Urban Design Principles

Elements of good urban designs principles

According to Carmona et al (2010) urban design has become very popular of late based on the notion that ‘environments should be transformed or created to provide the most opportunities for the largest possible range of users’. However there will never be a scenario were that ‘trade off will not benefit all but rather the greater good to enhance democratic social and economic framework’ .Despite this challenge it is imperative to note that urban design seek to achieve a ‘successful and vibrant’ public realm albeit some learning curbs as they do not always get it right

Urban design takes place at various scales micro (street, buildings design) and macro (patterns of land use). Urban designs does not

As well as the urban form with spatial structural elements such as linkages and nodes. It cannot be emphasised enough the need to empower communities.

The focus on primary urban design intervention knowledge and skills is a hot topic discussion in both practice and education. Carmona (2010) identifies two gaps the first being between the existing environmental discipline which has major act on emergence of urban design the second being rhetoric and practical achievements of urban design which now calls into question the legitimacy of our activities.

Carmona (2010) further argues that public space has potential of a host of benefits such as building interactions and social cohesion .However with deteriorating nature of public spaces it is imperative that general public take up ownership and responsibility for its upkeep. This can be done by ensuring access and not cordoned off. By colonising public space networks subordinating other forms of mobility and re-organising the distribution of activities in space, automibility both undermine other forms of mobility (walking, cycling, rail and disabling effect to those without cars). Below are pictures of plazas that work and those that do not

This can be done by ensuring access and not cordoned off. By colonising public space networks subordinating other forms of mobility and re-organising the distribution of activities in space, automibility both undermine other forms of mobility (walking, cycling, rail and disabling effect to those without cars). Below are pictures of plazas that work and those that do not