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SYLLABUS OF UNIT 2 - ELEMENTS AND APPROCHES OFURBAN DESIGN

 Urban Scale, Mass and Space

 Understanding components of urban fabric
 Making a Visual survey
 Understanding the various urban spaces in the city and their hierarchy
 Special focus on streets
 Expressive quality of built forms, spaces in public domain

1. What is urban scale?

Urban scale refers to the size, extent, and proportions of a city's physical form and
the relationship between its components, such as buildings, streets, open spaces, and
infrastructure. It encompasses the way these elements interact within the broader context
of a city, shaping the urban environment and influencing how people experience and
navigate the city.

Key Aspects of Urban Scale

Physical Size and Layout: This includes the overall dimensions of a city or
neighborhood, the size of city blocks, the width of streets, and the distribution of public
and private spaces.

 Proportions and Relationships: Urban scale considers how buildings relate to

each other in terms of height, mass, and spacing, as well as how they interact with
the street and public realm.
 Human Experience: It also involves understanding how people perceive and use
space, ensuring that the scale of urban elements is conducive to human activities,
such as walking, social interaction, and access to amenities.
 Infrastructure: The scale at which infrastructure like transportation, utilities, and
public services operate within the urban context is also part of urban scale
considerations.

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 Contextual Fit: Urban scale must align with the historical, cultural, and
environmental context of the area, ensuring that new developments or changes to
the urban fabric are harmonious with existing conditions.

2. What is urban mass?

Urban mass in urban design refers to the collective volume, shape, and arrangement
of buildings and structures within a city or specific area. It is a key concept in urban
design that deals with the three-dimensional form of the built environment, focusing on
how the bulk and massing of buildings contribute to the overall character, density, and
spatial quality of urban areas.

Key Aspects of Urban Mass

 Volume and Bulk: Urban mass considers the size and volume of buildings,
including their height, width, and depth. The cumulative mass of buildings in an
area affects how that space feels—whether it is dense, spacious, overwhelming,
or open.
 Massing and Composition: Massing refers to the arrangement and organization
of a building’s volume. In urban design, this extends to how groups of buildings are
composed in relation to one another, creating a coherent or varied urban form.
 Skyline and Silhouette: The mass of buildings affects the city’s skyline—the
outline of buildings seen against the sky. Urban mass is a critical factor in defining
the visual identity of a city, influencing how it is perceived from a distance or at
different vantage points.
 Spatial Relationships: Urban mass shapes the public spaces between buildings,
such as streets, plazas, and parks. The relationship between the mass of buildings
and open spaces impacts the sense of enclosure, the flow of movement, and the
interaction between public and private realms.

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 Scale and Proportion: The mass of buildings should be in harmony with the scale
of the surrounding urban fabric. For example, large, bulky buildings may feel out
of place in a low-rise neighborhood, while a well-proportioned mass can create a
balanced and aesthetically pleasing environment.
 Impact on Microclimate: The massing of buildings can influence local
environmental conditions, such as sunlight, wind patterns, and temperature.
Thoughtful urban mass design can enhance comfort and livability by optimizing
these microclimatic factors.
 Contextual Integration: Urban mass should be responsive to the context,
including historical, cultural, and environmental factors. It should consider the
character of the existing urban fabric and aim to enhance or complement it.

3. What is urban space?

Urban space refers to the areas within a city that are accessible and usable by the public,
encompassing both built and open environments. It is a central concept in urban design
and planning, as it defines how people interact with the city and with each other.

Functions of Urban Space:

1. Social Interaction: Urban spaces provide venues for people to meet, interact, and
build community ties. They are places for public life, where citizens can engage in
social, cultural, and recreational activities.
2. Economic Activity: Many urban spaces, such as markets, streets, and
commercial plazas, are centers of economic exchange. They host businesses,
vendors, and events that contribute to the city's economic vitality.
3. Cultural Expression: Urban spaces often reflect the cultural identity of a city.
They can be sites of public art, historical monuments, festivals, and other cultural
expressions that contribute to the city's unique character.

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4. Mobility and Accessibility: Urban spaces facilitate movement within the city.
Streets, pedestrian pathways, and public transport hubs are all part of the urban
space that supports the flow of people and goods.
5. Environmental Benefits: Green urban spaces help mitigate the effects of
urbanization by providing areas for storm water management, reducing the urban
heat island effect, and improving air quality.
6. Civic Engagement: Public urban spaces are also platforms for civic participation.
They host protests, rallies, and other forms of public expression that are essential
to democratic life.

4. What are the components of urban fabric?

The term "urban fabric" refers to the physical and spatial elements that make up the
built environment of a city or urban area. Urban fabric is an encompassing term that
refers to the tangible and intangible elements that shape the urban landscape. It is the
embodiment of a city's history, culture, and functionality, all intricately fused into its
architectural makeup.

Components

Buildings and Architecture:

The architectural marvels that punctuate the skyline and define the city's visual identity.
From historic landmarks to modern skyscrapers, buildings reflect the era in which they
were erected and contribute to the city's architectural narrative.

Streets and Transportation Networks:

The intricate network of roads, avenues, and thoroughfares that thread through the city,
enabling movement and connectivity. Streets not only facilitate transportation but also
shape the flow of pedestrian life, commerce, and urban activity.

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Public Spaces and Parks:

The lungs of the city, these spaces provide respite from the urban hustle and bustle.
Parks, plazas, and recreational areas serve as communal gathering spots, fostering a
sense of community and offering a space for leisure and relaxation.

Infrastructure and Utilities:

The often unseen framework that supports urban life, encompassing utilities such as
water supply, sewage systems, electricity, and communication networks. Infrastructure
ensures the seamless functioning of the city's various elements.

Land Use Patterns

Zoning regulations, land use policies, and master plans guide the arrangement of
buildings, streets, and public spaces. Concepts like mixed land use, walkability, and
transit-oriented development impact the layout and functionality of the city.

Architecture Style

Building Typologies: The various types of buildings that characterize a city, such as row
houses, high-rises, or historic landmarks.

Layers of Urban Fabric

 Historical Layer: Traces of the Past in Modern Cities

The historical layer of urban fabric preserves the traces of bygone eras within the bustling
present. Ancient architecture, remnants of city walls, and preserved landmarks stand as
a testament to the city's history. This layer offers a glimpse into the origins, growth, and
transformation of the city over time. It connects us to our roots, reminding us of the people,
events, and cultures that have shaped the city's narrative.

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 Cultural Layer: Influence of Traditions, Customs, and Local Identity

The cultural layer of urban fabric encapsulates the values, traditions, and customs that
define a city's identity. Architecture, public art, festivals, and religious sites all contribute
to the rich cultural tapestry of a city. This layer often reflects the diversity of the population,
showcasing the interplay of different cultures and their unique expressions within the
urban landscape. Cultural elements celebrate the city's heritage, fostering a sense of
belonging and pride among its residents.

 Economic Layer: Commercial Zones, Financial Districts, and Industrial

Areas

The economic layer of urban fabric reveals the economic pulse of a city. Commercial
districts, bustling markets, and financial centers shape the city's economic vitality.
Industrial areas and business zones contribute to job creation and economic growth. This
layer is dynamic, constantly evolving to accommodate changing industries, market trends,
and technological advancements. The economic layer serves as a reflection of the city's
economic ambitions and opportunities.

 Social Layer: Residential Neighborhoods and Community Spaces

At the heart of urban fabric lies the social layer, comprised of neighborhoods, residential
areas, and communal spaces. These spaces foster a sense of belonging, creating
communities where people live, interact, and form bonds. Parks, community centers, and
public squares serve as vital spaces for social engagement, cultural exchange, and
leisure activities. The social layer encapsulates the human aspect of the city, influencing
the quality of life and well-being of its residents.

 Environmental Layer: Sustainability, Green Spaces, and Ecological

Considerations

In an era of increasing environmental awareness, the environmental layer of urban fabric

has gained significant importance. It encompasses sustainable design practices, green

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spaces, and ecological considerations that contribute to the city's resilience and
environmental health. Green roofs, urban gardens, and renewable energy initiatives are
examples of how cities are integrating environmentally conscious elements into their
fabric. This layer reflects a commitment to a greener future and a harmonious coexistence
with nature.

5. How to conduct a visual survey?

A visual survey in urban design is an examination of the form, appearance, and

composition of a city—an evaluation of its assets and liabilities. A visual survey also
enables us to see where the city needs reshaping.

People’s impressions of a building, a particular environment, or a whole city, are, of

course, more than visual. Within the city lie many connotations, memories,
experiences, smells, hopes, crowds, places, buildings, the drama of life and death,
affecting each person according to his particular predilections. From his environment
each person constructs his own mental picture of the parts of the city in physical
relationship to one another.

 Topography

As urban designers we observe the form of the terrain—flat, gently rolling, hilly,
mountainous—in relation to the architecture and the cities which are set in it. A flat
site may suggest either vertical architecture or assertive horizontals. A slightly hilly
site may call for vertical architecture at the summits with a flow of cubes on the
slopes, or may suggest a termination of architecture just below the crests. A steep
hillside or valley may lend itself to terracing, with orientation to the sun.

 Local Climate

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Temperature: Seasonal temperature and humidity as averages and extremes which

indicate the periods of relative comfort, the extremes which must be ameliorated, and
which therefore determine architectural and urban form.

Light: The number of clear, partly cloudy, and fully cloudy days, which conditions the light
affecting the appearance of the city and of buildings.

Precipitation: The amount of precipitation in the form of rain and snow.

Sun: The angles of the sun in different seasons, which affects viewing conditions and,
thus, design. It is useful to make a simple three-dimensional model to study these angles.

Winds: The prevailing seasonal winds including the direction and intensity of cold winter
winds.

 Shape

Radiocentric: The most frequently found urban form is the radiocentric, a large circle
with radial corridors of intense development emanating from the center.

Rectilinear: A variation on radiocentric form is the rectangle,which usually has two

corridors of intense development crossing at the center. This variant of the radiocentric
form is found in small cities rather than large. It is the radiocentric form with right angles.

Star: A star shape is a radiocentric form with open spaces between the outreaching
corridors of development.

Ring: A ring shape is a city built around a large open space. The San Francisco Bay is
such an open space for the cities of the bay area. A ring and star may be found in
combination, particularly where a loop road is built around the outskirts of an expanding
metropolis.

Linear: The linear shape is usually the result of natural topography which restricts growth
or the result of a transportation spine.Stalingrad in the Soviet Union was planned as a

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linear city. The mega-lopolis on the East Coast has become a vast metropolitan area with
a linear configuration.

Branch: The branch form is a linear spine with connecting arms.

Sheet: A vast urban area with little or no articulation.

Articulated Sheet: The articulated sheet form is accented by one or more central clusters
and several sub clusters.

Constellation: The constellation is a series of nearly equal-size cities in close proximity.

Satellite: The satellite is a constellation of cities around a main center.

 Size and Density

We first of all think of the physical extent of a city: so many miles across or so
many miles from center to outskirts. We can also describe size in terms of the
number of inhabitants. Density can be computed mathematically in several ways:
the number of people per square mile; the number of houses per acre or square
mile; or the amount of building floor area in a given section.

 Pattern, Grain and Texture

Grain is the degree of fineness or coarseness in an urban area. Texture is the degree of
mixture of fine and coarse elements. A sub-urban area with small houses on small plots
has a fine grain and a uniform texture. With small houses on varying size lots, it could still
have a fine grain but an uneven texture. In the city, large blocks with buildings of varying
sizes could be described as having a coarse and an uneven texture. If the buildings are
uniform in size, they could be described as having a coarse grain but a uniform texture.

 Urban Space and Open Spaces

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The spaces of the city range from the space of the street to the space of a park
system and, ultimately, to the vast space in which an entire city exists. It is helpful
to think of these spaces as two generic types: formal or “urban spaces,” usually
molded by building facades and the city’s floor; and natural or “open spaces,”
which represent nature brought into, and around, the city.

 Routes

Landscape, architecture, and cities are seen as sequences as we travel along

routes of movement. Routes of movement affect considerably the appearance of
the landscape through which they pass and the architecture and cities which they
serve. Routes of movement are a principal determinant of urban form. In making
an urban design survey of the routes of a city, one should begin with the area well
beyond the city limits, far out in the country. The primary function of a highway is
to allow traffic to move, but a large part of that job depends on how clear the route
is in relation to the city.

 Districts

Every city consists of a series of parts which we refer to as districts or enclaves or

sectors—or perhaps as quarters, precincts, or areas. They are distinguishable in
that they have dominant and pervasive characteristic features. Our mental images
of cities consist, to a large extent, of the arrangement of these parts. Some are
distinct, some overlap others, some are uniform, some are very complex. Al- most
all are in a process of change, which further affects their appearance and their
size. A very small town has at least several distinguishable areas; a metropolis
may have fifty or a hundred.

 Activity Structure

An examination of districts and nodes reveals that there are certain spots in the city that
have characteristic functions. Generally speaking, these districts fall into such categories

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as places of living, working, shopping, traveling, leisure, recreation, and learning. There
is a logic to the location of these activities and there are definite visual results in their
deployment and interrelationships. Every city consists of a series of parts which we refer
to as districts or enclaves or sectors—or perhaps as quarters, precincts, or areas. They
are distinguishable in that they have dominant and pervasive characteristic features. Our
mental images of cities consist, to a large extent, of the arrangement of these parts. Some
are distinct, some overlap others, some are uniform, some are very complex. Al- most all
are in a process of change, which further affects their appearance and their size. A very
small town has at least several distinguishable areas; a metropolis may have fifty or a
hundred.

 Orientation

Landmarks are a prime aid to orientation, On the overall scale of the city, prominent
landmarks are tall verticals like central skyscraper groups, natural features such as rivers
or shores, district edges, unique vistas, clear routes which lead to and from a known
place, and districts with strong visual characteristics.

 Details

The appearance of small details, such as cracks in the pavement, parking meters,
tree trunks, doorways, are major factors that characterize an area. They tell us of
the area’s age, purpose, upkeep, ordecay. Signs are an important urban detail. A
visual survey shouldexamine the types of signs in an area: for advertising a
product; for giving directions; and for marking a building, shop, theater, or hotel.

 Pedestrian Areas

A large part of the difficulty in our cities arises because we have neglected the pedestrian.
Walking will always remain a prime mode of transportation. Some areas of the city depend
on it almost entirely as a means of communication and inter movement. Many new

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shopping centers and college campuses are models of design for pedestrian circulation.
Older areas in the city need similar treatment.

 Vistas and Skyline

The views into and out of a city are precious assets. They are an important part of an
urban design plan. An urban design survey should note the major views of the city and
different points around the city, particularly points of approach. It should also note the
major aspects of vista out of the city from points within. Evaluations should be made of
improvements needed in both types of vista.

Methods of Conducting a Visual Survey:

 On-Site Observation: Physically walking through the area, taking notes,

photographs, and sketches.
 Photography: Capturing images of key elements for detailed analysis and
presentation.
 Mapping: Creating maps that highlight significant features or areas of interest.
 Community Input: Gathering feedback from local residents or stakeholders about
their perceptions of the visual environment.

6. What is urban hierarchy?

Urban hierarchy refers to the ranking or classification of cities and towns within a region
or country based on their size, economic influence, functional complexity, and the range
of services they provide.

7. What are the factors that determine urban hierarchy?

Population Size

 Size and Density: Larger cities generally have higher populations and greater
population density, which often places them higher in the urban hierarchy.

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 Growth Rates: Cities with rapidly growing populations may move up the hierarchy
as their economic an

Economic Function

 Economic Output: Cities with higher GDP, more diverse industries, and
significant economic activity are ranked higher.
 Employment Opportunities: The availability of jobs, particularly in specialized
industries, affects a city’s position in the hierarchy.
 Business and Financial Services: Cities that serve as centers for finance,
commerce, or industry are typically higher in the hierarchy.

Service Provision

 Range of Services: The variety and sophistication of services (e.g., healthcare,

education, entertainment, and retail) offered in a city contribute to its ranking.
 Specialized Services: The presence of specialized institutions such as
universities, research centers, or high-end medical facilities can elevate a city's
status.

Political and Administrative Significance

 Government Functions: Cities that serve as national or regional capitals, housing

government institutions and diplomatic missions, are often at the top of the
hierarchy.
 Administrative Reach: Cities with extensive administrative control over
surrounding areas, such as regional capitals, have a higher hierarchical position.

Cultural and Social Influence

 Cultural Institutions: Cities with major cultural institutions like theaters,

museums, and art galleries may rank higher.
 Media and Communication: Cities that are hubs for media, communications, and
cultural production can influence their hierarchical status.
 Educational Institutions: The presence of major universities and research
institutions can also contribute to a city’s prominence.

Infrastructure and Connectivity

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 Transportation Networks: Cities with major airports, seaports, rail hubs, and
extensive road networks are usually ranked higher due to their role in regional or
global connectivity.
 Information and Communication Technology: Access to advanced
communication networks and infrastructure, such as high-speed internet and data
centers, can elevate a city’s status.

Geographical Location

 Strategic Positioning: Cities located at key crossroads, such as major trade

routes or border regions, may rank higher due to their strategic importance.
 Natural Resources: Proximity to natural resources or favorable geography (e.g.,
rivers, coasts) can influence a city’s economic role and thus its position in the
hierarchy.

Urban Form and Structure

 Urban Density and Form: Compact cities with efficient land use and well-planned
urban structures often rank higher in terms of livability and functionality.
 Built Environment: The quality and extent of the built environment, including
iconic architecture and urban planning, can affect a city's hierarchical standing.

Global Influence

 International Connectivity: Cities that are global financial centers or hubs for
multinational corporations, international organizations, or global tourism often rank
at the top of the hierarchy.
 Global Events: Hosting international events, such as the Olympics or World
Expos, can temporarily or permanently elevate a city's status permanently elevate
a city's status.

8. Explain the hierarchy of urban settlements.

 Metropolitan Areas: Metropolitan areas are the largest and most developed
urban centers in a region or country. They typically have a population of over one
million and are characterized by high levels of economic activity, political influence,
and cultural significance. Eg - New York City, Tokyo, and Mumbai

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 Regional Centers: Regional centers are urban settlements that serve as

economic and political hubs for a particular region. They may have populations
ranging from 100,000 to one million and play a significant role in regional
development and organization. Eg - Manchester, England, and San Francisco,
California

 Intermediate Centers: Intermediate centers are urban settlements that are

smaller than regional centers but larger than smaller towns or villages. They may
have populations ranging from 10,000 to 100,000 and play a role in local economic
and social development. Eg - Salzburg, Austria, and Cheltenham, England

 Small Towns and Villages: Small towns and villages are the smallest and least
developed urban settlements in a region or country. They may have populations
ranging from a few hundred to 10,000 and are characterized by low levels of
economic activity and political influence. Eg - Cirencester, England, and
Mendocino, California.

9. Explain the hierarchy of urban spaces in a city.

1. Private Spaces

 Private Residences: Individual homes, apartments, and other living quarters

where access is restricted to residents.
 Private Courtyards/Gardens: Enclosed outdoor spaces associated with a private
residence or building.

Semi-Private Spaces

 Shared Courtyards: Courtyards or gardens shared by a group of residences,

typically within a housing complex or apartment building.
 Semi-Private Entrances/Patios: Spaces adjacent to private residences, such as
front yards, driveways, or small patios, often visible from the street but intended
for private use.

3. Neighborhood Spaces

 Local Streets: Smaller, often residential streets primarily serving neighborhood

traffic and providing access to private homes.

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 Pocket Parks and Playgrounds: Small, localized parks and play areas designed
to serve the immediate community.
 Neighborhood Squares: Small squares or plazas within residential areas, often
used for community gatherings or local markets.
 Community Gardens: Shared green spaces within a neighborhood where
residents can grow plants or produce.

District or Suburban Spaces

 Collector Streets: Roads that connect neighborhoods to major arterial roads,

often lined with local shops, schools, and other community facilities.
 District Parks: Larger parks serving several neighborhoods, offering more
extensive recreational facilities like sports fields, playgrounds, and picnic areas.
 Suburban Shopping Centers: Retail complexes that serve the shopping needs
of multiple neighborhoods or a district.
 Community Centers: Facilities that host various social, cultural, and recreational
activities for residents of a district or suburb.

5. Citywide or Urban Core Spaces

 Main Arterial Roads: Major roads that connect different parts of the city, often
lined with commercial and institutional buildings.
 Urban Squares/Plazas: Central public spaces in the urban core, often surrounded
by significant buildings and used for large gatherings, events, and civic activities.
 Central Parks: Large, iconic parks that serve the entire city, offering a wide range
of recreational activities and green space.
 Cultural and Civic Centers: Key cultural institutions like museums, theaters,
government buildings, and libraries located in the city center.
 Transit Hubs: Major transportation nodes such as central train stations, bus
terminals, or metro hubs.

6. Metropolitan or Regional Spaces

 Major Highways and Boulevards: Extensive roadways connecting different parts

of the metropolitan area or even different cities, often with high traffic volumes.
 Regional Parks and Natural Reserves: Large natural areas that serve the entire
metropolitan region, often with significant ecological or recreational value.
 Stadiums and Large Event Venues: Facilities that host events of regional or
national importance, such as sports events, concerts, and exhibitions.
 Business and Financial Districts: Central business districts (CBDs) or financial
hubs that are the economic focal points of the city, with dense concentrations of
offices and commercial activity.

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7. National or Global Spaces

 National Monuments and Landmarks: Significant cultural or historical sites that

attract visitors from across the country and around the world.
 International Airports: Major airports that connect the city to global destinations,
often acting as key gateways to the region.
 Global Financial Centers: Areas within a city that play a crucial role in the global
economy.

10. What are streets? Explain the key aspects of streets.

Streets play a crucial role in urban design, serving as the backbone of cities and
influencing the social, economic, and environmental dynamics of urban life. Their design
and function are critical to the overall character, accessibility, and livability of urban areas.

Function and Purpose:

 Transportation: Streets facilitate the movement of vehicles, cyclists, and

pedestrians, connecting different parts of the city.
 Public Space: Streets serve as social spaces where people interact, gather, and
engage in community activities.
 Economic Activity: They host commercial activities, with shops, markets, and
businesses lining many urban streets.
 Cultural Expression: Streets often reflect the cultural identity of a place, with
architectural styles, public art, and street life contributing to the city’s character.

11. What are the different types of streets?

 Main Streets (High Streets): Central commercial arteries with a mix of shops,
restaurants, and offices, often serving as the economic hub of a neighborhood
or city.
 Residential Streets: Primarily for housing, these streets are designed to
prioritize safety and accessibility for residents, often incorporating traffic
calming measures.
 Boulevards and Avenues: Wide, tree-lined streets that often serve as major
thoroughfares, designed to accommodate heavy traffic while providing
aesthetic appeal.

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 Pedestrian Streets: Streets where vehicle access is restricted or prohibited,

designed for pedestrian use, enhancing walkability and fostering social
interaction.
 Shared Streets (Woonerfs): Streets where vehicles, cyclists, and pedestrians
share the same space, typically designed to slow down traffic and create a
more pedestrian-friendly environment.

12. Explain the hierarchy of streets.

 Primary Streets: Major roads designed to handle high volumes of traffic,
connecting different parts of the city.
 Secondary Streets: Roads that connect primary streets to local areas,
serving both vehicular and pedestrian traffic.
 Tertiary Streets: Smaller streets that provide access to residential areas,
typically with less traffic and lower speed limits.

13. What are complete streets?

Concept: Streets designed to accommodate all users, including pedestrians,

cyclists, motorists, and public transportation, ensuring safety and accessibility for
everyone.

Features: Wide sidewalks, protected bike lanes, public transit facilities, and traffic
calming measures are common elements of complete streets.

14. Give examples of different design elements of streets.

 Sidewalks: Essential for pedestrian mobility, sidewalks should be wide, well-
maintained, and accessible, with adequate lighting and seating.
 Street Furniture: Benches, trash bins, lighting, and signage contribute to the
functionality and comfort of the street environment.
 Green Infrastructure: Trees, planters, and green spaces provide shade, enhance
aesthetics, and contribute to environmental sustainability by reducing heat and
managing storm water.
 Bicycle Lanes: Dedicated lanes for cyclists promote sustainable transportation
and improve safety for non-motorized users.
 Crosswalks and Traffic Calming: Features such as crosswalks, speed bumps,
and raised intersections ensure pedestrian safety and manage traffic flow.

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15. What are the environmental and social impacts of street?

Environmental and Social Impact:

 Walkability: Well-designed streets encourage walking, contributing to public

health, reducing traffic congestion, and lowering carbon emissions.
 Social Interaction: Streets that are designed to be attractive and accessible foster
community interaction and social cohesion.
 Sustainability: Incorporating green infrastructure, promoting non-motorized
transportation, and managing storm water are ways that streets contribute to urban
sustainability.

16. What are challenges in designing streets?

 Balancing Uses: Ensuring that streets serve multiple purposes—
transportation, commerce, social interaction—without prioritizing one at the
expense of others.
 Traffic Management: Designing streets that effectively manage traffic flow
while ensuring safety for all users.
 Accessibility: Making streets accessible to everyone, including people with
disabilities, requires careful consideration of design features such as curb
cuts, tactile paving, and ramps.
 Climate Adaptation: Streets need to be designed to cope with climate-
related challenges such as flooding, extreme heat, and changing weather
patterns.

17. What are the key aspects of expressive quality in built forms?

Form and Shape:

 Geometry: The shape of a building can convey different meanings. For instance,
angular forms may evoke strength and stability, while curved forms can suggest
fluidity and movement.
 Complexity vs. Simplicity: Simple forms may communicate clarity and purity,
whereas complex forms can express dynamism and richness.
 Symbolism: Certain shapes have symbolic meanings (e.g., a dome might
symbolize unity and eternity, a spire might represent aspiration

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Scale and Proportion:

 Human Scale: Buildings designed with human scale in mind create a sense of
comfort and accessibility, while monumental scale can evoke awe and grandeur.
 Proportion: Harmonious proportions can create a sense of balance and order,
while exaggerated proportions

Material and Texture:

 Material Choices: The choice of materials (e.g., wood, stone, glass, steel)
significantly impacts the expressive quality of a building. Natural materials might
evoke warmth and tradition, while modern materials like glass and steel can
express innovation and transparency.
 Texture: The texture of surfaces contributes to the tactile experience of a building.
Rough textures might evoke a sense of ruggedness or age, while smooth textures
can suggest sleekness and modernity.

Color:

 Emotional Impact: Color has a profound effect on the mood and atmosphere of
a space. Warm colors (reds, yellows) can create a sense of warmth and energy,
while cool colors (blues, greens) can evoke calmness and tranquility.
 Symbolism and Identity: Colors can also carry cultural and symbolic meanings
(e.g., white for purity, red for power) and are often used to reinforce the identity or
purpose of a building.

Light and Shadow:

 Illumination: The way light interacts with a building’s surfaces can dramatically
alter its appearance and mood. Natural light can enhance the sense of openness
and connection to the environment, while artificial lighting can be used to highlight
specific features or create different atmospheres.
 Shadow Play: Shadows cast by architectural elements can add depth, drama, and
a sense of time to a building, emphasizing its form and texture.

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Contextual Relationship:

 Site and Surroundings: The relationship of a building to its environment—

whether it contrasts with or complements its surroundings—can express harmony,
disruption, or dialogue with the existing context.
 Cultural Context: Buildings that reflect or respond to local culture, history, and
traditions can express a deep connection to place and community.

Movement and Flow:

 Dynamic Forms: Architecture that incorporates movement, whether through the

use of curves, inclined planes, or staggered elements, can convey energy and
fluidity.
 Circulation Patterns: The way people move through and around a building (e.g.,
through grand staircases, narrow corridors, or open atriums) can create a narrative
experience and express the building’s function or importance.

Symbolism and Narrative:

 Iconic Structures: Buildings can become symbols or icons, representing cultural,

religious, or political ideals (e.g., the Eiffel Tower as a symbol of Paris, the
Parthenon as a symbol of ancient Greece).
 Storytelling: Architecture can tell a story through its design, materials, and layout,
often reflecting the history, purpose, or aspirations of a place or community.

Cultural Expression:

 Regional Identity: Buildings can express the identity of a region through the use
of local materials, traditional construction methods, and culturally significant forms.
 Global Influence: Contemporary architecture often blends elements from various
cultures, expressing global connectivity and modernity.

18. What are the spaces in public domain?

 Public Squares and Plazas
 Parks and Green Spaces
 Streets and Boulevards
 Public Markets
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 Waterfronts and Promenades

 Pedestrian Malls and Car-Free Zones
 Public Transportation Hubs
 Community Centers and Libraries
 Civic Buildings and Spaces

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