Urban design is a crucial aspect of creating and shaping a city. As per Hamid Shirvani in his book Urban Design Process, there are eight fundamental components that make up a city. These are:
In summary, urban design is a comprehensive process that involves multiple elements working together to create functional, aesthetically pleasing, and sustainable cities. By understanding and prioritizing these eight components, urban designers and planners can create thriving cities that cater to the needs of their residents and promote local economies.
Elements of Urban Design:
Developing a functional and aesthetically pleasing urban environment requires careful consideration of various components that work together to create a harmonious whole. According to Hamid Shirvani’s book Urban Design Process, there are eight elements of urban design that must be taken into account when planning and designing cities. These elements include land usage, building and mass-building, open space, parking and circulation, signages, pedestrian routes, activity support, and environmental sustainability. In this article, we will explore each of these elements in detail.
Land Usage:
The way land is used in urban design is essential to creating a functional city. It involves identifying the best use of land to promote growth, and economic development while balancing the needs of the community. Land use design ensures proper zoning, maximum density for each area, and considerations for mixed-use development. This approach makes it easier to maximize urban space for more efficient use.
Building and Mass-Building:
Building and mass-building is an essential element of urban design and involves constructing buildings that enhance the functionality and aesthetic appeal of the cityscape. It involves the selection of proper building materials, appropriate heights, shapes, and sizes to maximize building functionality and minimize negative externalities for the environment. The proper orientation of buildings, and window placement promotes energy efficiency, making the urban environment more livable.
Open Space:
Open space in urban design provides space for both nature and community events. It includes parks, playgrounds, plazas, and other natural or partially artificial areas that provide important ecological services. Adequate open spaces improve urban air quality, temperature control, and noise reduction. Moreover, these spaces provide beautiful public areas for recreation, socializing, and entertainment.
Parking and Circulation:
Parking and circulation in urban design is essential for maximizing the safe and efficient movement of people and goods in the city. It involves planning for appropriate parking lots, bike lanes, pedestrian walkways, and public transportation to minimize traffic congestion and enhance mobility. Effective circulation promotes an average speed, thereby reducing accidents and fuel consumption, which ultimately results in a more sustainable city.
Signages:
Signages in urban design refer to visual cues that help people navigate through the city. They include street names, building signs, and other directional markers that make it easier for people to find their way. Proper signages reduce travel time and enhance the identity of a city.
Pedestrian Routes:
Good pedestrian routes involve the creation of sidewalks, footpaths, and other walkable spaces for people to move about the city safely and efficiently. It involves designing streets that cater to both vehicles and foot traffic, and prioritizing the safety of the pedestrian. By encouraging walking and cycling, a city becomes truly walkable, promoting healthy living and environmental sustainability.
Activity Support:
Activity support in urban design involves providing support for different activities. It includes public parks, sports facilities and other community amenities that cater to diverse interests. Activities catered to design also include cultural functions, festivals, and events which promote the socio-economic growth of the city.
Environmental Sustainability:
Environmental sustainability is an integral part of urban design that promotes the use of environmentally friendly practices to protect and preserve the city’s ecology. It involves a comprehensive and integrated approach that covers everything from biodiversity and waste management to water usage and carbon emissions. It requires that cities be designed and built in such a way that they do not harm the environment, but instead, promote a sustainable future.
In conclusion, Hamid Shirvani’s eight elements of urban design provide an essential guide when it comes to planning efficient and sustainable cities. Careful attention to each of these elements is necessary to create functional and aesthetically pleasing urban areas that foster social, cultural and economic growth. By understanding these elements, we can build a greener, more efficient, and sustainable urban future.
