Showing papers in "Journal of Urban Design in 2023"
TL;DR: Temporary and tactical urbanism: (re)assembling urban space as mentioned in this paper is a generalization of the idea of temporary and tactical planning for urban spaces, which is also related to our work.
Abstract: "Temporary and tactical urbanism: (re)assembling urban space." Journal of Urban Design, ahead-of-print(ahead-of-print), pp. 1–2
1 citations
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors study the dissemination of urban designs specific to summer (urban coolspots) throughout urban design media and discuss the contributions of the media to an emerging urban design field and establishing an aesthetic of freshness in public space.
Abstract: ABSTRACT Urban designers face the challenge of preserving urban life by creating public spaces that are resilient to rising temperatures. This paper studies the dissemination of urban designs specific to summer (‘urban coolspots’) throughout urban design media. First, the study of an inventory of urban coolspots (182 references) delineates their urban context, the main actors and principal cooling techniques. Second, a typological analysis of the projects’ spatio-climatic set-ups highlights four trends as presented in the media. Finally, this article discusses the contributions of the media to an emerging urban design field and establishing an aesthetic of freshness in public space.
TL;DR: In this article , the authors explore what adjustments might be necessary for the archipelago model to be more readily adopted by other shrinking cities and new urban developments worldwide, and explore how to improve the performance of the city of Dessau.
Abstract: Following reunification after the collapse of the Soviet Union, the eastern German city of Dessau lost population and entire industrial sectors to the more dynamic economies of western Germany, leaving behind a glut of vacant and derelict properties. Dessau’s planners proscribed their demolition, replacing them with a greenway surrounding neighbourhoods as water does an archipelago that has substantially increased biodiversity but has failed, despite the city’s encouragement, to attract community support. This paper explores what adjustments might be necessary for the archipelago model to be more readily adopted by other shrinking cities and new urban developments worldwide.
TL;DR: In this paper , the authors established a theoretical concept of the infrastructure node and stated its strategic importance to reimagine dispersed territories, concluding that there is a distinct difference between nodes in dispersed territories and compact cities and therefore a shift is needed from form to process design, dealing with complex systems of flows that come together in multi-layered nodes.
Abstract: The Eurometropolis Lille-Kortrijk-Tournai is a dispersed territory increasingly confronted with challenges related to its indispensable infrastructure networks. This article establishes a theoretical-conceptual base for the notion of the infrastructure node and states its strategic importance to reimagine dispersed territories. Literature and case study research resulted in four types of nodes: crossings, generators, nexuses, and cluster. This article concludes that there is a distinct difference between nodes in dispersed territories and compact cities and that therefore a shift is needed from form to process design, dealing with complex systems of flows that come together in multi-layered nodes.
TL;DR: In this article , the authors present perspectives on urban design competitions from both professionals and the general public by utilizing two sets of data: a review of professional discussions and social media commentaries on the competition.
Abstract: ABSTRACTABSTRACTThis research presents perspectives on urban design competitions from both professionals and the general public by utilizing two sets of data: a review of professional discussions and social media commentaries on the competition. The international urban design competition for Taksim Square, held during the global pandemic lockdowns, generated a substantial record of the process, offering a rare opportunity to revisit existing literature and gain new insights into urban design competitions. The findings are evaluated through the framework of participation and populism.KEYWORDS: Taksim Squaredesign competitionsocial mediapopulismparticipation Disclosure statementNo potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).
TL;DR: In this article , the authors evaluate the relationship between physical and environmental characteristics of playgrounds with land use decisions through an analysis of the numbers of users and play value of the playgrounds in neighbourhood parks in Balçova, İzmir, Turkey.
Abstract: Urban children prefer playgrounds near home spaces due to physical and parental limitations on outdoor play. To increase the play value and use of playgrounds, it is essential to take a comprehensive design approach that considers the playground’s design and surrounding environment. Using the play value calculation tool designed by Woolley and Lowe, and making site location analyses, this study aims to evaluate the relationship between physical and environmental characteristics of playgrounds with land use decisions through an analysis of the numbers of users and play value of playgrounds in neighbourhood parks in Balçova, İzmir (Turkey).
TL;DR: In this article , the authors describe the results of a research project in Antwerp, Belgium, aimed at developing a spatial analysis approach (activity scan) assessing how the urban fabric on a neighbourhood scale can encourage physical activity and active transport.
Abstract: This paper describes the results of a research project in Antwerp, Belgium, aimed at developing a spatial analysis approach (‘activity scan’) assessing how the urban fabric on a neighbourhood scale can encourage physical activity and active transport. By outlining a set of recurring spatial challenges and describing the developed innovative toolkit, the research responds to the necessity for design-oriented insights on how to promote active travel and instigate concrete interventions. By critically analysing this co-creative research trajectory, this article emphasizes the need for an interdisciplinary dialogue on what contributes to a movement-friendly urban environment.
TL;DR: In this paper , the authors investigated participants' changes in body temperature and stress level associated with the visual, auditory, and thermal properties of small waterscapes and demonstrated that smaller waterscape can provide effective cooling for predominantly hardscaped urban settings prone to the effects of UHI.
Abstract: Water Cool(ing) Island (WCI) literature has paid little attention to smaller waterscapes in developed areas that are most vulnerable to the Urban Heat Island (UHI) effect. To fill this gap, this study investigated participants’ changes in body temperature and stress level associated with the visual, auditory, and thermal properties of small waterscapes. The results of this study demonstrated that smaller waterscapes can provide effective cooling for predominantly hardscaped urban settings prone to the effects of UHI. This approach offers low-income residents without air-conditioning outdoor alternatives to indoor cooling centres in a post-pandemic era with more frequent and severe heat waves.
TL;DR: In this article , the authors used a multiple-case study method to examine the extent to which FBCs adopted for TODs differ from CZCs in facilitating sustainable design and in delineating the envisioned built-form.
Abstract: Many U.S. cities are adopting form-based codes (FBCs) instead of conventional zoning codes (CZCs) to encourage sustainability and predictability of built-form outcomes in transit-oriented developments (TODs). This research used a multiple-case study method to examine the extent to which FBCs adopted for TODs differ from CZCs in facilitating sustainable design and in delineating the envisioned built-form. The results reveal that, although there is variation, FBCs adopted for TODs facilitate sustainable design to a greater extent and more effectively delineate the envisioned built-form than do CZCs. The study concludes with recommendations for emphasizing sustainability and predictability of built-form in TOD regulations.
TL;DR: In this paper , the authors examined the evolving design, programming, approval process and reception of a playful parklet, available for free public use, which was transformed and relocated between four urban contexts in Melbourne.
Abstract: A parklet is a small, relocatable public space installed onto kerb-side car-parking spaces. This article examines the evolving design, programming, approval process and reception of a ‘playful parklet’, available for free public use, which was transformed and relocated between four urban contexts in Melbourne. It demonstrated a creative, collaborative placemaking approach involving artists, game-makers, researchers, residents and local governments. Through analysis of its playful, portable and pliable design, the article highlights three areas of innovation: testing new post-COVID governance and engagement possibilities; incorporating adaptability and incremental adjustment into parklet design; and serving as a platform for new modes of social and spatial play.
TL;DR: In this paper , a case study is presented of a course that employed these methods and proposed speculative design interventions to accommodate street vending, skateboarding, and unhoused people in the Westlake neighbourhood of Los Angeles.
Abstract: COVID-19 has revealed limitations in traditional public space research methods. There is a need for new approaches to study and intervene during times of crisis. Interdisciplinary urban humanities approaches can help researchers respond to pandemic public space dynamics. This article develops a framework linking urban humanities practices – thick mapping, filmic sensing, and digital storytelling – to the production of space at multiple scales. A case study is presented of a course that employed these methods and proposed speculative design interventions to accommodate street vending, skateboarding, and unhoused people in the Westlake neighbourhood of Los Angeles.
TL;DR: In this article , the authors define a set of principles on how to run a co-design process ethically and genuinely including communities in decision-making, based on case studies, professional experience, collaborations with communities, and a Participatory Action Research approach.
Abstract: There is a lack of definition in policy of the term co-design, and yet local authorities and developers are increasingly using it. To avoid that this term becomes meaningless, it is essential to define how to run co-design processes ethically. Building on case studies, professional experience, collaborations with communities, and a Participatory Action Research approach, this paper defines a set of principles on how to run a co-design process ethically and genuinely including communities in decision-making. Departing from the legal Principles for Fair Consultation in England and Wales, the paper expands them and results into ten ethical principles for co-design.
TL;DR: In this article , a mixed-methods survey was conducted on children and parents of two schools in Australia to understand travel behaviours and attitudes towards active transport to school (ATS) and found that road safety perceptions predicted ATS, unlike distance to school and stranger danger.
Abstract: The proportion of children walking or riding to school is dwindling in Australia, while pedestrian injuries are among children’s leading causes of death. A mixed-methods survey was conducted on children and parents of two schools in Australia to understand travel behaviours and attitudes towards active transport to school (ATS). Results showed that road safety perceptions predicted ATS, unlike distance to school and stranger danger. The design of the routes to school was found to be crucial in facilitating ATS, to address the fear of road danger. Practical implications include the need for more controlled pedestrian crossings and protected bike paths.
TL;DR: In this article , a morphological approach was used to identify five socio-spatial logics used by the residents of public housing estates, namely disguising, enclosing, disclosing, embedding, and replacing.
Abstract: Nairobi has historically been a laboratory for a diverse range of public housing estate typologies. Through a morphological approach, this paper analyses how Nairobi’s estates have been transformed by resident’s informal extensions and what impact the erstwhile typology had on their pattern of extensions. Using the concept of building culture, it identifies five socio-spatial logics used by the residents, namely disguising, enclosing, disclosing, embedding, and replacing. Nairobi’s housing estates have a future if the accumulated lessons of over six decades of public housing estates can be applied and when the existing building logics are harnessed.
TL;DR: In this article , a qualitative study focused on prototypical objects of contemporary Muße architecture was conducted to investigate empirically how individuals experience such spaces via their ambient atmosphere using semi-structured interviews.
Abstract: In an ever-accelerating world, experiences free of outcome expectancy and time pressure for the pursuit of intrinsic activities are increasingly rare. Such moments are described by the German term ‘Muße’. This qualitative study focused on prototypical objects of contemporary Muße architecture. The aim was to investigate empirically how individuals experience such spaces via their ambient atmosphere using semi-structured interviews. By Grounded Theory Methodology, a typology of spatial experiences was developed. The analysis revealed specific and general experience patterns, as well as conducive architectural means. The results are interpreted in terms of theories of Muße, restoration, aesthetic absorption and time experience.
TL;DR: This paper explored the relationship between mechanisms of finance and tools of urban design governance, asking how they can work together to enhance urban quality, and the results fed into an evolving typology of architecture and design governance.
Abstract: Professional, policy and conceptual divides continue to throw up barriers to a shared understanding between the domains of urban design and development finance. Drawing on cross-Europe analysis, this paper explores the relationship between mechanisms of finance and tools of urban design governance, asking how they can work together to enhance urban quality. Practices were conceptualized and compared and those that combined tools were identified and evaluated. The results fed into an evolving typology of urban design governance and helped to establish clear principles for the effective combination of finance and design: adding ‘design strings’ to the finance of urban development.
TL;DR: In this article , the authors investigated the urban design decision-making processes within Aotearoa New Zealand and found that a core of referenced documentation but uncertainty regarding supplementary documents, a variety of terminologies, and a range of expertise and qualifications of those preparing the assessments.
Abstract: This article investigates the urban design decision-making processes within Aotearoa New Zealand. It analyses the documents and terminologies in urban design assessments of residential developments and maps the professions that prepare them. It draws data from four cities: Auckland, Tauranga, Wellington, and Christchurch. The findings reveal a core of referenced documentation but uncertainty regarding supplementary documents, a variety of terminologies, and a range of expertise and qualifications of those preparing the assessments. These findings suggest that further guidance and prescribed professional standards are desirable to refine the governance of the urban design sector in Aotearoa New Zealand.
TL;DR: In this paper , the authors argue for a more iterative design and transport simulation workflow, through design experiments, to investigate the impact of network design on the performance of shared automated vehicles.
Abstract: New transport technologies have historically influenced how cities are shaped, while urban form is known to influence travel behaviour. But this reciprocal relationship is seldom operationalized in practice due to the disciplinary gap between urban design and transport planning. The two are often linked through a ‘predict and provide’ workflow, which is problematic in the context of emerging technologies such as AVs. This paper argues for a more iterative design and transport simulation workflow, through design experiments. One design experiment is illustrated using Sketch MATSim, to investigate the impact of network design on the performance of shared automated vehicles.
TL;DR: In this paper , an extensive observational appraisal of Northbridge, Perth's premier entertainment precinct, using an adaptation of Jan Gehl's Quality Criteria research methodology was undertaken, which involves an assessment matrix for evaluating urban space for protection, comfort and enjoyment.
Abstract: ABSTRACT This research is built around extant theories on crime prevention through environmental design. An extensive observational appraisal of Northbridge, Perth’s premier entertainment precinct was undertaken, using an adaptation of Jan Gehl’s Quality Criteria research methodology. This involves an assessment matrix for evaluating urban space for protection, comfort and enjoyment. Moreover, the research employed an iterative design-led process, embedding affordance and surveillance principles into an urban design proposition for the case study precinct. Features of the proposed solution include design elements that were identified to dissuade impact, frequency and severity of criminal activities.