhoods facilitated other forms of transportation. Instead,
communities are built on streets too wide to cross comfortably,
traffic that moves too quickly, and an absence or lack of
sidewalks, crosswalks, and bike lanes. Access means a truly
public space: one that is available and easy to reach for people
of all incomes and backgrounds - who do not have to pay to use
it. It is a critical factor, since public spaces are one of our most
democratic institutions.

Schoolyards that give students better places to play, and

allow for a diverse range of activities for all community
residents after school hours

Playgrounds and
recreation facilities that
kids can walk or bike to
and make it home safely
- Lively, pedestrian-friendly downtowns with a mixture of stores,
merchants, services and public spaces. Residential streets
encourage slow-moving traffic so that people can come out of
their homes to talk, walk, play on the sidewalks, and shop.

Institutions that people visit regularly are situated together,

making it more convenient to accomplish tasks and participate in
activities.

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Comfort and Image “all development should be judged as an attempt to decorate

Places that are designed to be appealing, enjoyable, and the city”
convenient provide an incentive to getting people out and about
- they become attractions, like a shady shopping street with “urban development results from consideration of such
benches and good sidewalks, or a park that supports a range of practical matters as function, use, economic location, and
active and passive uses. Shade trees, comfortable places to sit, available finance.”
water fountains, waste receptacles, good views, adequate (but
not overbearing) lighting: All of these amenities make people “having solved the practicalities of development, the ultimate
feel good about being in a public space. Unfortunately, in criterion for evaluating any addition to the city is whether that
unattractive neighborhoods where vehicles dominate, there is a increment decorates the city.”
stigma to simply walking down the street. Creating places that
attract people will remove this stigma. Definitions:

Ornament and Decoration - ways in which the main elements

within the city are arranged to form a pleasing and memorable
pattern.

Both words mean embellishments.

Ornament has more formal overtones – the architectural work

associated with certain architectural styles or the work of
individual architects.
- installation of sculpture, fountains, obelisks and similar
features into the urban scene.

Decoration is used to describe populist activities.

- placing of gnomes in the front garden.
- Topiary work
- Decorating the city for festivals

Primary Role:
Parks and public squares full of activities, concerts, and
a. unifying parts of the city into comprehensive wholes.
events, with amenities that draw people and families
b. emphasize and clarify the five components (by Lynch) and
regularly, such as barbecue pits; clean, accessible bathrooms;
so strengthen the city‟s image and enhance its attraction for
interesting play areas; food kiosks; water fountains; ponds;
citizen and visitor.
sculpture; and movable seating.
c. contribution to formal qualities of the city such as visual
Just like the lover’s lane order or unity, proportion, scale, contrast, balance and
Sociability Mas okay pa sa lover’s lane kaysa naman sa luneta lol rhythm.
Like physical activity, research has shown that sociability can
play a role in alleviating depression, which is strongly linked to Functions:
isolation and disconnectedness. It can draw people out of the a. to go beyond the decoration of individual buildings and to
house and into community life - and it is the critical identifier enrich the decorative themes of a locality.
of every great public space. Sociability is measured by public b. To enhance the physical, social and spiritual qualities of
displays of affection, diversity, volunteerism, even people location
taking pictures and pointing out neighborhood monuments and c. To develop the “legibility” and “imageability” of the city.
special features. (a legible city can be easily visualized in the minds eye,
having a clearly defined, easily recognized, and distinctive
perceptual structure.)

Ornaments of a city:
a. streets and squares
b. parks, waterways, and its main buildings
c. sculpture and fountains
d. public building location
e. items of street furniture (telephone boxes, railings, signs,
seats)
f. soft landscape features (trees and shrubs)
g. all objects in the street (whether utilitarian or not, they are
things to be seen and part of an organic whole)

Great public spaces - destinations that encourage Decoration for Visual Pleasure
physical activity and draw people together socially - can “ornament and decoration have the capacity to unleash
play a significant role in turning around the decline in feelings, trigger reactions, feed the memory and stimulate
public health. the imagination.”
Elements of Urban Design: Signs and Symbols in Urban “ decoration is an activity that gives visual pleasure. It is
Design properly enjoyed for its own sake, for its sensuous and
immediate pleasure of visual complexity.”
ORNAMENT AND DECORATION

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The aesthetic and visual appeal of decoration depends upon and space, of street and square, soft and hard landscape, or
four factors: colour and texture.
 the quality of the space which is both the setting
for the decoration and which in turn is enhanced
by it.
 The physical form and the pattern of decoration
 Circumstances under which the decoration is seen
(for instance, weather conditions particularly the
quality of light)
 The perceptual framework of the observer (his or
her mood, how she or he sees, and what has been
seen before)

Physical Variables of Decoration:

Unity
Environment to have an understandable simple pattern of signs
and clues. Attractive, easily seen symbols at bus stops that indicate the
type of service and the route can facilitate use of the transit
Establishment of centres or places (proximity), directions or system.
paths (continuity) and areas or districts (enclosure).

Proportion
Some central idea, a visual element or group of related
elements should dominate the whole composition. In urban
design, the dominant may be the main town square around
which the main civic buildings are arranged.
Dominance of one decorative theme: the repetition of roof
materials, pitch, skyline, ridge, the consistent use of floorscape
materials and patterning, and the choice of street fittings.
Scale
Relationship of buildings and urban space to the size of a Transit routes, stops and transfer points can be more easily
human being. Visual qualities of urban space and its understood and remembered if they are distinctively
architectural envelope and the act of healing or making the city identified by signs, landscaping and illumination.
whole are both closely related to the correct scaling of the
urban landscape. The Elements of Urban Design
Urban design involves the design and coordination of all that
Harmony makes up cities and towns:
All elements conform to certain ratios which relate
continuously to all other ratios. Buildings
Buildings are the most pronounced elements of urban design -
City must be experienced to be appreciated, it is to be they shape and articulate space by forming the streetwalls of the
experienced by all senses: sounds, smells and texture is city. Well designed buildings and groups of buildings work
important – the cool sound of a fountain spray or sonorous together to create a sense of place.
distant smell, the smell of garlic, hot chocolate and gauloise
cigarettes on Parisienne streets, the rising heat from sunny Public Space
pavements, or chilly dark shadows in distant alleyways. Great public spaces are the living room of the city - the place
Balance and Symmetry where people come together to enjoy the city and each other.
Visually well adjusted. A simple pair of scales is used as an Public spaces make high quality life in the city possible - they
analogue for balance in design. Symmetry is the balance of form the stage and backdrop to the drama of life. Public spaces
formal axial buildings. Formal symmetrical decoration is best range from grand central plazas and squares, to small, local
viewed from the central axis. neighborhood parks.

Rhythm Streets
Rhythm is a basic characteristic of our nature; a pattern Streets are the connections between spaces and places, as well
imposed by the mind – children in the dark, listening to the as being spaces themselves. They are defined by their physical
tick-tock of the clock magically turn the sounds into a rhythmic dimension and character as well as the size, scale, and character
beat. of the buildings that line them. Streets range from grand
avenues such as the Champs-Elysees in Paris to small, intimate
Rhythm in architecture is the product of the grouping of pedestrian streets. The pattern of the street network is part of
elements, of emphasis, interval, accent and direction. It is the what defines a city and what makes each city unique.
sense of movement by the articulation of the members making
up the composition. Transport
Transport systems connect the parts of cities and help shape
Contrast them, and enable movement throughout the city. They include
Good design should avoid monotony, and therefore it should road, rail, bicycle, and pedestrian networks, and together form
have interest and accent. Contrast have to be kept within the total movement system of a city. The balance of these
proportion to avoid perceptual overload. Contrast of horizontals various transport systems is what helps define the quality and
from the verticals; contrast of form and antiform of buildings character of cities, and makes them either friendly or hostile to
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pedestrians. The best cities are the ones that elevate the Neighbourhood character is important because urban
experience of the pedestrian while minimizing the dominance neighbourhoods, as well as being functional units, provide an
of the private automobile. important source of "identity" or "meaning" for their
residents. The availability of local areas and the ability of
Landscape people to personalise at the group and individual level will
The landscape is the green part of the city that weaves help them to establish group identity and express their
throughout - in the form of urban parks, street trees, plants, preferences, perform their proper activities and create
flowers, and water in many forms. The landscape helps define noticeable differences and complexity in the cities. These
the character and beauty of a city and creates soft, contrasting deliberately made differences help people to orient
spaces and elements. Green spaces in cities range from grand themselves within cities. By reinforcing the cultural
parks such as Central Park in New York City and the differences between one locality and another, variations in
Washington DC Mall, to small intimate pocket parks. character increase opportunities for self-expression and make
available a wider range of experiences.
The Core Elements of Urban Design
The eight core elements of urban design. These elements - and Neighbourhoods counteract the "gigantism" of the
the key economic, social and environmental findings for each - metropolis, and "protect" their residents from the "hazards
are summarized below. and inconveniences of the city". In other words, the
neighborhood mediates between the individual and the
Local character metropolis, making urban life more attractive. This effect is
Definition: the distinctive identity of a particular place that supported by the "implicit belief that localism and smallness
results from the interaction of many factors, including built are associated with higher quality of life". So a recognizable
form, people, activity and history. Urban design that respects neighborhood has the potential to provide "a small town
and supports local character can reinforce a sense of identity feeling" even in the largest city.
among residents, and encourage them to help actively manage
their neighborhood, and offer people meaningful choices A strong sense of neighborhood identity encourages
between very distinctive places, whose differences they value residents to become more actively involved in managing the
urban environment. The neighborhood is "a vehicle for
Local character is one of the generators of urban strengthening bonds between residents and those between
design. them and their environment". "[Neighbourhoods] facilitate
people's participation in the management of their residential
Good urban design includes "responsiveness to environment." "Understanding the local significance of the
important qualities in the urban and landscape context as historic environment is by definition a collaborative
well as valuable historical characteristics". endeavor." The distinct character of places is a "shared
concern" and, as a result, decision-makers must have access
One of the first principles of urban design is to to a "shared knowledge base" created by local communities
"[promote] character in townscape and landscape by as well as specialists.
responding to and reinforcing locally distinctive patterns
of development and culture". It is possible that neighbourhood character has
diminished in importance with the growth of personal
Sustainable urban design "respects and enhances existing
mobility and other forms of communication. These
cultural heritage and communities". It produces
innovations have created "more heterogeneous" communities
"distinctive places" that "foster a strong sense of
that may be less distinctive from one another because of their
community, pride, social equity, integration and
identity". polyglot composition. In addition, communities of interest
have substituted for many place-based relationships. The
In recognizing the importance of character, urban design also decline in neighbourhood significance can be reversed by
acknowledges that it is beneficial for places to have different clever urban design. Referring to 'New Urbanist' creations,
physical and social characteristics. The value derives from "The assumption that neighborly looking streets and spaces
distinctiveness itself. In this sense, character can be will generate community life runs through New Urbanist
distinguished from the individual attributes that constitute it: literature ...
density, connectivity, scale, use. While each of these qualities
may be advantageous in its own way, 'character' describes the However, a contrary view is advanced by other
additional benefit that results when such qualities combine to authors who argue that, "a strong sense of community [still]
create an easily recognizable identity. So, character results from exists in well-defined city neighbourhoods". Jane Jacobs
an amalgam of features, and combines built form with the contends that: "even the most urbane citizens do care about
people and activities that occupy a particular location. the atmosphere of the street and district where they live" and
"depend greatly on their neighbourhoods for the kind of
Urban design needs to keep pace with evolution in everyday life they have". The continued relevance of
order to remain responsive to "new cultural, technical or neighbourhoods and neighbourhood character may help to
economic pressures". Several authorities suggest that overly explain why two independent studies found that people place
restrictive design controls, especially those that require more importance on the quality and appearance of their
particular stylistic solutions, are inappropriate because they neighbourhood than they do on their own homes. It also
inhibit the evolution of architecture's expression of suggests that an enduring preference for clearly defined
contemporary culture and, as such, are detrimental to cultural neighbourhoods accounts for the popularity of the neo-
development. traditionalist and New Urbanist planning movements.
Neighbourhood character An interesting objection to local character is that it
Though place-specific identities may be defined at promotes social segregation, particularly when differences
city-wide or even regional levels, support for local character between one neighbourhood and another reflect spending
is strongest at the scale of individual neighbourhoods. patterns. Because "[n]ot all [citizens] ... are part of this
Indeed, it is possible to describe 'neighbourhood character' as consuming society" the commercial component of
the prime example of this design principle. neighbourhood character can encourage "new forms of social

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exclusion". However, such exclusionary differences are not characteristics, residents benefit from a clearer sense of
necessarily commonplace. personal identity, and may be more inclined to become
actively involved in managing the environment. Evidence
Heritage character suggests that characterful neighbourhoods are valued by
Heritage provides a second important source of their inhabitants. People may even be prepared to pay more
character. However, the importance of architectural heritage to live in such locations. Historic buildings and precincts
and, more generally, the value of 'old buildings', are recurring containing older buildings provide a particularly strong local
themes in urban design. Historic buildings make "a great image. These areas seem to have special appeal to small
contribution to the character, diversity and sense of identity high-tech enterprises and footloose knowledge-workers of the
of urban areas". This attribute implies more than a New Economy. Increasingly, people appreciate having
memorable or attractive appearance. According to Gathorne- access to a range of distinctly different places. This
Hardy, built heritage is also an important repository of preference appears to be part of a more widespread demand
knowledge: for a greater choice of commodities, work patterns and
... the historic environment shapes how we live our lives lifestyles. Urban design supports choice by maintaining or
as individuals, households and communities. It enhancing the features that make one place different from
represents a truly invaluable storehouse of information, another. Taken together, these benefits mean that it is easier
knowledge and understanding about why people and to promote or 'brand' cities and regions that have within
places are like they are and offers insights into what they them very distinct localities.
could become.
In this commercial environment, variety itself becomes an
Respect for local character may lead to more responsible use economic asset: "At the local level, the preservation of
of non-renewable resources. The historic fabric of the built difference has become valued, sometimes as a commodity to
environment is "an incalculable mass of material and energy sell, through the rediscovery of heritage sites [and] the
to be conserved and re-used with care". Conservation is conservation and recreation of the past." Thorns links the
more likely if new development acknowledges existing "emphasis upon heritage, culture and the uniqueness of the
settlement patterns. city" to a need for "images and branding". A distinctive local
character can strengthen these promotional messages, which
may be pitched at residents as well as visitors and investors.
"Place promotion is in part a process whereby cities, regions
and countries are imbued with new meanings and sold
through the agency of advertising, packaging and market
positioning." In this process, the landscapes, social practices,
buildings, residents, symbols and meanings of places are
potentially available for sale to investors and tourists. Place
promotion also includes a representational element directed
at local residents. "Positive images of places are created by
local government agencies and private-sector boosters which
are designed to encourage the locals to feel good about their
home towns and the quality of life that can be had there."

Historic buildings, and in fact nearly all older buildings The benefits of differentiation apply to regions as well as
regardless of their historic affiliations, provide a individual neighbourhoods and cities. "Urban regions should
richness of character, texture and human scale that is be a blend of distinct communities - centres within centres,
unlikely to be repeated often in new developments. They villages within cities - with unique economic, social and
help characterize many neighborhoods of the city, and cultural characteristics. They will become the focal points for
establish landmarks and focal points that contribute to interaction and enterprise within the larger regions, all with
the city pattern. their own purpose, flavour and community pride."
Facilitating redevelopment
Increased choice Designing in sympathy with local character may facilitate the
Distinct localities add variety to a city, and help to satisfy a introduction of more compact dwelling types that could
growing preference for diversity over standardization. The otherwise encounter resistance from host communities. New
demand for differentiation and choice may be prompted housing is more likely to be accepted by neighbours and
partly by new demographic patterns and more intricate career purchasers if its layout and design acknowledge local
paths. "Not only is today's workforce more diverse by typical building traditions. "[Housing designs] that reflect local
measures - gender, age, race, ethnicity - but people no longer traditions also enhance the value of higher-density
experience life in lock-step, predictable patterns. Diversity developments. Projects that fit their surrounding are an easier
and complexity shape daily life ... Not only do people need to sell - both to local officials and consumers - than those that
choose among many options or living and working, but they seem out of context." According to these writers,
increasingly value having a choice." acknowledging local patterns is particularly important for
affordable housing projects in suburban locations. In this
At a wider level, because consumers are better able to "craft context: "Higher-density developments gain better
... [a] sense of identity", cities have become imprinted with a acceptance to the extent that they resemble modestly sized
wider variety of taste cultures. "[c]hoice, and the freedom and versions of single family homes found throughout the
opportunity that this is seen to bring, can improve the well- community."
being of individuals. This in turn encourages the
differentiation of culture rather than the blandness of Conclusion
conformity attributed to modernism and mass-commodity Good urban design supports local character. When
production". urban neighbourhoods possess distinctive physical and
social characteristics, residents benefit from a clearer

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sense of personal identity, and may be more inclined to Sources indicate that the economic value of land is
become actively involved in managing the environment. influenced by the relative location of various activities, and
Evidence suggests that characterful neighbourhoods are better connections and accessibility will enhance the value
valued by their inhabitants. People may even be prepared of a location relative to others. Distribution-type businesses
place a particular premium on accessibility, and will be
to pay more to live in such locations. Historic buildings
attracted by peripheral or city fringe locations because of
and precincts containing older buildings provide a the congestion suffered by some city centres.
particularly strong local image. These areas seem to have
special appeal to small high-tech enterprises and Neighbourhood connectivity and its impact on walking
footloose knowledge-workers of the New Economy. and cycling
Increasingly, people appreciate having access to a range The evidence shows that a well-connected network of
of distinctly different places. This preference appears to neighbourhood streets encourages walking and cycling.
People are generally willing to walk or cycle a limited
be part of a more widespread demand for a greater distance to reach a destination, and a relatively well-
choice of commodities, work patterns and lifestyles. connected (or 'fine-grained') network of streets allows a
Urban design supports choice by maintaining or greater range of destinations to be within comfortable
enhancing the features that make one place different from walking or cycling distance from any point in the
another. Taken together, these benefits mean that it is neighbourhood. Internal connectivity, therefore, can
easier to promote or 'brand' cities and regions that have dramatically shorten walking distances and provide
within them very distinct localities. convenient foot and cycle access to recreational and
community facilities.
People might change their long-distance travel and
commuting habits if the built environment provides
opportunities for mode change, but are more likely to
increase the amount of time they spend walking or cycling
to local destinations.
Quality of public space and walkability
To provide connections that simply allow through-access
for pedestrians is insufficient. A considerable weight of
evidence indicates that there must also be attention to the
quality of those connections if they are to attract use. A
high quality environment increases the likelihood that
people will walk, to work or anywhere else. One condition
is that connections "must be visible, otherwise only people
who already know the area can take advantage of them."
Moderate physical activity is increased most efficiently in
Special lighting fixtures and quality of light can enhance the environments where traffic calming strategies both reduce
identity of districts, distinctive areas, and important shopping traffic speeds and create conditions that encourage walking
streets. and cycling. At the same time, quality spaces and routes
enhance enjoyment and quality of life. Other research also
Connectivity supports the converse claim: that activity is discouraged
Definition: the physical conditions facilitating access within a where there are poor footpaths and bad lighting, and a
region, city, town or neighbourhood. Well-connected cities, perceived lack of safety, both from accident and crime, and
towns and neighbourhoods can enhance people's safety and particularly for women and children. The importance of
security by encouraging surveillance, encourage more walking safety - both perceived and actual - is emphasised as a
and cycling, leading to health benefits, and reduce vehicle necessary condition if walking is to be encouraged.
emissions through fewer cars being used for non-work trips.
Connectivity and health
The physical conditions that give access are a combination There is strong evidence of the adverse community health
of urban structure (with connectivity being a key factor), effects of patterns of development that encourage excessive
quality of space, and the relative proximity of activities and car use, cause pollution and lead to reductions in daily
destinations. Some urban design literature and research focuses exercise.
on connections at the scale of the region and city. However,
most relates to connectivity of the neighbourhood structure. Gains in physical activity engendered by a better designed
The following discussion covers both these areas of research, urban environment are important. A lack of exercise,
with greater focus on the latter. Another kind of connectivity pollution, and social isolation are all "factors which have
considered in the literature is that between the public and been found to be associated with higher mortality and
private realm, at the level of individual site development. morbidity in the elderly". Other research reinforces that
Research canvassed here relates to safety. commuting by walking or cycling improves health
outcomes, physical activity is more likely to be adopted
Regional and city-wide considerations and sustained when it is "integrated into the routines of
The real estate agent's insistence on the importance of everyday life".
'location, location, location' is supported by the research on
accessibility and connectivity. Competitive cities tend to have The question here, however, is how important connectivity is
high transport connectivity, both externally (to other regions in fostering physical activity and hence health gains. Viewed
and cities) and internally. This facilitates efficient access, for conservatively, where increased neighbourhood connectivity
both individuals and organisations, underpinning economic encourages a switch from car use to other modes for
activity. commuting, there are likely to be moderate health benefits.
But connectivity is only one of several factors (including
density and mixed use) influencing neighbourhood walkabilty.
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In addition, people derive health benefits from being able to adjoin pedestrian footpaths connecting cul-de-sac heads tend to
walk and cycle around the local neighbourhood even if they have the highest risk of burglary.
continue to use their car for trips at the regional scale.
Current research and practice also maintains support for the
More research is required to fully isolate the impact of benefits of natural surveillance promoted by Jane Jacobs in the
connectivity - as distinct from the joint impact of structure, 1960s, and that are an important plank in Oscar Newman's
mixed land use and density - on people's choice of transport theory. A strong distinction between the public and private
mode. realm - ensuring all users of the public environment are aware
of the expectations and conventions of access to any space -
remains important. This contributes to safety and security at the
level of the individual site.
Visual connections and safety
There is conclusive evidence about the safety and security
benefits of building fronts with entrances and windows (that is,
'active edges') facing the street. This 'inter-visibility' is
important, and significantly lower burglary rates were found
where houses face the entrance of other houses. Houses with
high front boundary walls were shown to be more vulnerable to
burglary than those with lower walls that allow views across. A
major empirical study in the United Kingdom found that streets
characterised by active edges had a burglary rate less than a
third of that on streets with inactive frontages. It was also found
that houses on streets accommodating cars and pedestrians had
a burglary rate less than half that of pedestrian-only streets.

Landscaped pathways can visually and functionally

link larger open spaces to neighborhoods.

Connectivity and safety

Conventional wisdom suggests that restricting public access -
specifically by the absence of interconnection at the
neighbourhood structure level - enhances safety. This Views from roadways that reveal major destinations or that
contention may well be influenced by Oscar Newman's theory provide overlooks of important routes and areas of the city
of 'Defensible Space' and the idea of 'territoriality', but it is not assist the traveler in orientation.
supported by recent empirical research.
COMMENT: Traveling north along San Jose Avenue, the
At the neighbourhood scale, patterns of burglary are strongly driver's position and direction are confirmed by the view of
linked to the street structure, and studies show that areas that downtown across the Mission District.
are well-connected and visible have a significantly reduced risk
of burglary. Large-sample empirical studies carried out in the Conclusion
United Kingdom and Australia conclusively contradict the idea Connectivity at the regional scale is necessary for cities to be
that spatial segregation and separation are desirable and show economically competitive. However, the provision of access
that long and complex cul-de-sac arrangements lead to an needs to be carefully managed to ensure that peripheral
increased safety and security risk. They also support the connectivity does not undermine the overall urban form, and
contention that enclosure and segregation in fact redistribute that a net benefit for the region is achieved.
danger and diminish people's willingness and capacity to deal
Connectivity of the neighbourhood street system is essential if
with it.
walking and cycling are to be encouraged, and the significant
This finding reflects the fact that connectivity allows people public health benefits of even moderate physical activity are to
and places to benefit more from natural surveillance, where, be gained. An appropriately interconnected street network
because of 'eyes on the street', "people feel safer and criminals structure, allied with good-quality public space design,
feel exposed". provides conditions that encourage walking and cycling for
local trips, and leads to health benefits. Conversely, lack of
The research emphasises that social factors are also relevant in connectivity is linked to vehicle dependence and consequent
understanding crime. Furthermore, a number of macro- and significant public health risks.
micro-scale design factors have been shown to work together in
reducing vulnerability. Burglars in any area will select the most Lack of connection and segregation - both of a new
vulnerable target from the local menu: the effects of neighbourhood from surrounding areas, or of a dwelling from
connectivity and degree of exposure to view are only two of the its neighbours - is shown to have negative effects. These range
relevant factors in their choice. If there is too much from vehicle dependence and social isolation, at the
connectivity, spaces may be created that become more neighbourhood level, to increased risk of burglary at the site
vulnerable due to low use and consequent reduced 'natural level.
surveillance'. The evidence conclusively demonstrates that "...
Density
'access-without-use' increases risk, but access with good
Definition: the concentration of population and activity in an
potential use ... should always be created". Dwellings that
urban area. Urban design that promotes a higher density of
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buildings and public spaces (in conjunction with other User participation
conditions, such as mixed use, good building design and Definition: the public consultation process, and other forms of
adequate open space) can promote social connectedness and involvement in urban design projects, such as surveys or design
vitality, help encourage greater physical activity, with workshops. User participation in urban design activity can
consequent health benefits, help conserve green spaces, in improve the fit between design and user needs, allow more
conjunction with certain kinds of urban development, and effective use of resources, by providing informed direction for
reduce run-off from vehicles to water, and overall emissions to decision-making, offer time or cost savings during the decision-
air/atmosphere (although air emissions may be more locally making process, by encouraging increased user support for
concentrated). positive change, develop a greater sense of 'user ownership'
over changes, and legitimize user interests, and enhance a sense
Mixed use of community and local democracy.
Definition: where a variety of different living and working
activities are in close proximity within a neighbourhood. Urban
design that supports mixed-use neighbourhoods (in conjunction Image of Cities
with other factors including connectivity and a relatively high
intensity of different uses) can offer people convenience, THE CITY IMAGE & ITS ELEMENTS
choices and opportunities, which lead to a sense of personal
wellbeing, allow parking and transport infrastructure to be used Kevin Lynch notion of urban legibility: 5 components – the key
more efficiently, increase the viability of local shops and to imageability:
facilities, encourage walking and cycling - bringing health
benefits, reducing the need to own a car and thus reducing A collective image – map or impressions – map of a city, a
emissions, increase personal safety, and enhance social equity. collective picture of what people extract from the physical
reality of a city.

There are five basic elements which people use to construct

their mental image of a city:

1.1 Path/Pathways
Major and minor routes of circulation to move about;
the city has a network of major routes and a neighborhood
network of minor routes; a building has several main routes
which people use to get to it and from it. An urban highway
network is a network of pathways for a whole city; the
footpaths of a college are pathways for the campus.
a. The channels along which the observer
customarily, occasionally or potentially moves
b. They may be streets, walkways, transit lines,
Continuity of interest and activities at ground level in canals, railroads.
commercial buildings adjacent to pedestrian ways creates rich
street life and enhances pedestrian experiences.
Stores contribute both visual interest and activity to the street in
downtown and district shopping areas and are the principal
generators of street life.

Adaptability
1.2 Nodes
Definition: the capacity of urban buildings, neighbourhoods
A center of activity; distinguished from a landmark by
and spaces to adapt to changing needs. Urban design that
virtue of its active function; it is a distinct hub of activity.
addresses adaptability can increase the diversity of uses and
Times Square in New York City is both a landmark and a
users in a public space, and the length of time it is used for.
node.
High quality public realm
Definition: all parts of the physical environment of towns and
cities that the public has access to, and that form the setting for
community and public life. An urban design approach that
emphasises quality in the public realm can lead to enhanced
urban economic performance by attracting more people and
activities, encourage greater participation in community and
cultural activities, and enhance civic pride and commitment to
the community, and increase the use of public space and
support associated business. 1.3 Edges
The termination of a district is its edge. Some districts
Integrated decision-making have no distinct edges at all but gradually taper off and
Definition: integration between and within organisations blend into another district. When two districts are joined at
involved in urban policy, planning and implementation, as well an edge they form a seam. A narrow park may be a joining
as integration of the different urban design elements. An Seam for two urban neighborhoods.
integrated approach to decision-making can increase
opportunities for greater numbers of people to benefit from
good urban design, and allow urban design to produce the
greatest possible benefits by working with complementary
economic, social and environmental policies.
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These objects enclose space and define it in new ways.

1.4 Landmarks
The prominent visual features of the city; some are
very large and are seen at great distances; some are very
small and can only be seen up close (e.g. street clock, a
fountain, or a small statue in a park); help in orienting
people in the city and help identify an area; should be
distinct but in harmony with other elements in the setting;
distinct visual object.

The essence of architecture “does not lie in the material

limitation placed on spatial freedom, but in the way space is
organized into meaningful form through this process of
limitation.

To define space in architecture, therefore, means “to determine

1.5 Districts boundaries” within a “uniformly extended material to be
A city is composed of component neighborhoods or modelled in various ways”.
districts; its center, uptown, midtown, its in-town residential
areas, trainyards, factory areas, suburbs, college campuses, Typical functions of Urban Spaces
etc. Sometimes they are distinct in form and extent – ex.
Wall Street area of Manhattan. Sometime they are Activities of a town take place in public and private spheres.
considerably mixed in character and do not have distinct The behavioural patterns of people are similar in both. So, the
limits like the midtown of Manhattan. result is that the way in which public space has been organised
has in all periods exercised a powerful influence on the design
of private houses.
Structural Frameworks of Urban Space
Understanding urban space, with all its dimensions, is made
possible by tracing the process of development.
It is through this development process that we can relate the
physical geometry with social and symbolic geometries, and
These five elements of urban form are sufficient to make a relate the world of artifacts with the world of people.
useful visual survey of the form of a city. They are the skeletal
elements of a city form. Upon this framework hangs a tapestry Looking at urban space from the perspective of individuals
of embellishments. and groups:
Urban space is the material space with its social and
Theories of Urban Design: Space in Urban Design, Urban psychological dimensions
Aesthetics Urban form is the geometry of this space.

URBAN SPACE Understanding urban space means looking at the political

economy, where systems of money and power are at work to
Space is a complex word. create built environments and where scientific inquiry offers an
objective understanding of urban space
Architectural space is created by the erection of two walls, We also have to look at everyday life, where disorder and
creating a space in between them, which is separated from the spontaneity can take over and where human behavior in, and
natural space around them. use of, urban space endows it with meaning.

Urban space is wherein streets, squares, parks, playgrounds and Understanding urban space, with all its dimensions, is made
gardens are all “voids” that have been limited or defined to possible by tracing the process of development.
create an enclosed space. It is through this development process that we can relate the
physical geometry with social and symbolic geometries, and
Internal space - defined by the building itself (corridors and relate the world of artefacts with the world of people.
room) It stems from the traditions of urban architecture and urban
morphology, which have developed the idea of historicity of
External space - defined by that building and the others around urban fabric.
it (streets and squares) Development process and urban form are both outcomes of, and
contributors to, the production and reproduction of social
Creation of urban space involves objects that are not often systems.
identified with architecture, such as: Bridges, Obelisks,
Fountains, Triumphal arches, Group of trees, Facades of Urban Form
buildings
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Urban form has been equated with the term townscape – the
urban equivalent of landscape, comprising the visible forms of The concept of the centre
the built-up areas. Probably the single most important idea with which the urban
designer works
Its three main components are:
 Street plan or layout The NODE is an important element (Lynch)
 Architectural style of buildings and their design - it gives the city „imageability or a strong image‟
 Land use - nodes are points, the strategic spots in a city into
which an observer can enter, and which are the
The geometry of each of these component parts, or some of intensive foci to and from which he is traveling.
their more detailed aspects, has been defined as urban form. - nodes are the conceptual anchor points in our cities.

Urban form is also defined as the spatial pattern or The only way that a relationship and proportion can be
“arrangement” of individual elements within a city system. established between the different parts of the town design is to
These elements include built environment, buildings and land have „definite centres‟.
uses, as well as social groups, economic activities and public - emphasize some parts and subordinate others.
institutions. - grouping dramatically the main civic buildings around
the central place as a dominant element in the urban
Urban Morphology scene, the town takes a unified form.

Urban morphology is the systematic study of the form, shape, The form of the square
plan, structure and functions of the built fabric of towns and
cities, and of the origin and the way in which this fabric has 5 archetypal forms:
evolved over time. The enclosed or closed square
space is self contained
It entails plots, buildings, use, streets, plans, townscapes.
The key to enclosure in the square is the treatment of its
Urban areas are studied in terms their morphology, producing corners.
concepts and generalizations related to the character and The more open the corners, the less the sense of enclosure.
intensity of land use within the urban area and to the spatial
interactions of one part of the urban area with another, i.e., Important qualities of square and their surrounding buildings
internal structure and processes. that affect the degree of enclosure:
The nature of the enclosing roof line.
Basic Forms of Urban Space Roofline is more or less of equal height throughout its length.
Square The height of the enclosing buildings in relation to the size of
Circle the space.
Triangle Harmonious proportion of height to width of 1:4
The degree of their three-dimensional modeling
Basic Elements of Urban Space The closer the walls resembling the 2-dimensional quality of a
room, the greater the degree of enclosure. Void between
Square buildings is the 3-dimensional element
First way man discovered using urban space. The presence or absence of a unifying architectural theme.
Continuity and unity is heightened thru repetition of building
Produced by the grouping of houses around an
elements.
open space facilitating ready defense against
The over-all shape of the space itself.
external aggression
Perfect square does not exist, they take shapes that come to
terms with site exigencies.
Street
Product of the spread of a settlement once houses The dominated square
have been built on all available spaces around its space is directed towards the main building
central square. Characterized by one individual structure or a group of
THE SQUARE OR PLAZA buildings toward which the open space is directed and to which
An area framed by buildings and designed to exhibit its all other surrounding structures are related.
buildings to the greatest advantage.
Whether a plaza is deep or wide usually becomes apparent
Two methods of categorizing squares: when the observer stands opposite the major building that
o By function dominates the whole layout
o By form
Linked Squares or Grouped Squares
What are successful city squares made of? spatial units are combined to form larger
May have a dominant function for which each is known and by compositions
which they may be classified
City is seen and experienced as the observer moves about either
Often those that sustain activity through the diversity of uses in on foot or by some other means of transport.
the surrounding buildings:
“the single most important function of an element in The faster the travel the less detail is perceived.
the city is the symbolic meaning attached to it”
The scenery in the town is presented to the pedestrian as a
“the great plaza is linked with the world of fantasy, series of snapshots of memorable events on the route.
the context of feeling”
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– “serial vision” - decorated with trees, caverns,

mountains, and other rustic objects
Links formed when complex shape public square consists of delineated in landscape style
two or more overlapping or interpenetrating spaces: a series of - landscape outside the city
spaces may be physically connected by streets or alleyways. - bucolic manners and country sport in
the forest path
Spaces may be related by an external reference point, a - bucolic avenue made manifest in the
dominant element such as a tower. vast areas of suburbia
Individual squares can fall into a coherent pattern in the mind  Alberti - “if the city is noble and powerful,
of the observer by their strong relationship to the same streets should be straight and broad, which
building; a strong visual connection to the mass of a tower. carries the air of greatness and majesty.
Though if the town is small, he suggests that
Nuclear and Amorphous Squares it will be better and safe to have them wind
Nuclear square - space is formed around a centre about and in the heart of the town, it will be
Amorphous square - space is unlimited handsomer not to have them straight, but to
Does not qualify for inclusion in the category public square have them winding about several ways…by
since it lacks a high degree of physical enclosure. appearing longer they will add to the
greatness of the town”
They are important places in their own right and design requires
considerations of a different order. Definitions
 Street, path, avenue, highway, way, route,
Busy metropolitan traffic junctions like New York Times road, boulevard, mall and promenade have
Square are squares in name only and should be designed similar meanings
bearing in mind their primary function, the efficient movement  Main distinction be made between road and
of traffic. street
 Road is at once an act of riding on horseback
A large square such as New York‟s Washington Square is and an ordinary line of communication
framed by buildings on all sides yet being too large for the between places, used by horses, travellers on
surrounding heterogeneous structures it lacks enclosure. foot or vehicles
- any path, way or course to some
As long as there is a nucleus, a strong vertical accent - a journey
monument, a fountain, an obelisk – powerful enough to charge - emphasis is on movement between
the space around with a tension that keeps the whole together, places, the principle lines of
the impression of a square will be evoked. communication between places – a
two-dimensional ribbon, running on
A strong focus is present to hold together an otherwise the surface of the landscape
amorphous shape as a recognizable spatial unit. - movement of fast-moving or heavy
traffic with all its engineering
STREETS requirements
 Street may have these attributes, but its more
Introduction common meaning is a road in a town or
village
Classification of Streets:
- street will be taken as an enclosed
 Start with Vitruvius description of the three
three-dimensional space between
street scenes for use as the backdrop in a
two lines of adjacent buildings
theater
- when traffic moves at speed it
 Tragic scenes
cannot be accommodated within a
- delineated with columns, pediments,
street but that does not eliminate the
statues, and other objects suited to
utility of the street nor does it
kings
necessary preclude the use of the
- classical form of architecture street for vehicular traffic
- dramas of state and public ritual  The conception of the city as a product of
- grandeur of the formal, straight urban functions dominated by transport
street being associated with public deprives the street of its role, or meaning and
exhibition and parade such functional analyses leave the urban
 Comic scenes street without an existence or reason for
- exhibit private dwellings, with being.
balconies and views representing
rows of windows, after the manner Functions of the Street
of ordinary dwellings
- Gothic form of architecture  Street as a legitimate element of civic design
- Boisterous merchant and popular life  Streets and their sidewalks, the main public
- Charming medieval street so places of a city are its most vital organs
admired by tourists as the  If a city‟s streets are interesting, the city
pedestrianized mall of the older looks interesting
European city  It is necessary to examine the function and
 Satyric scenes role of the street within the urban fabric so
that the designer is better able to understand

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and give form to this important element of  Empty streets can lead to the public domain
city design. being donated to the thug, mugger and rapist
 A proper balance is required between
 Physical element: privacy, defensible space, access for the car
- a means of access and safe pedestrian use of the street
- has a three-dimensional physical
form which inhibit certain activities See p. 27 (Annex)
and make others possible
- as a link that facilitates the
movement of people as pedestrians
or within vehicles and also the
movement of goods to sustain the
wider market and some particular
uses within the street
 Social fact:
- arena for social expression
- can be analysed in terms of who
owns, uses and controls it; the 
purposes for which it was built; and 
its changing social and economic 
function 
- facilitating communication and 
interaction between people and 
groups – thus serving to bind
together the social order of the polis
- site for casual interaction, including
recreation, conversation, and
entertainment, as well as a site for
ritual observances. Some of the means by which the speed and volume of
- A “better” street is all important and traffic can be reduced on residential streets - The
so the new street address becomes designs shown are simple prototypes. When used in
the symbol of self-esteem combination and adapted to specific streets, such
- A common area which serves a methods can significantly discourage heavy, fast and
group through traffic and divert vehicles to arterial streets. In
many cases, too, these designs can improve the visual
 The needs of the pedestrian dominate, and the quality of residential neighborhoods provide usable
creation of a sense of place is paramount. (in open space for landscaping, playgrounds and sitting
such a situation, the street, the square and the areas.
public facade of the buildings are the
The Form of the Street
dominant design elements)

Street Use:
 In the planning of the street, the physical
factors that appear most to influence street
use are:
- user density
- land-use mix
- pedestrian-vehicular interaction
- configuration
- context
 most street activity occurs when it is
convenient for large numbers of pedestrians
to use the street in a variety of ways.
 Activity in streets increases when densities
are high enough to inhibit the use of car and
to support a range of facilities such as shops
and schools which are within walking
distance from a sustainable catchment area
 A variety of land uses stimulating many
activities is a prerequisite of a lively street

Design and Planning of Streets:

 Total separation of vehicles and pedestrians
can be harmful to the development of a lively
and active street
 Separation of high-speed traffic movement
from pedestrian traffic is obviously
necessary.

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 Configuration, shape or form of the street has where activities intensify to such an extent
not received detailed consideration unlike that place and rest vie for dominance with
design of public square function of pathway and movement. Such
 Can be analysed in terms of a number of places or nodes should be at intervals of 200
polar qualities such as straight or curved, long to 300m.
or short, wide or narrow, enclosed or open,
formal or informal. Techniques for design of comfortable streets
 Can be analysed in terms of scale, proportion,  apparent length of streets can be reduced by
contrast, rhythm or connections to other offsets
streets and squares  use of gates (arches forming terminating
 Two main characteristics directly related to features)
form: it is, at one and the same time, both  ideal street must form a completely enclosed
path and place unit (the more one‟s impression are confined
- man chooses and creates paths within it, the more perfect will be its tableau;
which gives his existential space a one feels at ease in a space where the gaze
more particular structure. cannot be lost in infinity)
- a journey along a path which leads  if the meandering street is more picturesque,
him in a direction determined by his the straight one is monumental. In the straight
purpose and his image of the street, enclosure is achieved through the use
environment of the arch
- path represents a basic property of
human existence. Street Proportion
 the ratio of width of street to height of enclosing
 A sense of place in street design is best buildings is critical for good street design‟
achieved if the spatial volume defined by the
frontages is perceived as the positive form.
 Street is a space about which dwellings are
grouped to form a series of street pictures; or
alternatively, the street is a space that may be
expanded into wider spaces such as closes or
squares.
 If a street or a section of a street is to possess
the quality of enclosure then it must be
considered to have three main elements, an
entrance, the place itself and a termination or
exit.

Street landscaping of a type and size appropriate to the area

should be used, as well as lighting that identifies the area
through special fixtures and quality of light. Sidewalk treatment
should be coordinated, with distinctive paving, benches and
other elements suitable to the needs and desires of merchants,
shoppers and other people using the area. Building facades and
Street Length
the total composition of the activity center should be designed to
make clear the geographical extent of the center and its
 Upper limit for uninterrupted length of street
relationship to the district.
is probably in the order of 1,500m (1 mile).
Beyond this distance human scale is lost
 Long vista is reserved for special streets, BASIC CONCEPT OF EXTERIOR SPACE
great ceremonial routes, the public pathways
used on state occasions. THE VISIBLE LANDSCAPE
 Such grand avenues may be used to adorn a Visual pollution is an offense against the landscape, and
capital city. thus against society – for landscape is society‟s home.
 Winding of the streets will make the While each small act, often committed thoughtlessly, may
passenger at every step discover a new seem minor, the sum of these can soon despoil the
structure. streetscape of a city.
 (Lynch) – the street is a path enlivened by a If an object or structure serves a good and useful purpose,
series of nodes where other paths meet it or does not adversely affect the health, safety, or welfare of

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the public, and does not detract from the quality of the midblock plazas and throughways open the city wide to
landscape, then no act of visual pollution has been pedestrian use and add visual delight; a single tree can
committed. create an oasis- such oases within the desertlike expanses
of pavement and masonry provide refreshment to the city
BILLBOARDS & SIGNS dweller and enrich the urban landscape)
Roadway signs are designed and intended to convey
information to the motorist speeding by: gas here, food Open space
there, lodging up the road, etc. But the increasing and
competition for the driver‟s attention has turned the signs landscaping
into swirls of conflicting graphics and verbiage. The lights can give
cause glare, the billboards obscure the landscape and neighborho
sometimes the roadway, and the wordy messages confuse ods an
and distract the driver. In the end, the signs fail in their identity, a
purpose, to convey basic information. visual focus
and a center
- regulate use of roadside signs and billboards. for activity.
- Install scenic and historic trail markers
- Group informational signs into clusters
- Enforce building identification sign controls

OVERHEAD WIRES
Visual blight caused by utility poles and overhead lines is
PATHS OF MOVEMENT
so obvious.All wires have to be put underground, only for
Our living landscape is composed of ways and places.
a small fraction of construction costs.
Ways are the paths of movement of people and vehicles
Community appearance is greatly improved if lines are while places are activity centers where people work, learn,
buried in underground conduits – they are out of sight, worship, and relax.
easily accessible for pulling and repair, and protected from
winds, falling limbs, and the weather. STREETS & HIGHWAYS
The streets of a city are lines of concentrated activity
JUNK, TRASH & GARBAGE where ways and places are combined and where life and
Mountains of waste have to be hauled away and put movement are intensified.
somewhere – all at an astronomical cost, and all
contributing to pollution in one form or another. Planning of streets, it is important that:
 All functions be considered and interrelated
Landfills, incineration, etc. but still with side effects.  Movement of vehicles be accommodated to provide
What can we do about our waste? – recycling or reuse is safe and convenient access
the most promising.  Walkways and open spaces upon which the buildings
face are suitably planted and furnished with all the
A new concept of solid-waste management has evolved; it amenities that can contribute so much pleasure to city
assumes that man can devise a social-technological system life.
that will wisely control the quantity and characteristics of
wastes, efficiently collect those that must be reused, and  Create new public squares and plazas
properly dispose of those that have no further use.  Construct waterfront parks
VACANT PROPERTIES
Urban decay is concentrated in and around vacant
properties, with their weeds, heaps of trash, and scurrying
rats. Like an open sore they soon infect the healthy tissue
around them. Pride in the neighborhood fades; people and
enterprises move away; property values drop; and
dilapidation spreads.
- require protection and upkeep/maintenance
- remove derelicts
- put the vacant properties to use.

VIEWS AND VIEWING

Take advantage of the scenic opportunities that exist within
any metropolitan area, it may be visually transformed into Waterfront development that maximizes the interface
a place of wonder and delight. between land and water increases the opportunities for
 Develop the scenic possibilities of existing roadways. public access to the water's edge.
 Consider the visual aspects of new street and highway
alignments
 Reveal and enframe the major vistas.
 Develop an urban parkway system (arterial circulation
through areas of intensive development should be by
controlled-access parkways)
 Create gateways to the cities (approaches can be
designed as portals of startling beauty)
 Provide parks and open spaces. (public open spaces
may be lavish or large enough to be significant;

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g. Creation of a sense of security and pleasantness

Finger
piers
Urban Design Process (Documenting the City)
create a
greater
I. Preparing a design brief
variety
- once basic planning requirements are
of established, a design concept should be
possible established for the site. The design brief
ways to
should consider the following main subject
experien
areas:
ce the
 means of access by road and by other
water
modes of transport
and the  the relationship of the pedestrian, cyclist
city. and the car
 safety in the public realm
 quality of design in street and public
square including notes on achieving
vitality and permeability
 the identity and legibility of place
 features of sustainable development
 open space and landscape strategy

- these development framework and site

development guidance is to encourage and
guide development.

Commercial and residential uses oriented toward the II. Survey

water and designed to create varied public spaces can - Survey techniques depend upon the nature
add visual interest to the waterfront. and scale of the project.
- Techniques used in moderate- to large-scale
 Plan a series of small parklets on narrow, vacant, city projects: This is like the original version.
For you to understand yoru future,
lots  Historical Analysis you have to know yoru past
 Line the streets with shade and flowering trees Understanding the genius loci or the
 Install attractive street and area lighting spirit of the place provides the key to
 Furnish the streets for the city dweller‟s convenience, charting the direction for future development.
comfort, and enjoyment (benches, planters, drinking Peeling back the layers of history
fountains, waste receptacles, and good looking which encrust the modern city reveals
graphics; canopies or shelters at transit stops, well- the reasons for its present form and function.
designed magazine and flower stalls and telephone
booths; sculpture, murals, fountains and night  Townscape Analysis
illuminations) There are 3 main aspects of
 Consider the use of handsome walk pavements townscape analysis:
 Screen the parking areas Legibility of the urban structure How u see the space
 Regulate commercial signs Ways in which people perceive,
 Initiate design controls understand and react to the environment. It
 Encourage area improvement concerns those qualities of a place which give
it an immediate identity, one which is quickly
The Urban Design Process (Documenting the City: The perceived or grasped by its users.
System of Design and Process of Documentation and Permeability of the environment
Presentation) The choice it represents to the user.

Goal of urban design: Visual study

To design and build urban developments which Studies of urban space, the treatment of facades,
are both structurally and functionally sound while pavement, roofline, street sculpture, and an analysis of
at the same time giving pleasure to those who see the complexity of visual detail which distinguishes one
the development. place from another.
Urban design shares with its sister
art, architecture, these three III. Analysis
qualities of utility, durability and the ability a. gathering of basic information
to bring to the user a sense of - suitability of the topography
well-being and emotional satisfaction. - land area required for the new units
- adequacy of public utilities
What is Good Urban Design? - amount of traffic generated and necessary
a. Unity and Coherence roadways to accommodate it
b. Minimum conflict between vehicles and pedestrians - parking space requirements
c. Protection from rain, noise, wind and so on - additional requirements for schools, parks,
d. Ease of orientation and playgrounds
e. Compatibility of land uses - relevant zoning and subdivision ordinances
f. Availability of places to rest, observe, and meet b. visual survey

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c. identification of hard and soft areas Beauty is the perceived harmonious relationship of all elements
d. functional analysis in any object, place, or action.
IV. Synthesis
V. Evaluation Most attractive communities are those in which everything
VI. Implementation seems to be working well together. This is largely a matter of
the allocation and distribution of the land use areas for housing,
Analysis of urban space is acquired though responses schools, shopping, and so on, in relation to each other, the
by the “faculty of sight”, as the environment is circulation routes, and the topographical features.
apprehended “almost entirely through vision”.
 Provide suitable areas for all required land uses.
Best way to understand its workings is to dissect its parts. Best possible size and shape to express and
Body of the community is composed of its land-use areas, accommodate the community‟s workable program.
such as the various types of residential, commercial, and Soil suitability/land capability.
cultural properties. Size and disposition set the general  Leave greenbelt areas in between
outline or shape. Canals, highways, railroads, or transmission
The skeleton to which they relate is the natural topography corridors often serve well as separators between various
with its geologic structure, which determines the basic three- community districts.
dimensional form and much of its landscape character  Preplan the transportation routes
Veins and arteries are the circulation ways, including Compatible routes for all types of traffic
streets, transit routes, pedestrian walks, and perhaps canals movement must be devised to serve them
Lifeblood is provided by the commerce and industry  Group the compatible uses
Energy and communications serve as the nerves Homes, schools, and convenience centers
Min and spirit is symbolized by the institutions – the from a complementary grouping, as do parks, zoos, and
schools, libraries, museums, and churches botanical gardens.
Business offices and shopping malls are
The total aspect is attractive only if each of the features are well mutually supportive, as are universities, hospitals, and
formed to serve its purpose, and the composite body is healthy cultural centers.
and thriving.  Fit the size to the use requirements
Each use has its own general order of
a. Consider the type of community you would like yours to magnitude that is seems most desirable
be.  Preserve the topographical features.
 What is its purpose? Protect lakes and lagoons with borders of
 Does it serve the purpose well? green parklands
Is it a trade center?
Does it have industrial and manufacturing districts People, Streets and Buildings
as well as commercial, residential, and recreation
areas? Old tradition , man has built his structures along public streets
Are they awkwardly jumbled together and full of which have afforded access, address, and some degree of
frictions? protection. But conditions have changed, public streets have
Are they well related and interconnected, yet become massive thoroughfares for often high-speed, traffic
separated by natural buffers? movement and bringing in pollution and danger.

b. Analyze each community component  Face homes away from the street
 Are all of the parts in good working order?  Design dwelling clusters around courts or culs-de-sac
 Are they well planned, efficient, and attractive?
Do the shopping and business areas have safe and
pleasant access?
Are the schools designed as neighborhood focal
points and gathering places?
Are they combined with recreation areas and open
space as neighborhood centers?
Are churches, libraries, and auditoriums so
located as to serve as neighborhood centers?

c. Think in terms of systems

 Community services that are to be jointly
administered, operated, or maintained should be
coordinated in the planning stage
 Lines of movement or transmission, being continuous
by nature, are best planned as integral segments of a
comprehensive system.
- streets, walks, and trails have been laid out by
developers of adjacent properties without
interconnection.  Plan isolated living compounds
- Park, recreation, and open space lands have  Develop traffic free residential neighborhoods
been often acquired on a spotty basis, rather  Plan entire communities as residential parks.
than as well-considered and integrated units of a
comprehensive plan.

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Mixed-use within neighborhoods, within blocks, and within

buildings
-Diversity of people - of ages, income levels, cultures, and
races

4. Mixed Housing

A range of types, sizes and prices in closer proximity

5. Quality Architecture & Urban Design

Emphasis on beauty, aesthetics, human comfort, and creating a

The livability, amenity and character of residential areas sense of place; Special placement of civic uses and sites within
are greatly enhanced by trees, more so than by any other community. Human scale architecture & beautiful surroundings
single element. nourish the human spirit

6. Traditional Neighborhood Structure

-Discernable center and edge

Neighborhood -Public space at center
- has center and
edge -Importance of quality public realm; public open space
- 5 to 10 minute walk
at an easy pace designed as civic art
- balance mix of
activities
-Contains a range of uses and densities within 10-minute walk
- network of -Transect planning: Highest densities at town center;
interconnected
streets progressively less dense towards the edge. The transect is an
- gives priority to
public space analytical system that conceptualizes mutually reinforcing
elements, creating a series of specific natural habitats and/or
urban lifestyle settings. The Transect integrates environmental
In areas where houses have no front yards, a sense
methodology for habitat assessment with zoning methodology
of nature can be provided by planting in the
for community design. The professional boundary between the
sidewalk area. natural and man-made disappears, enabling environmentalists
to assess the design of the human habitat and the urbanists to
NEW URBANISM promotes the creation and restoration of
diverse, walkable, compact, vibrant, mixed-use communities support the viability of nature. This urban-to-rural transect
hierarchy has appropriate building and street types for each area
composed of the same components as conventional
along the continuum.
development, but assembled in a more integrated fashion, in the
form of complete communities. These contain housing, work
places, shops, entertainment, schools, parks, and civic facilities
essential to the daily lives of the residents, all within easy
walking distance of each other. New Urbanism promotes the
increased use of trains and light rail, instead of more highways
and roads.

THE PRINCIPLES OF NEW URBANISM

The principles of New Urbanism can be applied increasingly to

projects at the full range of scales from a single building to an
entire community.
Combination of differect factors, visual, confortability, cultural.
1. Walkability Gives off a better way of life
10,000 steps per day The Transect
-Most things within a 10-minute walk of home and work 7. Increased Density
-Pedestrian friendly street design (buildings close to street;
porches, windows & doors; tree-lined streets; on street parking; -More buildings, residences, shops, and services closer together
hidden parking lots; garages in rear lane; narrow, slow speed for ease of walking, to enable a more efficient use of services
streets) and resources, and to create a more convenient, enjoyable place
-Pedestrian streets free of cars in special cases to live.
-New Urbanism design principles are applied at the full range
2. Connectivity of densities from small towns, to large cities

-Interconnected street grid network disperses traffic & eases 8. Smart Transportation
walking
-A hierarchy of narrow streets, boulevards, and alleys -A network of high-quality trains connecting cities, towns, and
-High quality pedestrian network and public realm makes neighborhoods together
walking pleasurable -Pedestrian-friendly design that encourages a greater use of
bicycles, rollerblades, scooters, and walking as daily
3. Mixed-Use & Diversity transportation

-A mix of shops, offices, apartments, and homes on site. 9. Sustainability

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-Minimal environmental impact of development and its

operations
-Eco-friendly technologies, respect for ecology and value of
natural systems
-Energy efficiency
-Less use of finite fuels
-More local production
-More walking, less driving

10. Quality of Life

Taken together these add up to a high quality of life well worth

living, and create places that enrich, uplift, and inspire the
human spirit.

References:
Growth and Development with special reference to developing
economies A. P. Thirwall,, 6th Ed., (London, Macmillan Press
Ltd., 1999)
Responsive Architecture, Bentley, Ian
Urban Design : Methods and Techniques: Moughten, J.C.
Butterworth- Husemann Linacre House, Jordan Hill, Oxforn ,
1999
The Image of the City by Kevin Lynch, USA: Massachusetts
Institute of Technology Press, 1960

Time-saver Standards for Urban Design by Watson, Plattus,

and Shibley, eds. New York: McGraw Hill, 2003

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