Table of Contents 1. What Is a Theory? 2. Four Definitions of Theory, and Where Urban Design Falls 3. Three Different Activities, One Name 4. Two Different Kinds of Claim: Form vs. Movement 5. Before Theory: The Ancient World 6. The Case-Study Problem 7. Form-Typology Theories: Linkage Theory and Collective Form 8. Growth Theories from Geography […]
Urban Design
Architect vs. Urban Designer: Who Actually Designs the City?
At a glance, the difference looks simple: Architect Urban Designer Scale Single building Blocks, streets, districts Output Fixed, buildable design Framework / guidelines Timeline Project-based, closes Phased, often years Focus The object The space between objects Walk down any street and you’re looking at two layers of decision-making stacked on top of each other. […]
Transport planning and modelling: how they work together in practice
Transport planning vs transport modelling is an article that defines the two fields. It shows the series of activities involved in the two fields. Who uses these two fields, and in which projects or location. The article aims to identify the use of the two fields in practice related to an urban design project. The […]
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City in layers: urban design in professional practice
City in layers: urban design in professional practice is the seventh article of a series1,2,3,4,5,6. Defining and analyzing the new urban design concept. In this article, I will summarize the previous articles. Identifying their main theme and going into discussing and analyzing the urban design process in practice. Also, reflecting on all the previous articles’ […]
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City in Layers – Part 6: London’s Urban Systems, Sprawl & Mixed-Use Shift (2000-2015)
City in layers-part 6- An urban design concept is the sixth article of a series1,2,3,4,5. In fact, this article aims to analyze London’s urban design between 2000-2015. Specifically, to discuss the existing and organization and city systems connections. Furthermore, the change from urban sprawl and uncontrolled densities to mixed use development. Despite the officials’ and […]
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City in Layers – Part 4: London Transport Development & Inner-City Failures (1900-1935)
City in layers-part 4- An urban design concept is the fourth article of a series1,2,3. In fact, this article aims to analyze London’s urban design between 1900-1935. Specifically, to discuss transport development proposals. Furthermore, the city survey of major industries. Also, inner city problems and authorities’ reactions. In addition, I present my discussion of the […]
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City in layers-part 3-An urban design concept
City in layers-part 3- An urban design concept is the third article of a series 1,2. In fact, this article aims to analyze and discuss several urban structure theories. Specifically, theories created by academics and practitioners, in certain cases, creating the urban form. In addition, I present my discussion of the failures of these theories, […]
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City in Layers – Part 1: Urban Form Transformation into the Metropolis
City in layers part 1 An urban design concept article is not a promotion for Terry Ferrell’s Idea of Shaping London nor for Pedro Ortiz’s concept of The Metropolis. Specifically, it’s about the notion of city growth, the urban form changes. In addition, how this transformation happens makes a city a bigger component of the […]
City in Layers – Part 5: London Inner City Renewal & CIAM Urban Planning (1945-1970)
City in layers-part 5- An urban design concept is the fifth article of a series1,2,3,4. In fact, this article aims to analyze London’s urban design between 1945-1970. Specifically, to discuss urban renewal of the inner London. Furthermore, the effect of the CIAM code of urban planning on the renewal and London urban design. Also, the […]
City in Layers – Part 2: Urban Design Methods, Linkage Theory & the People Movement Layer
City in layers-part 2- An urban design concept is the second article of a series1.In fact, this article aims to analyze and discuss several urban design methods and theories. Specifically, methods created by academics and practitioners, in certain cases, creating the urban form. In addition, I present my discussion of the new approach of urban […]