What is urban design Lecture number (01): February 19, 2012

Definition and debate

The evolution of the term “Urban Design”  Modern discipline  Josep Lluis Sert: The Architect of Urban Design  The conference held at the Graduate School of Design at Harvard University in the United States 1956  It’s goal was to find a common basis for the joint work of the Architect, the Landscape Architect and the City Planner in the field of Urban Design

What is urban design?  Old practice: It involves the Shaping of the settlements which provide frameworks for human existence  Young field: It exists at the intersection of It is still being defined; impossible to define its boundaries Architecture Landscape Urban planning Civil engineering

What is urban design?  Creative process  Collaborative and interdisciplinary process  Place-making process  Involves creating three-dimensional urban forms and space to enhance the experience of towns and cities

What is urban design

 Is it a discipline?  Has the term “urban designer” any real meaning?  The problem of the vastness of the field Absence of relevant professional bodies that provide legal definitions; ○ University accreditation ○ Organized testing for qualifications ○ Insurance for urban design as a profession What is urban design? - debates

What is urban design

Future directions  The emergence of “Landscape Urbanism” over the last 20 year  Sustainable urbanism must look to context rather than buildings alone for solutions  The decades ahead will be crucial to balancing human needs with the survival of the planet.

The cultural monotony Sun City – Arizona, USA Del Webb 1960s اسكان الدمام

Sprawling slums احد عشوائيات القاهرة

Optimistic vision ktamia city القطاميه ( القاهرة الجديدة ) New Cairo