Urban design elements for a successful cityA brief introduction to streetscape level planning idealsSwetha Ramesh | Final year | MIDAS

“A city is more than a place in space, it is a drama in time”

- Patrick Geddes

URBAN DESIGN ELEMENTS

BUILDINGS – creates identity and

a sense of space.

PUBLIC SPACES form the backbone

of a city – forms the stage and

backdrop of city life.

STREET SCAPES – are part of

what defines a city and what makes

each city unique.

TRANSPORT SYSTEMS – connect

parts of city and help shape

them, and enabling movement

LANDSCAPE helps define the

character and beauty of a city and

creates soft, contrasting spaces and

elements.

ILLUSTRATION SOURCE: dreamstime stock images

Let’s talk aboutStreetscape

What is a street scape ? “a view or scene of streets, especially in a city.”

Sidewalks

Street corners

LandscapeSeatingTrash bins Public art Fences/walls

Special event

spaces

Lighting

Utilities

Elements of a streetscape:

ILLUSTRATION SOURCE: self

SIDEWALKS/PLATFORMSPURPOSE : Platforms are pedestrian friendly systems where the users have ample access and mobility. They also function as outdoor rooms and gathering places, and help define community character.

STANDARDS for Indian cities

• Obstruction Free Min. Walking Zone shall be

1.8 M X 2.4 M – both horizontally & vertically.

• Maximum height of a pavement shall not

exceed 150 MM (6”).

SOURCE : UTTIPEC) Delhi development authority

SOURCE : Streetscape Design GuidelinesSOURCE : City of Surrey’ s sidewalk

RULES FOR SUCCESS

• The material used should be slip

resistant

• No obstacles on the side of travel

• Should be partially covered by

greenery

SIDEWALKS AND ROADS IN KALPAKAM, TAMILNADU

SIDEWALKS – DIRTY AND DAMAGED

WHEN THIS COULD BE THIS

WHY NOT ?

TRASH RECEPTABLESPURPOSE : Strategically located garbage receptacles/spitoons and cigarette ash cans help keep areas clean and attractive.

Segregated trash cans in Seattle Condition of trash in India Well segregated trash on a sidewalk

NEED

• Min. of one trashcan per

street corner

• Street food places must place

Trashcans for their own purpose.

• Segregation for better recycling

RULES FOR SUCCESS

• Conveniently located

• Easily accessible

• Well protected from animals

• Segregation

• Regular emptying

- For a cleaner looking space

and better ambience.

PUBLIC ARTPURPOSE : Public art can help establish a unique identity, enhance civic pride, depict a cultural or historic event, and add interest to public spaces.

Art installation using drain pipes in Surat Wall art in fort kochi, kerala

PRINCIPLES

• Public art can be used in dead spaces

Or in the utility zones

• Can be used to enhance the visual character

Of a place

RULES FOR SUCCESS

• Can be used in spaces to add character

• Delivers a social message

• Interactive public art

LIGHTINGPURPOSE :Lighting of the street system, including adjacent sidewalks, walkways and bike lanes, increases security and pedestrian safety and comfort.

PRINCIPLES

• Lighting should be done with reference to the

Human scale and to provide light under trees

• Lighting levels between 0.5 to 2.0 foot-candles

should be provided along pedestrian pathways

• Lighting must be functionally appropriate and

properly scaled to both pedestrians and vehicles.

RULES FOR SUCCESS

• Can be used in combination with public

seating or public art

• Use solar power & in combination with

Seasonal elements

• Additional special lighting to be given at

Nodal points ; crossings, subways & alleys

Well lit street in los angeles Led lit roads in Delhi Bollard lighting

FURNITUREPURPOSE :Waiting and resting areas along walkways provide welcome relief to pedestrians, and a place to sit together, interact, and observe.

PRINCIPLES

• Should not obstruct views

• Ample space should be available for pedestrians

to walk

• Simple fixed furniture to avoid theft/damage

RULES FOR SUCCESS

• Can be used in combination with public

public art and lighting

• Use in areas of high pedestrian traffic

• Smart use of materials and design will

enhance function and utility

Seating with arm rests to avoid peopleFrom sleeping on it

Seating under a tree – for shade; space saving Seating in combination with lighting

And possibly the most important of them all…

LANDSCAPEPURPOSE :Landscape is not only used as a shading element but also as a buffer element to cut down vehicular noise and pollution to make the pedestrians feel more comfortable.

PRINCIPLES

• Planting of deciduous along foot paths

• Minimum width of 2.5’ for trees

• Short trees with large canopies not

recommended

• Lighting must be provided under trees

RULES FOR SUCCESS

• Easy maintenance trees which require less

water

• Can be combined with signage/mailboxes/

seating;

• Upward branching trees for good visibility in

critical areas

Upward branching treesFor better visibility (India)

Self illustrationLandscape used as a buffer between sidewalk and road

Shrubs used along the sidewalk as a buffer

ILLUSTRATION SOURCE: self

SOURCES

• Article on city of Cheyenne – urban design elements

• UTTIPEC, Delhi Development Authority, Delhi Development Authority; Master Plan for Delhi -2021 (2001)

• Principles of urban design – Kevin llynch

• Ministry of Urban Development; National Urban Transport Policy (2006)

• Government of Seattle, Seattle Right of Way Improvement Manual (2008)

…thank you!