Elements of urban design

Maria Ana M. Pulido

 REFERENCE

•https://en.wikipedia.or What is urban design?

g/wiki/Urban_design • Urban design is the process of designing and shaping cities, towns
•http://www.urbandesig and villages.
n.org.au/whatis/index.a • In contrast to architecture, which focuses on the design of individual
spx
buildings, urban design deals with the larger scale of groups of
buildings, streets and public spaces, whole neighbourhoods and
districts, and entire cities, with the goal of making urban areas
functional, attractive, and sustainable.
• Urban design is concerned with the arrangement, appearance and
function of our suburbs, towns and cities. It is both a process and an
outcome of creating localities in which people live, engage with each
other, and engage with the physical place around them.
• Urban design involves many different disciplines including planning,
development, architecture, landscape architecture, engineering,
economics, law and finance, among others.
• Urban design operates at many scales, from the macro scale of the
urban structure (planning, zoning, transport and infrastructure
networks) to the micro scale of street furniture and lighting. When fully
integrated into policy and planning systems, urban design can be used
to inform land use planning, infrastructure, built form and even the
socio-demographic mix of a place.
 REFERENCE

•http://www.urbandesig
Line of sight from national
n.org.au/introduction/i
ndex.aspx level to street level
Urban design occurs across all
parts of a city, from the inner city
to the suburbs and outer
metropolitan fringe. Urban design
is relevant to developments,
whatever their nature and size.
City-wide transport and
infrastructure networks, urban
infill projects, regional towns, new
suburban developments,
shopping malls, streets, office
blocks, university campuses and
hospitals are all the result of
urban design.
 REFERENCE

•http://www.urbandesig ELEMENTS OF URBAN FORM

n.org.au/whatis/index.a
spx

1. URBAN STRUCTURE
2. URBAN GRAIN
3. DENSITY + MIX
4. HEIGHT + MASSING
5. STREETSCAPE + LANDSCAPE
6. FAÇADE + INTERFACE
7. DETAILS + MATERIALS
8. PUBLIC REALM
9. TOPOGRAPHY, LANDSCAPE &
ENVIRONMENT
10. SOCIAL & ECONOMIC FABRIC
11. SCALE
12. URBAN FORM
 REFERENCE

•http://www.urbandesig
n.org.au/whatis/index.a
spx

This diagram
shows the
approximate
hierarchical
relationship
between the
elements of urban
design, followed by
a brief definition of
each of the
elements.
• URBAN STRUCTURE The overall framework of a region, town or precinct, showing
relationships between zones of built forms, land forms, natural environments, activities and
open spaces. It encompasses broader systems including transport and infrastructure networks.

• URBAN GRAIN The balance of open space to built form, and the nature and extent of
subdividing an area into smaller parcels or blocks. For example a ‘fine urban grain’ might
constitute a network of small or detailed streetscapes. It takes into consideration the hierarchy
of street types, the physical linkages and movement between locations, and modes of transport.

• DENSITY + MIX The intensity of development and the range of different uses (such as
residential, commercial, institutional or recreational uses).

• HEIGHT + MASSING The scale of buildings in relation to height and floor area, and how they
relate to surrounding land forms, buildings and streets. It also incorporates building envelope,
site coverage and solar orientation. Height and massing create the sense of openness or
enclosure, and affect the amenity of streets, spaces and other buildings.
• STREETSCAPE + LANDSCAPE The design of public spaces such as streets, open spaces
and pathways, and includes landscaping, microclimate, shading and planting.

• FACADE + INTERFACE The relationship of buildings to the site, street and neighbouring
buildings (alignment, setbacks, boundary treatment) and the architectural expression of their
facades (projections, openings, patterns and materials).

• DETAILS + MATERIALS The close-up appearance of objects and surfaces and the selection of
materials in terms of detail, craftsmanship, texture, colour, durability, sustainability and
treatment. It includes street furniture, paving, lighting and signage. It contributes to human
comfort, safety and enjoyment of the public domain.
• PUBLIC REALM Much of urban design is concerned with the design and management of
publicly used space (also referred to as the public realm or public domain) and the way this is
experienced and used.
The public realm includes the natural and built environment used by the general public on a day-to-
day basis such as streets, plazas, parks, and public infrastructure. Some aspects of privately
owned space such as the bulk and scale of buildings, or gardens that are visible from the public
realm, can also contribute to the overall result.
At times, there is a blurring of public and private realms, particularly where privately owned space is
publicly used.

• TOPOGRAPHY, LANDSCAPE AND ENVIRONMENT The natural environment includes the

topography of landforms, water courses, flora and fauna—whether natural or introduced. It may
be in the form of rivers and creeks, lakes, bush land, parks and recreational facilities,
streetscapes or private gardens, and is often referred to as ‘green infrastructure’.
• SOCIAL + ECONOMIC FABRIC The non-physical aspects of the urban form which
include social factors (culture, participation, health and well-being) as well as the
productive capacity and economic prosperity of a community. It incorporates aspects
such as demographics and life stages, social interaction and support networks.

• SCALE The size, bulk and perception of a buildings and spaces. Bulk refers to the
height, width and depth of a building in relation to other surrounding buildings, the
street, setbacks and surrounding open space. For example, a large building set
amongst other smaller buildings may seem ‘out of scale’.

• URBAN FORM The arrangement of a built up area. This arrangement is made up of

many components including how close buildings and uses are together; what uses
are located where; and how much of the natural environment is a part of the built up
area.
 REFERENCE

•http://www.urbandesign. To create productive, sustainable

org.au/protocolframework
/aims.aspx and liveable places for people
through leadership and the
integration of design excellence
BASIC ELEMENTS OF URBAN
DESIGN:
1. Signage
2. Lighting
3. Parking
4. Landscaping
5. Service areas
6. Fencing
7. Building materials (colour,
texture)
8. Building articulation
9. Transportation
10. Public areas
 REFERENCE

•http://encyclopedia2.thef
reedictionary.com/signag
e
Signage
• Environmental graphic communications whose functions include direc
•http://www.gtkp.com/ass tion, identification, information or orientation, regulation, warning, or
ets/uploads/20091129-
215719-7868-
restriction.
Streetscape_Design_Gui • Symbols or words whose function it is to provide directions, identificat
delines%20SA.pdf ion, information, orientation, warnings, regulations, or restrictions.
• Signage include direction signs, signs of locality, street names and
numbering, information signs, etc.
• All types of signs should be visible, clear, simple, easy to read and
understand, and properly lit at night.
• In general, signs should not be placed behind glass because of
possible reflection.
• Signage placed on the pedestrian path of travel are considered
obstructions; thus, they should be detectable.
• All directional and informational signage must be uniform to provide a
unique character in a particular precinct.
• Signs must not block the view of or the view from adjacent buildings
and must not be excessive in size and number.
• Traffic signs and signals must be carefully placed in a way that they
do not cause or contribute to chaos and clutter.
 REFERENCE
•http://cirrie.buffalo.edu/e
ncyclopedia/en/article/35
5/
In signage, shapes and
colours can mean a lot
A red circle with a slash is a REGULATORY
sign communicating the do not's: enter, turn, U-turn,
pedestrians, or parking.
The pentagon shape with the point to the top is
a WARNING for us to watch for school children.
Green GUIDE signs direct travellers to the right exit to
cities, airports, park-and-ride stations, and other
destinations.
Blue rectangle or square SERVICE signs are a welcome
sight for travellers who need a break from the road.
CONSTRUCTION signs are orange diamonds specifically
used only to WARN drivers about construction and work
zone activity
Brown RECREATION signs direct us to areas of public
recreation and cultural interest.
 REFERENCE

•http://www.gtkp.com/ass
Lighting
ets/uploads/20091129-
215719-7868- • Lighting is an important element in Urban Design. When
Streetscape_Design_Gui considering a lighting design, one must take into account the type
delines%20SA.pdf of light needed for the specific purpose of the site.
• Lighting of the street system, including adjacent sidewalks,
walkways and bike lanes, increases security and pedestrian
safety and comfort.
• All pedestrian areas must be lit at night.
• Lighting should also be used decoratively to highlight landscaping
elements and important buildings.
• Appropriate energy-efficient lighting technologies should be
investigated and be applied.
• The lighting of public urban spaces must not cause or contribute
to light pollution.
 REFERENCE

•http://www.gtkp.com/ass
Parking
ets/uploads/20091129-
215719-7868-  LAYOUT
Streetscape_Design_Gui
delines%20SA.pdf • The layout of parking areas must
allow for a variety of uses for times
during which there is no significant
demand for parking space (e.g. on
weekends or in the evening).
• On occasion, parking areas may be
used for flea markets, for recreation
purposes, for gatherings, etc.
• Parking areas must be intersected by
sufficiently wide walkways (minimum
of 1,3m wide) that are easily
identifiable as walkways and allow
comfortable pedestrian movement.
• These walkways must be protected
from the intrusion of vehicles
(including 4x4 vehicles) by means of
vertical kerbs or bollards.
 REFERENCE

•http://www.gtkp.com/ass
Parking
ets/uploads/20091129-
215719-7868-
Streetscape_Design_Gui
 LANDSCAPING
delines%20SA.pdf • Trees, preferably evergreen, must
be planted along all streets where
provision is made for parallel,
diagonal or perpendicular parking
in order to provide shade for the
parked vehicles and to soften the
visual impact of the parked
vehicles.
• Ten percent of a parking area must
be landscaped. The standard of
one tree for every four parking
bays must be applied
 Landscaping

• All boulevards must be lined

with at least a single row of
trees on each side to form an
avenue.
• Large paved areas in civic
squares must be avoided,
unless they are functionally or
aesthetically justifiable as part
of the design of the space.
 Landscaping

• Trees must be planted abundantly to

provide shade for vendors and
buyers. Even if shade is provided by
means of canopies or other types of
shelters, trees are still needed to
soften the visual impact of the
structures.
• A seating facility can be designed to
encircle a tree. Planters can also be
designed to accommodate seating.

REFERENCE

•http://www.gtkp.com/ass
ets/uploads/20091129-
215719-7868-
Streetscape_Design_Gui
delines%20SA.pdf
 REFERENCE

•http://www.gtkp.com/ass
Landscaping
ets/uploads/20091129-
215719-7868- • A seating facility can be designed
Streetscape_Design_Gui to encircle a tree. Planters can
delines%20SA.pdf also be designed to
accommodate seating.
• Central parts of bigger traffic
circles must be landscaped,
unless they are designed as civic
squares, markets or other types
of squares.
• Through appropriate landscape
design, trees and other plants
must be used along roads
through residential and other
sensitive areas to act as a buffer
against noise
• Trees must be planted in suitable
locations in and around bus
stations and taxi ranks in order to
soften the potentially harsh visual
impact of the structures.
 Service Areas
• The fixtures/utility zone is located directly
adjacent to the street and provides a buffer
Electrical
box between street traffic and the pedestrian
travel zone. It also offers a location for lights,
poles, and signs outside the pedestrian travel
way.
• Service areas should be oriented towards the
rear of the building to minimize visual
eyesores.
• Minimum typical dimension for this zone:
typically 2.5 feet; preferred minimum, 3.0 feet.
• When possible, consolidate or congregate
utilities, street furniture, etc., to minimize
pedestrian obstacles and improve visual
appearance.
 REFERENCE

•http://www.wyopass.org/
Documents/Upload/File/D
Fencing
owtown_Street_Scape_H • Screening provides a visual buffer between pedestrian
andbook_Cheyenne.pdf and vehicular spaces and a continuation of the street
wall. Delineation between the two can also improve
public safety through separation of public areas from
parking and circulation areas, as well as grade
changes.
• Fences and railings should be a minimum of 30 inches
and a maximum of 42 inches in height. Fencing and
railing shall be a minimum of 70 percent open.
• Solid walls shall be a minimum of 18 inches and a
maximum of 32 inches in height.
• Hedges shall be no less that 80 percent open in the
winter months and no more than 32 inches in height.
• The buffer area should be a minimum of 5 feet in
width to provide adequate space for landscaping and
a railing or wall.
• Fences, railings, and walls shall be constructed of
metal, brick, or stone. Plastic and wood fences are
discouraged.
 Building Material
• Details and materials refer to the close up appearance of objects and surfaces and selection of
materials in terms of detail, craftsmanship, texture, colour, durability, sustainability and
treatment.
• It contributes to human comfort, safety and enjoyment of the public and private realm.
• The Design must reflect best practise and ensure minimal maintenance, durability, longevity of
materials and finishes and a sustained appearance which is critical for a positive visitor
interaction.
 REFERENCE

•http://insw.com/media/23
631/130318_urban-
Building Material
design-public-realm-
guidelines_lowres.pdf
 REFERENCE
•https://www.wbdg.org/reso
urces/form.php
•http://knorrarchitecture.blo
gspot.in/2010/03/articulatio
n.html
Building Articulation
• How building surfaces come together to define
form is often described as "articulation."
• The treatment of edges, corners, surface
articulation of windows (horizontal, vertical, static
field), and the visual weight of a building all
contribute to the articulation of the form.
• In architecture, articulation means to delineate
spaces so different functions are clear and
architecture is meaningful.
 REFERENCE

•http://qcode.us/codes/mol
alla/view.php?topic=17-
17_08-17_08_090
Building Articulation
• Along the vertical face of a structure, and on all
building stories, such elements like varying roof
lines, offsets, balconies, projections (e.g.,
overhangs, porches, or similar features),
recessed or covered entrances, window
reveals, or similar elements that break up large
expanses of uninterrupted building surfaces
(blank walls) shall occur at a minimum interval
of 30 feet, and each floor shall contain at least
2 elements.
1. Recess (e.g., deck, patio, courtyard, entrance
or similar feature) that has a minimum depth of
4 feet;
2. Extension (e.g., floor area, deck, patio,
entrance, overhang, or similar feature) that
projects a minimum of 2 feet and runs
horizontally for a minimum length of 4 feet;
and/or
3. Offsets or breaks in roof elevation of 2 feet or
greater in height;
 REFERENCE

•http://www.lagunabeachcit
y.net/civicax/filebank/blobdl
oad.aspx?blobid=7025
Building Articulation
 Articulate building form through variation in
materials, colour and/or texture.
• Avoid large expanses of a single material on
walls, roofs, or paving areas.
• Enhance a change in wall plane through colour
or material variation.
• Use changes in colour value or shade to create
harmonious variation.
• Use native and natural materials that blend with
the natural context.
• Use materials that vary in texture.
• Carry each material to a logical point of
termination—a change in wall plane, the point
where the structure meets natural grade, or the
intersection of significant architectural
features—or, if there is no logical point of
termination, apply it to the entire wall plane or
architectural element.
 REFERENCE
•http://brgov.com/dept/plannin
g/design/pdf/urbandesignhand
book.pdf
•http://insw.com/media/23631/
130318_urban-design-public-
realm-guidelines_lowres.pdf
Transportation
• When planning a new development
one should make transportation a
foremost concern.
• You should incorporate into your
development a sidewalk system with
walkways with large enough surface
area to allow at least two people to
walk side by side.
• Attention should also be given to
cyclists.
• You should provide an adequate
number of bicycle parking spaces as
well as bicycle racks which are in
plain sight and easily accessible to
all.
• Public transportation decreases the
number of vehicles on the road, thus
reducing traffic and emissions, as
well as providing those without
vehicles a means to travel, shop and
go to work.