What are your go-to urban design theories and frameworks?

2 Density and Diversity

Another key concept in urban design is the relationship between density and diversity. Density refers to the amount of people, buildings, and activities in a given area. Diversity refers to the variety of people, buildings, and activities in a given area. Urban design aims to achieve a balance between density and diversity, so that urban spaces are both vibrant and livable. High density can foster social interaction, economic activity, and environmental efficiency, but it can also cause congestion, noise, and pollution. High diversity can foster creativity, innovation, and inclusion, but it can also cause conflict, fragmentation, and inequality.

3 Connectivity and Accessibility

A third important concept in urban design is the relationship between connectivity and accessibility. Connectivity refers to the degree of linkage and integration among urban elements, such as roads, sidewalks, transit, and bike lanes. Accessibility refers to the degree of ease and convenience of reaching urban elements, such as destinations, services, and opportunities. Urban design aims to achieve a balance between connectivity and accessibility, so that urban spaces are both efficient and equitable. High connectivity can facilitate mobility, communication, and collaboration, but it can also create complexity, confusion, and vulnerability. High accessibility can facilitate participation, empowerment, and justice, but it can also create competition, congestion, and exclusion.

4 Identity and Sense of Place

A fourth essential concept in urban design is the relationship between identity and sense of place. Identity refers to the distinctive and recognizable features of urban elements, such as style, history, culture, and meaning. Sense of place refers to the emotional and psychological attachment of people to urban elements, such as belonging, pride, memory, and identity. Urban design aims to achieve a balance between identity and sense of place, so that urban spaces are both unique and meaningful. High identity can foster character, expression, and distinction, but it can also cause alienation, stereotyping, and resistance. High sense of place can foster attachment, loyalty, and community, but it can also cause nostalgia, conservatism, and exclusion.

5 Sustainability and Resilience

A fifth crucial concept in urban design is the relationship between sustainability and resilience. Sustainability refers to the ability of urban elements to meet the needs of the present without compromising the needs of the future, such as environmental, social, and economic aspects. Resilience refers to the ability of urban elements to adapt and recover from shocks and stresses, such as natural disasters, climate change, and social unrest. Urban design aims to achieve a balance between sustainability and resilience, so that urban spaces are both responsible and adaptable. High sustainability can foster conservation, efficiency, and justice, but it can also cause rigidity, sacrifice, and trade-offs. High resilience can foster adaptation, innovation, and learning, but it can also cause uncertainty, risk, and disruption.

6 Participation and Co-creation

A sixth and final concept in urban design is the relationship between participation and co-creation. Participation refers to the involvement and influence of people in the planning and design of urban elements, such as consultation, collaboration, and empowerment. Co-creation refers to the joint and shared creation and management of urban elements, such as co-design, co-production, and co-governance. Urban design aims to achieve a balance between participation and co-creation, so that urban spaces are both democratic and collaborative. High participation can foster engagement, ownership, and accountability, but it can also cause conflict, delay, and compromise. High co-creation can foster innovation, diversity, and solidarity, but it can also cause complexity, uncertainty, and instability.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?