City in layers-part 2- An urban design concept

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 design city in layers, part 2, an urban design concept.

For example, and to start with, here Cuthbert delivers an urban design method based on the notion that cities are built and formed as an outcome of the interaction of different factors in the process of city creation.  Hence, he provides a framework to understand city creation by studying the impact of history, politics, culture, typologies, environment, and so on. In one way or another, his framework is built to illustrate how these factors shape the urban space, how monuments affect the creation of public space, how cultural buildings create dominance in the city, and finally, how urban forms are aligned in the city’s road network.

City in layers part 2 an urban design concept VS Linkage theory

Trancik, on the other hand, presents a notion of the linkage theory developed by Fumihiko Maki that involves the organization of buildings and spaces around or tangent to linked spatial lines.  Therefore, he considers his method of urban design as a musical note with the notes around a straight line giving the music its final form. Specifically, the method is composed of three distinctive arrangements.

The image above illustrates the three typologies of the linkage theory

Compositional Form is implied rather than overt; the buildings are composed of two-dimensional planes creating a magnetic field of spaces and buildings .it is a typical functional planning.

The Mega form is a hierarchal, open –ended system where a linear framework is connected to the buildings in physically imposed method.

Group Form is a type of structure of incremental accumulation along an armature of communal open space; the linkage is naturally and organically organized.

This method, indeed presented by Trancik, serves several design purposes in practice as I analyze here. Firstly, the designer’s approach in connecting buildings in the project also in relation to orientation. Secondly, the arrangement of buildings that serves the adjacent areas, surely considering connectivity visual and as well as non-visual. Thirdly, and above all, the building services connections between buildings as well as to the road network.   

People movement as a city layer creating an urban form .

For instance, another method developed by Shane does not differ from Cuthbert in presenting urban design in understanding the fragmentation of urban forms and spaces.  Actually, he illustrates similar themes of linking buildings, urban spaces, and building forms, but on a bigger scale, the megapolis.

Here, we discuss the distinctive concept of layers in creating the city in professional practice. The pedestrian movement is one of the main layers  I consider in the urban design process in practice. Other layers, such as building forms and their relationship with others, also the urban space and its connectivity, and finally, the road networks. Because, these layers consist of sublayers they influence their creation and their arrangement; various engineering disciplines are involved in the process of urban design and interacting accordingly through the process, regardless of the theoretical base or method, or theory adopted. The theory represents a general idea about the shape of the city, but does not actually represent the creation method. What we need to answer here is what the priorities are and which layer is considered the first layer in the design process?

Certainly, in the coming articles, I will show the new approach and concept design, city in layers an urban design concept. Moreover, the reader will get maximum benefit as he can apply the concept fully or partially in practice.  In addition after reading and understanding all the articles certainly the reader can answer the former question. Specifically which layer the urban designer starts the design With?

Following , i inserted a list of references that supplied the research. In addition, a reference list for further reading.

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1. Trancik,Roger.(1986) Finding lost space .New  York-USA : Van Nostrand Reinhold
2. Cuthbert, R.Alexander. (2011) Understanding Cities method in urban design. Oxon-UK ,Routledge (Taylor & Francis group).
3. Shane, David Grahame. (2011) Urban design since 1945. West Sussex-London: Wiley & Sons Ltd.
4. Lynch, Kevin. (1960) Image of the city .London-UK: MIT Press.
5. Tallon, Andrew. (2013)Urban regeneration in the UK. Second edition.Oxon-Uk: Routledge (Taylor & Francis group).
6.  Lang, Robert. (2003) Edgeless Cities are exploring the elusive metropolis. Washington-USA: Brookings Institution’s press.
7. Wallinger, Mark. (2014)Labyrinth a journey through London’s underground .London-Uk: Arts book Publishing.
8. Carmona et al .(2003)Public places , urban spaces – the dimensions of urban design .Oxford-Uk : architectural press.
9. Laurie, Micheal. (2002)Introduction to landscape architecture. New jersey –USA: PTR prentice hall.
10. Czerniak, Julia&Hargreaves, Jeorge. (2007)Large Parks. New York-USA: Princeton Architectural Press.
11. Turner, Tom. (1998)Landscape Planning and environmental impact design.London-Uk: UCL Press.
12. Osborn, F.J. (1946) Garden cities of tomorrow. London-UK: Faber&Faber.
13. Cherry, Gordon E. (1972) Urban change and planning – a history of urban development in Britain since 1750.Oxfordshire-UK: GT Foulis & CO LTD.
14. Liversedge, Jamie&Holden, Robert. (2014)Landscape architecture an introduction. London-UK: Laurence King LTD.
15. OC, Taner&Tiesdell, Steven.(1997)Safer city centers reviving the public realm . Liverpool-UK: Paul Champon Publishing.
16. Evans, Alun Sylvester. (1980) urban renaissance a better life in towns.England-UK: Robert stockwell LTD.
17. Longley,Paul&Batty,Michael.(1994)Fractal Cities a geometry of form and function .London-Uk: Academic Press
18. Greeves, Ivan .S. (1980) London Docks 1800-1980 a civil engineering history. London-UK: Thomas Telford Limited.
19. Trench, Richard.Hillman, Eliss. (1985)London under London a subterranean guide.London-Uk: John Murray LTD.