Module Five Reflection

The readings and PowerPoints of Reflection 5 discuss a very wide variety of the different types of factors that play into the urban design we know today. There are both physical aspects and theoretical aspects that take a role in the final product that we see within our cities, and this can effect projects of all scales, from cities with millions of people to towns of mere thousands.

There are a variety of different things that designers and planners take into consideration when beginning design for a space. One of the largest things that plays into these roles is the physical zoning and building codes that effect an area and its built environment. These codes put rules and requirements behind almost all aspects of construction and planning, with a few goals in mind. Building and zoning codes are designed to create a sense of place, create predictable planning, and provide a high quality of design, among other things. While these may make design more difficult, they are crucial to successful design. Not only they benefit individual project design, they help bring an entire city together in a variety of different ways, which has many benefits on the public.

There is arguably an infinite list of ways to approach urban design, but over the years, there have been a select few that have proven to be more beneficial than others, each of which have an ultimate goal in mind. Some of these we relate to in our everyday lives. One large influence is the design of either Neighborhoods as a unit, or the traditional neighborhood that many of us have experienced in our childhood. While these both strive to create a more functioning urban space, they approach it in two very different ways. A neighborhood unit acts as one self-contained spaces which acts on its own and acts as a very desirable neighborhood. This could be looked at in a business standpoint, wanting to create a picture perfect space. Opposite of this, the traditional neighborhood layout takes a much more relaxed approach, with a well connected road system, as well as a variety of public spaces and amenities. This is a much more comfortable approach, creating a space which attracts people looking for a very ‘homey’ feeling home. Growing up, I lived in a traditional style neighborhood, with winding roads, public parks in multiple directions, and even a grocery store less than a five minute walk away. While I see how both of these can benefit a city, I personally find the traditional approach much more effective. This creates a space that can build its own personality or culture, where as a neighborhood unit is designed specifically to house as many people as possible, similar to dormitory living.

Urban design isn’t limited to only these approaches. This approach is something that caters to the users of the space, which is only a fraction of the considerations taken into account in the design world. Many large towns and cities look at design in the eyes of the planners and business men that play large roles in the development of a city. Many wealthy designers approach urban design from a mainly business standpoint, where they strive to create a space that acts mainly as an income for themselves or the city as a whole. This as well can be done in a variety of approaches, including designing an entire town as a whole, or simply adding piece by piece to a city to help tweak and improve certain aspects. While this is the case for many urban designers, I think while necessary in some cities which need a heavier income, in the grand scheme of things, this is a very poor way to design a city. Even as a successful income provider, it takes away some of the key elements that we aim for in design. Instead of focusing on the user, it’s focused on money, which could lose the interest of many of the users.