Lecture_2 _Introduction to Urban Design

URBAN DESIGN IV

Lecture 2: Introduction to Urban Design

Lawrence Ogunsanya

[email protected]

[email protected]

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mailto:[email protected]:[email protected]

INTRODUCTION: Definition

Definition of Urban Design:

that part of town planning or architecture that determines the order and form of the city with special emphasis on aesthetics (Frederick Gutheim, 1963).

the complex inter-relationship between all the elements of the built and unbuilt space in towns and cities (Creed & Roberts, 1998)

(SA Urban Design Charter what differentiates place from space?

The complex relationships between all the elements of built and unbuilt space

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Definition of Urban Design:

Combination of tailored processes and creative responses aimed at enhancing the general appeal and functioning of urban areas (ibid)

cities by people for people

The process of giving physical design direction to urban growth, conservation, and change

The architecture of public space

INTRODUCTION: Definition

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Interdisciplinary nature of urban design

Urban Design integrates the processes and expertise of many related disciplines including art, architecture, landscaping, the social sciences, economics, planning, engineering, law and transport.

Notwithstanding, successful designs are actually determined by the public at-large rather than academia!. Below: Urban design works originating from engineering, architectural studies, and landscape science
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Urban Planning - Urban Design - Architecture Axis

The relationship is historical: In the 1960s, planning and architecture were split (Gosling & maitland, 1984:7)

Planning concentrated on land use patterns and socio-economic issues (macro)

Architecture concentrated on the design of buildings (micro)

There emerged a responsibility gap where design of public space was concerned

Urban design came in to bridge this gap, Urban design is generally considered neither a profession nor a discipline.

What is the difference between an urban designer and

urban/town planner, or between an urban designer

and an architect?

An urban planner was some one who was primarily

concerned with the allocation of resources according to

projections of future need.

Planners tend to regard land use as a distribution of

resources problem, parcelling out land, for zoning

purposes, without much knowledge of its three-

dimensional characteristics, or the nature of the building

that may be placed on it in the future.

The result is that most zoning ordinances and official land

use plans produce stereotyped and unimaginative

buildings.


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Architect, on the other hand, designs buildings. A good

architect will do all he can to relate the building he is

designing to its surroundings, but he has no control

over what happens off the property he has been hired

to considered.

Some one is needed to design the city, not just the

buildings. Therefore, there was a need for someone

who could be called an urban designer."

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The basis for a framework defining urban design can

be grouped under six main headings:

1. Historic preservation and urban conservation

2. Design for pedestrians

3. Vitality and variety of use

4. The cultural environment

5. Environmental context

6. Architectural values

Urban design: Grouped Definition

Why is Urban Design Needed?

physical needs of citizens; safety, security and protection; an environment free of pollution, noise, accidents, and crime;

a conducive social environment ..a sense of community; an appropriate image and prestige; creativity and self-expression in neighbourhoods; aesthetically pleasantness as a place of culture and a work of art.

disadvantages: containment of size & population; the obligation to travel; social stratification.

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Rationale for Urban Design Any part of the city has a form and the assemblage of such parts generates a unique urban form and structure Any part of a city is designable, and so is the assemblage of these parts to form streets, squares, urban fabric, munuments, skylines e.t.c

Even the incremental town forms evolve on the basis of commonly understood and accepted

Today, many non-local forces are shaping the city; thus rules and patterns need to be introduced in the form of development and design frameworks founded on a

e.t.c so as to safeguard its identity.

Criteria for Urban Design: What may dictate an urban design undertaking?

Appeal

Function

Quality of urban areas; (ambience)

Community well-being: Vitality; safety;

Environmental stress: (human activity, pollution, natural disasters) Identity: (heritage, community, movement) Diversity: (multiplicity, integration,variety) Legibility: (recognition, iconize, landmark) Meaning/communication: (signage, information) Development: (growth, urbanization, infrastructure) Regeneration: (Renewal, upgrades, transformation) Constraints: (crime, chaos, sprawl, conflict)

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Role of urban design

1. Description: character of place

2. Imagination/Clarification

The use of imagery/iconic

design, different materials

and fabrics for different

circulation areas, use of

pedestrian/street furniture,

and signage.

3. Negotiation: among conflicting interests; space contestation

4. Visualization: scenarios-building; simulation; foresight

5. Correction/ reconstruction: defects/malfunctions; destruction (hazards: fires, earthquakes, flooding, tsunamis, hurricanes,

erosion,/landslides, glaciers e.t.c

6. Mitigation: e.g disaster preparedness, crime prevention

Lecture_2 _Introduction to Urban Design

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