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URBAN DESIGNINTRODUCTION

In determining design decisions about any development site,be careful not move too hastily through crucialconsiderations which address the suitability and limitationsof a piece of land for development in the first place.

These considerations should be assessed before designing asite plan, geology, hydrology, ecology, the availability ofstreets, utilities, and a system to handle storm water flow.

Urban fabric is constructed with many different parts. Building Design Parking Lots Services and Utilities Streets Parks Drainage Ways Natural Areas

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Good Urban Design promotes how buildings are scaled and oriented towards the street. Walkways arelandscaped to buffer between pedestrians and vehicular circulation.WHAT IS URBAN DESIGN?

The discipline through which planning and architecture cancreate or renew a sense of local pride and identity.

Has great potential for enhancing the visual image andquality of neighborhoods by providing a three-dimensionalphysical form to policies described in a comprehensive plan.

Focuses on design of the public realm, which is created byboth public spaces and the buildings that define them.

Key Elements Plan Preparation of design guidelines for buildings Design of the public realm

o Open spaceo Streetso Sidewalkso Plazas between and around buildings and the public

interest issues of buildings. Massing Placement Sun Shadow Wind

URBAN DESIGN PLANS

Urban design plans are prepared for various areas. Downtowns Waterfronts Campuses

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Corridors Neighborhood Mixed-used developments Special districts

Issues to be considered Existing development Proposed development Utility infrastructure Street framework Sustainable development principles

Require interdisciplinary collaboration among urbandesigners, architects, landscape architects, planners, civiland environmental engineers, and market analysts.

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An example of mixed use development, with clearly defined pedestrian areas, landscaping, and signage.

ELEMENTS OF URBAN DESIGN

Signage In choosing a sign one must consider several aspects

such as the desired size, type and placement of a sign.

In case of limited space one should considerconstructing a wall, canopy or awning sign.

If the site is large enough to construct a monument signyou should do so in addition to wall, canopy or awningsigns.

Architecturally integrate all signs with theirsurroundings in terms of size, shape, color, texture andlighting so that they are complementary to the overalldesign of the building and are not in visual competitionwith other signs in the area.

Monument sign.

Lighting An important element in Urban Design.

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In considering a lighting design, one must take intoaccount the type of light needed for the specificpurpose of the site.

Parking An essential element in regards to urban design and

traffic circulation.

A parking plan should be developed for each site prior to development.

The type and number of parking spaces should reflect thedesired uses of each site.

Landscaping of parking areas is also recommended to provide shade, enhance the beauty of a site, and allow for a reduction in storm-water runoff.

Parking structures are generally constructed using asphalt or concrete.

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Five (5) feet — the bare minimum allowed by the standards. This design can work forsecondary or utilitarian walkways, but should not be used as primary connections.

Landscaping The enhancement of an area’s aesthetic beauty.

Each parcel of land should be landscaped therebyreinforcing the area’s sense of place.

It also preforms important and invaluable functionrelating to the reduction of pollutants and storm watertreatment.

Service areas

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In considering the placement of service areas, oneshould remember the old maxim, “out of sight, out ofmind.”

Service areas should be oriented towards the rear of thebuilding to minimize visual eyesores.

Service areas should be screened from public view, andthe best way to do this is to build a solid fence aroundthe service area in the same style as the building towhich the service area is designated.

Fencing It is to everyone’s advantage to construct, and maintain

good solid fences between two abutting properties,especially when the abutting properties are not underthe same zoning classification.

Wood and masonry fences are preferred.

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Building materials Façade treatment and the architectural detail of

buildings contribute significantly to the way a building‘reads’ from the street and to the character andcontinuity of the streetscape.

The composition and detailing of the building façadealso has an impact on the apparent bulk and scale of abuilding.

It is important in considering the design of newdevelopment that the predominant patterns, compositionsand articulation of façades reinforce the character andcontinuity of the streetscape.

Contemporary design solutions based on sound designprinciples, which reinforce and make reference to theunderlying elements that create the character of thearea, are encouraged.

Design consideration is to be given to the underlyingbuilding materials that contribute to the character of abuilding.

o roof shapeo pitch and overhangs

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o entry porcheso verandaso balconies and terraceso materialso finisheso fixtureso patternso fenestrationso colors and detailingo location and proportion of windows and doors.

Building articulation Refers to the three dimensional modeling of a building

and its surfaces, giving emphasis to architecturalelements (windows, balconies, porches, entries, etc.)that create a complementary pattern or rhythm, dividinglarge buildings into smaller identifiable pieces.

Establishes the building’s street address, its responseto the local context and environmental conditions andthe degree of continuity between indoor and outdoorrooms.

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Use existing lot structure to influence the design ofbuilding articulation when development on amalgamatedsites is required to respond to the existing orprevalent lot structure.

Transportation In planning a new development one should make

transportation a foremost concern.

One should incorporate into their development a sidewalksystem with walkways with large enough surface area toallow at least two people to walk side by side.

Attention should also be given to cyclists. One shouldprovide an adequate number of bicycle parking spaces aswell as bicycle racks which are in plain sight andeasily accessible to all.

Public transit should also be incorporated intodevelopment plans with new bus shelters and stops.

Public transportation decreases the number of vehicleson the road, thus reducing traffic and emissions, aswell as providing those without vehicles a means totravel, shop and go to work.

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Neighborhood scene with pedestrian ways, building articulation & landscaping.

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GLOSSARY

Articulation- is a method of styling the joints in the formalelements of architectural design.

Fence- a structure like wall built outdoors usually of wood ormetal that separates two areas or prevents people oranimals from entering or leaving.

Landscape- to make changes to improve the area of the land.

Lighting- the use of light for a particular purpose in a movie,play, etc.

Parking- is the act of stopping and disengaging a vehicle andleaving it unoccupied.

Service areas- place on a highway providing garage services andeating and toilet facilities.

Signage- signs or a system of signs used to show informationabout something (such as a business or a road).

Urban- of or relating to cities and the people who live in them.

Urban Design- the discipline through which planning andarchitecture can create or renew a sense of localpride and identity.

Urban Fabric- The physical aspect of urbanism, emphasizingbuilding types, thoroughfares, open space, frontages,and streetscapes but excluding environmental,functional, economic and sociocultural aspects.

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BIBLIOGRAPHY:

Merriam- Webster Dictionary

https://brgov.com/dept/planning/design/pdf/UrbanDesignHandbook.pdf

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Parking

http://en.wiktionary.org/wiki/urban_fabric

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Articulation

http://www.thefreedictionary.com/service+area

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