Arch 231 FORM AND FUNCTION

Urban
Form and
Function
Arch 231 FORM AND FUNCTION

Outline
City functions-
socio-cultural, economic,
and political functions that
affect urban form

Economic models-
economic factors that
define urban form

Urban ecological
processes-
natural processes that
influence urban form

Lost space-
poor planning practices that
affect urban form
Arch 231 FORM AND FUNCTION

City Functions
DEFENSE and
PROTECTION

Ancient urban functions of

the city, though quite
obsolete at present

Cities were once built to

withstand sieges from
migrating tribes, or frequent
raids from enemies
Arch 231 FORM AND FUNCTION

City Functions
WORSHIP and
GOVERNMENT

The prime functions of the

city throughout history

Cities were built around

temples, shrines, and
pyramids in ancient Egypt,
Greece, and Rome

The medieval cathedral

was the center of the city,
as were renaissance palaces
and castles
Arch 231 FORM AND FUNCTION

City Functions
WORSHIP and
GOVERNMENT

The prime functions of the

city throughout history

Cities were built around

temples, shrines, and
pyramids in ancient Egypt,
Greece, and Rome

The medieval cathedral

was the center of the city,
as were renaissance palaces
and castles
Arch 231 FORM AND FUNCTION

City Functions
WORSHIP and
GOVERNMENT

The prime functions of the

city throughout history

Cities were built around

temples, shrines, and
pyramids in ancient Egypt,
Greece, and Rome

The medieval cathedral

was the center of the city,
as were renaissance palaces
and castles
Arch 231 FORM AND FUNCTION

City Functions
CULTURAL

In Ancient Greece and

Rome, theater performances
and education were the vital
functions of each city.

Ancient theaters, religious

festivals, city beautification,
etc. is a reflection of cultural
pride.
Arch 231 FORM AND FUNCTION

City Functions
CULTURAL

In Ancient Greece and

Rome, theater performances
and education were the vital
functions of each city.

Ancient theaters, religious

festivals, city beautification,
etc. is a reflection of cultural
pride.
Arch 231 FORM AND FUNCTION

City Functions
CULTURAL

In Ancient Greece and

Rome, theater performances
and education were the vital
functions of each city.

Ancient theaters, religious

festivals, city beautification,
etc. is a reflection of cultural
pride.

Too often sacrificed in favor

of temporary economic
concerns.
Arch 231 FORM AND FUNCTION

City Functions
EDUCATION

Cities have always been the

seat of academy and
scholarship and is a
continuing function

Due to the diversity of

people, ideas, jobs, etc., the
city is seen as an educator.
Arch 231 FORM AND FUNCTION

City Functions
TRANSPORTATION

Greatly influences the size

and location of cities

New means of transportation

have enabled people to
live in much larger more
spread out cities
Arch 231 FORM AND FUNCTION

City Functions
TRANSPORTATION

Greatly influences the size

and location of cities

New means of transportation

have enabled people to
live in much larger more
spread out cities

Although transportation has

made great contributions to
the development of the city,
it has also done serious
damage to the physical and
social fabric.
Arch 231 FORM AND FUNCTION

City Functions
HOUSING
The largest and simplest
function of a city
Industrialization and
modern transportation has
completely changed housing
patterns

During the industrial

revolution housing functions
were built to satisfy
economic demands
Through the years, housing
functions of the inner city
have shifted to outlying areas
Arch 231 FORM AND FUNCTION

City Functions
ECONOMIC

A basic and continuing

function. The city acts as
producers and marketplaces

Historically, cities were

located at strategic points for
the exchange of goods

The location of airports in

relation to city centers has
become an important
economic factor
Arch 231 FORM AND FUNCTION

Economic 1.! CBD

2.! Transition zone
Models 3.! Low income
residential
CONCENTRIC ZONE 4.! Middle income
residential
MODEL 5.! High income
residential /
commuting
formulated by E.W. Burgess
includes transition zone for
eventual CBD expansion

city grows outward in all

directions from the CBD

has some deficiencies but

simplicity has stood the test
of time
Arch 231 FORM AND FUNCTION

Economic 1.! CBD

Models 2.! Wholesale, light
manufacturing
3.! Low income
SECTOR MODEL residential
4.! Middle income
residential
Conceptualized by 5.! High income
Homer Hoyt residential

developed under the premise

that other uses grow with
the CBD

consistent with the

observation that most
cities grow in the direction
of the higher income
Arch 231 FORM AND FUNCTION

Economic
Models
SECTOR MODEL

High rent areas tend to grow

from a given point along

lines of transportation

towards the high ground

free from flooding

towards the open country

towards the homes of

community leaders
Arch 231 FORM AND FUNCTION

Economic
Models
SECTOR MODEL

High rent areas tend to….

pull office buildings,

banks, and stores along
with them

continue to grow in the

same direction for a long
period
Arch 231 FORM AND FUNCTION

Economic
Models
MULTIPLE NUCLEI
MODEL

by Chauncy Harris &

Edward Pullman

uses do not evolve around a

single core but at several
nodes and focal points
Arch 231 FORM AND FUNCTION

Economic
Models
MULTIPLE NUCLEI
MODEL
4 Factors that give rise to
separate nuclei:
- certain activities have
special requirements
(CBD=accessibility;
warehousing/docks
=waterfront;
Low density housing=land)
Arch 231 FORM AND FUNCTION

Economic
Models
MULTIPLE NUCLEI
MODEL
4 Factors that give rise to
separate nuclei:
- certain activities have
special requirements
(CBD=accessibility;
warehousing/docks
=waterfront;
Low density housing=land)
- some activities group
together because they profit
from cohesion
(financial/ office district;
medical; retail districts)
Arch 231 FORM AND FUNCTION

Economic
Models
MULTIPLE NUCLEI
MODEL
4 Factors that give rise to
separate nuclei:
- other activities are
detrimental to each other
(heavy industry and high rent
residential; meat packing plants
and funeral homes)

- certain activities can not

afford high rents
(forced together in the low rent
areas)
Arch 231 FORM AND FUNCTION
Arch 231 FORM AND FUNCTION

Economic
Models
URBAN REALMS
MODEL

by James Vance

presents the emergence of

self-sufficient sectors

independent urban realms

brought by the impact of
the automobile
Arch 231 FORM AND FUNCTION

Urban Ecological
Processes

Invasion-
a type of urban ecological
process defined as the
entrance of a new
population and / or facilities
in an already occupied area
Arch 231 FORM AND FUNCTION

Urban Ecological
Processes

Centralization-
an urban ecological process
in city land use patterning
referring to an increase in
population at a certain
geographic center
Originally caused by such
urban functions as:
centralized governmental
power, security, amusement,
trade and industry,
education, transportation,
finance and banking, and
utilities
Arch 231 FORM AND FUNCTION

Urban Ecological
Processes

Decentralization-
an urban ecological process
that represents an exodus of
the residential population
from central areas to the
periphery

Suburbanization-
moving to the outskirts /
hinterlands to escape the
“ills” of the inner city
Arch 231 FORM AND FUNCTION

Urban Ecological
Processes

Block-boosting-
“forcing” the old population
out of the area because of
social or racial differences
Arch 231 FORM AND FUNCTION

Urban Ecological
Processes

Block-boosting-
“forcing” the old population
out of the area because of
social or racial differences
Arch 231 FORM AND FUNCTION

Urban Ecological
Processes

Block-boosting-
“forcing” the old population
out of the area because of
social or racial differences
Arch 231 FORM AND FUNCTION

Urban Ecological
Processes

Block-boosting-
“forcing” the old population
out of the area because of
social or racial differences
Arch 231 FORM AND FUNCTION

Urban Ecological
Processes

Block-boosting-
“forcing” the old population
out of the area because of
social or racial differences
Arch 231 FORM AND FUNCTION

Urban Ecological
Processes

Gentrification-
improving the physical set-
up and consequently
affecting the market for
previously run-down areas
Arch 231 FORM AND FUNCTION

Urban Ecological
Processes

Gentrification-
improving the physical set-
up and consequently
affecting the market for
previously run-down areas
Arch 231 FORM AND FUNCTION

Urban Ecological
Processes

Gentrification-
improving the physical set-
up and consequently
affecting the market for
previously run-down areas
Arch 231 FORM AND FUNCTION

Urban Ecological
Processes

Gentrification-
improving the physical set-
up and consequently
affecting the market for
previously run-down areas
Arch 231 FORM AND FUNCTION

Urban Ecological
Processes

Gentrification-
improving the physical set-
up and consequently
affecting the market for
previously run-down areas
Arch 231 FORM AND FUNCTION

Urban Ecological
Processes

Gentrification-
improving the physical set-
up and consequently
affecting the market for
previously run-down areas
Arch 231 FORM AND FUNCTION

Urban Ecological
Processes

Gentrification-
improving the physical set-
up and consequently
affecting the market for
previously run-down areas
Arch 231 FORM AND FUNCTION

Lost Spaces
Factors that cause LOST
SPACE:

The Automobile

A large percentage of urban

land has been devoted to the
storage and movement of
these vehicles
Arch 231 FORM AND FUNCTION

Lost Spaces
Factors that cause LOST
SPACE:

The Automobile

A large percentage of urban

land has been devoted to the
storage and movement of
these vehicles
Arch 231 FORM AND FUNCTION

Lost Spaces
Factors that cause LOST
SPACE:

The Automobile

A large percentage of urban

land has been devoted to the
storage and movement of
these vehicles
Arch 231 FORM AND FUNCTION

Lost Spaces
Factors that cause LOST
SPACE:

The Automobile

A large percentage of urban

land has been devoted to the
storage and movement of
these vehicles
Arch 231 FORM AND FUNCTION

Lost Spaces
Factors that cause LOST
SPACE:

The Automobile

A large percentage of urban

land has been devoted to the
storage and movement of
these vehicles
Arch 231 FORM AND FUNCTION

Lost Spaces
Factors that cause LOST
SPACE:

Modern Movement

Founded on abstract ideals

for the design of free
standing buildings
Arch 231 FORM AND FUNCTION

Lost Spaces
Factors that cause LOST
SPACE:

Modern Movement

Founded on abstract ideals

for the design of free
standing buildings
Arch 231 FORM AND FUNCTION

Lost Spaces
Factors that cause LOST
SPACE:

Modern Movement

Founded on abstract ideals

for the design of free
standing buildings
Arch 231 FORM AND FUNCTION

Lost Spaces
Factors that cause LOST
SPACE:

Modern Movement

Founded on abstract ideals

for the design of free
standing buildings

Malls and high-rise towers

create a disconnect of space
Arch 231 FORM AND FUNCTION

Lost Spaces
Factors that cause LOST
SPACE:

Urban renewal, Zoning

and Land Use Policies

Zoning legislations separates

functions that used to be
integrated. As a result, the
city is subdivided into
homogeneous districts
subdivided by traffic arteries,
and areas between districts
are usually lost spaces in
the urban fabric.
Arch 231 FORM AND FUNCTION

Lost Spaces
Factors that cause LOST
SPACE:

Urban renewal, Zoning

and Land Use Policies

Cluster Zoning
Creating special zoning
policies and regulations
for medium to large sized
controlled developments
Arch 231 FORM AND FUNCTION

Lost Spaces
Factors that cause LOST
SPACE:

Urban renewal, Zoning

and Land Use Policies

Incentive Zoning
Allowing more space if
certain desirable features
and amenities such as
plazas, arcades, and other
open spaces, are provided
to the public
Arch 231 FORM AND FUNCTION

Lost Spaces
Factors that cause LOST
SPACE:

Privatization of
Public Space

Traditional social spaces

have been converted to
private recreation areas
Arch 231 FORM AND FUNCTION

Lost Spaces
Factors that cause LOST
SPACE:

Privatization of
Public Space

Traditional social spaces

have been converted to
private recreation areas

City of collective spaces

has been transformed to a
city of private icons
Arch 231 FORM AND FUNCTION

Lost Spaces
Factors that cause LOST
SPACE:

Changing Land Use

Changing patterns in Land

Use have redefined inner
city spaces…..
Arch 231 FORM AND FUNCTION

Lost Spaces
Factors that cause LOST
SPACE:

Changing Land Use

Changing patterns in
Land Use have redefined
inner city spaces…..

And have led to

outmigration from the
city.
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Arch 231 CITY COMFORTS

CITY COMFORTS
HOW TO BUILD AN
URBAN VILLAGE

BY DAVID SUCHER
and Alex Evangelista
Arch 231 CITY COMFORTS

CITY COMFORTS
HOW TO BUILD AN
URBAN VILLAGE

“City Comforts” presents..

…a metaphor:
the urban village

…and an oxymoron

…a shift of focus:
from grand strategic
visions to small details
Arch 231 CITY COMFORTS

THE CHANCE
ENCOUNTER
“The possibility of the
accidental meeting is
what makes the city a
fertile place.”
Arch 231 CITY COMFORTS

THE CHANCE
ENCOUNTER
PROVIDE SEATS
•  a seat is an explicit
invitation to stay
Arch 231 CITY COMFORTS

THE CHANCE
ENCOUNTER
LET PEOPLE PURCHASE
FOOD OR DRINK
•  food attracts people
Arch 231 CITY COMFORTS

THE CHANCE
ENCOUNTER
LET PEOPLE PURCHASE
FOOD OR DRINK
•  food attracts people
Arch 231 CITY COMFORTS

THE CHANCE
ENCOUNTER
OFFER A
CONVERSATION PIECE

•  the purpose is to send

attention to an external object
Arch 231 CITY COMFORTS

THE CHANCE
“The virtual office will
ENCOUNTER
succeed if there is a
ENCOURAGE THE
CHANCE ENCOUNTER virtual watercooler.”
Arch 231 CITY COMFORTS

THE CHANCE “Watching other people,

ENCOUNTER and being watched, and
BUILD NEIGHBORHOODS chatting, is the core of the
FOR THE SOCIAL STROLL social stroll.”
Arch 231 CITY COMFORTS
Arch 231 CITY COMFORTS

THE CHANCE
ENCOUNTER
BUILD CLOSE TO THE
SIDEWALK

•  conversation can be
encouraged simply by physical
proximity

•  the power of suggestion can

also work on the passerby
who sees customers
enjoying…..
Arch 231 CITY COMFORTS

THE CHANCE
ENCOUNTER
PUT PUBLIC SPACE IN
THE SUN
Arch 231 CITY COMFORTS

THE CHANCE
ENCOUNTER
PUT PUBLIC SPACE IN
THE SUN
Arch 231 CITY COMFORTS

THE CHANCE
ENCOUNTER “People enjoy the
amusement and challenge.”
PUT YOUR CARDS (OR
CHESS PIECES) ON THE
TABLE
Arch 231 CITY COMFORTS

THE CHANCE
ENCOUNTER “People enjoy the
amusement and challenge.”
PUT YOUR CARDS (OR
CHESS PIECES) ON THE
TABLE
Arch 231 CITY COMFORTS

THE CHANCE
ENCOUNTER
PROVIDE A PLACE FOR
MUSIC
•  music provides the pleasure
of sound
•  this is an unobtrusive way to
bring people together
Arch 231 CITY COMFORTS
Arch 231 CITY COMFORTS

THE CHANCE
ENCOUNTER
BUILD BUS SHELTERS
WITH PUBLIC SERVICES
•  anything to keep it going…..
Arch 231 CITY COMFORTS

THE CHANCE
ENCOUNTER
BUILD BUS SHELTERS
WITH PUBLIC SERVICES
•  anything to keep it going…..
Arch 231 CITY COMFORTS

THE CHANCE
ENCOUNTER
BUILD BUS SHELTERS
WITH PUBLIC SERVICES
•  anything to keep it going…..
Arch 231 CITY COMFORTS

THE CHANCE
ENCOUNTER
USE SOUND TO PERMIT
CONVERSATION
•  white noise can provide
privacy
Arch 231 CITY COMFORTS

THE CHANCE LET READERS SIP

•  libraries or bookstores and coffee
ENCOUNTER are a great combination
BUILD-IN BUS-STOP
SEATING
•  loss for the landlord is a gain
for the neighborhood
Arch 231 CITY COMFORTS

KNOWING
WHERE YOU ARE
“A village is small
enough to be
comprehensible.”
Arch 231 CITY COMFORTS

KNOWING
WHERE YOU ARE
CREATE GATEWAYS
FOR NEIGHBORHOODS
•  the gateway can create
identity and enhance the
neighborhood spirit
Arch 231 CITY COMFORTS

KNOWING
WHERE YOU ARE
GIVE PEOPLE THE TIME
OF DAY
•  a simple urban comfort
Arch 231 CITY COMFORTS

KNOWING
WHERE YOU ARE
TELL TIME BY THE SUN
•  get help from the environment
Arch 231 CITY COMFORTS

KNOWING
WHERE YOU ARE
PUT MAPS ON
SIDEWALKS
•  helping us know where we
are makes the city more
comfortable
Arch 231 CITY COMFORTS

KNOWING
WHERE YOU ARE
BUILD BULLETIN
BOARDS
•  cheap neighborhood mass
media; cost efficient and fun
Arch 231 CITY COMFORTS

CHILDREN
IN THE CITY
“Children are like the
canaries in the coal
mine: an indicator
species of urban
health.”
Arch 231 CITY COMFORTS

CHILDREN
IN THE CITY •  combine adult seating with
PLACE PLAYGROUNDS IN playgrounds in business districts and
SHOPPING DISTRICTS place them at easily accessible
locations
Arch 231 CITY COMFORTS

CHILDREN
IN THE CITY
PLACE PLAYGROUNDS IN
SHOPPING DISTRICTS
Arch 231 CITY COMFORTS

CHILDREN
IN THE CITY
PLACE PLAYGROUNDS IN
RESTAURANTS

•  parents and children need

to be put together, but
without interfering with
each other
Arch 231 CITY COMFORTS

CHILDREN
IN THE CITY
PLACE PLAYGROUNDS IN
RESIDENTIAL DISTRICTS
Arch 231 CITY COMFORTS

CHILDREN
IN THE CITY
BUILD TO CHILD SCALE
•  doing so is a courtesy
Arch 231 CITY COMFORTS

CHILDREN
IN THE CITY
BUILD TO CHILD SCALE
•  doing so is a courtesy
Arch 231 CITY COMFORTS

CHILDREN
IN THE CITY
LET CHILDREN PLAY IN
THE STREETS
•  and make sure it’s safe
Arch 231 CITY COMFORTS

CHILDREN
IN THE CITY
LET CHILDREN PLAY IN
THE STREETS
•  and make sure it’s safe
Arch 231 CITY COMFORTS

FEELING SAFE

“The basic technique of

urban security is
natural surveillance.”

“The second
territoriality: people
must view the public
space as their own.”
Arch 231 CITY COMFORTS

FEELING SAFE
OPEN THE STOREFRONT
TO THE STREET
•  this allows a delicate, slow,
and uncommitted entrance
Arch 231 CITY COMFORTS

FEELING SAFE ENGAGE WALKERS WITH

INTERESTING STOREFRONTS
FULLY OPEN WINDOWS •  interesting sidewalks are busy; busy
•  still provides invitation and sidewalks are safe…..
surveillance
Arch 231 CITY COMFORTS

FEELING SAFE
ALLOW STREET VENDORS
•  another node of activity
Arch 231 CITY COMFORTS

FEELING SAFE
COULD YOU “KEEP AN
EYE ON THINGS?”
•  eyes on the street promotes
safety
Arch 231 CITY COMFORTS

FEELING SAFE
MAKE THE MAIN
ENTRANCE VISIBLE
•  it’s always best to be
able to see the front door
Arch 231 CITY COMFORTS

FEELING SAFE
SCATTER POLICE
•  the more visible the police,
the better
Arch 231 CITY COMFORTS

FEELING SAFE
PUT COPS ON BIKES
Arch 231 CITY COMFORTS

LITTLE
NECESSITIES
“A myriad of small
elements adds comfort
to the city.”
Arch 231 CITY COMFORTS

LITTLE
NECESSITIES
“HAVE A DRINK ON US.”
•  in some places, the
community well is still part of
daily life
Arch 231 CITY COMFORTS

LITTLE
NECESSITIES
SHELTER THE TELEPHONE
•  phones are safety
equipment- they should be
protected
Arch 231 CITY COMFORTS

LITTLE
NECESSITIES
PUBLIC TOILETS ARE
A COMFORT
Arch 231 CITY COMFORTS

LITTLE
NECESSITIES
PUBLIC TOILETS ARE
A COMFORT
Arch 231 CITY COMFORTS

LITTLE
NECESSITIES
PUBLIC TOILETS ARE
A COMFORT
Arch 231 CITY COMFORTS

LITTLE
NECESSITIES
PUBLIC TOILETS ARE
A COMFORT
Arch 231 CITY COMFORTS

LITTLE
NECESSITIES
HOUSE THE GARBAGE
CAN
•  garbage cans should be
honored for they do not have
a very pleasant life
Arch 231 CITY COMFORTS

LITTLE
NECESSITIES
KEEP YOUR HEAD DRY
•  or free from the sun
Arch 231 CITY COMFORTS

LITTLE
NECESSITIES
KEEP YOUR HEAD DRY
Arch 231 CITY COMFORTS

LITTLE
NECESSITIES
CELEBRATE THE STATION
•  let the very mundane be
pleasing
Arch 231 CITY COMFORTS

SMOOTHING
EDGES

“Our most valued

places are often sites
which lack our most
valued possession:
cars.”
Arch 231 CITY COMFORTS

SMOOTHING
EDGES
“The purpose of urban
buffers is to smooth the
edge between the place
of cars and the place of
people”
SOFTEN WALLS
•  most concrete walls are
blank and forbidding. But they
can be softened, made more
interesting, while still being
functional
Arch 231 CITY COMFORTS

SMOOTHING
EDGES
“The purpose of urban
buffers is to smooth the
edge between the place
of cars and the place of
people”
SOFTEN WITH GREEN
Arch 231 CITY COMFORTS

SMOOTHING
EDGES
TRELLIS BLANK WALLS
•  inevitable blank walls can be
given personality
Arch 231 CITY COMFORTS

SMOOTHING
EDGES •  doing so makes the parking lot
more humane and provides an
RECLAIM AND PEOPLE additional attraction to customers
THE PARKING LOT
Arch 231 CITY COMFORTS

SMOOTHING
EDGES
MAINTAIN THE PARKING
LOT LANDSCAPE
•  As nasty as those auto-
oriented suburban strips may
be, they will be with us for a
while!
Arch 231 CITY COMFORTS

SMOOTHING
EDGES
SHIELD WITH ELEVATION

Parking
can be
placed
below
ground

…..or
above
ground
Arch 231 CITY COMFORTS

SMOOTHING
EDGES
SHIELD WITH ELEVATION

Parking
can be
placed
below
ground

…..or
above
ground
Arch 231 CITY COMFORTS

SMOOTHING
EDGES
SHIELD WITH ELEVATION

Parking can be placed

underground…..
…..or above ground
…..or anywhere but
the front
Arch 231 CITY COMFORTS

SMOOTHING
EDGES
SHIELD WITH ELEVATION

Parking can be placed PARKING

underground…..
…..or above ground
…..or anywhere but
the front
PARKING
Arch 231 CITY COMFORTS

SMOOTHING
EDGES
PLANT STREET TREES
FOR PREMIUM VALUE
•  even streets with modest
homes can provide grandeur
and presence when lined with
trees
Arch 231 CITY COMFORTS

SMOOTHING
EDGES
SAVE EVEN ONE TREE

•  urban redevelopment need

not knock down all trees
Arch 231 CITY COMFORTS

SMOOTHING
EDGES
MAKE FENCES LOW
ENOUGH TO SEE OVER
•  if only to act as boundary
Arch 231 Cheonggyecheon CITY COMFORTS

SMOOTHING
EDGES
NOISE CONTROL
•  if noise is inevitable then
block it or mask it

MASK
WITH A
WATERFALL
Arch 231 CITY COMFORTS

SMOOTHING
EDGES
NOISE CONTROL
•  if noise is inevitable then
block it or mask it
BLOCK WITH GLASS
Arch 231 CITY COMFORTS

FITTING IN
“Conversation between
buildings, as among
humans, is a poignant
sign of neighborliness.”
Arch 231 CITY COMFORTS

FITTING IN
LOOK NEXT DOOR FOR
CONTEXT
•  …and follow the rules
Arch 231 CITY COMFORTS

FITTING IN MIMIC THE OLDER

USE A SIMILAR ROOFLINE BUILDING’S DETAILS
•  specialized spaces need not •  …some need not even be
look out of place… recognized…
Arch 231 CITY COMFORTS

FITTING IN
LOOK SMALLER FROM
THE SIDEWALK
Arch 231 CITY COMFORTS

FITTING IN
ALLOW THE CORNER
GROCERY
•  let it be reached by foot (or
bicycle)
Arch 231 CITY COMFORTS

FITTING IN
ALLOW THE CORNER
GROCERY
•  let it be reached by foot (or
bicycle)
Arch 231 CITY COMFORTS

FITTING IN
CAMOUFLAGE THE
PARKING GARAGE
•  give it some character
Arch 231 CITY COMFORTS

FITTING IN
CAMOUFLAGE THE
PARKING GARAGE
•  give it some character
Arch 231 CITY COMFORTS

WASTE NOT,
WANT NOT:
OLD SHOES ARE
MORE
COMFORTABLE
Discover Spaces
“The natural operation of
capitalist economies draws
out and brings to use all
sorts of under-used
resources.”
Arch 231 CITY COMFORTS

WASTE NOT WANT NOT

CONSIDER THE ALLEY
(AS A RETAIL STREET)
•  “useless” space made useful
Arch 231 CITY COMFORTS

WASTE NOT WANT NOT

ALLOW ALLEY HOUSES
(FOR ECONOMY &
SAFETY)
•  small dwellings add eyes
Arch 231 CITY COMFORTS

WASTE NOT WANT NOT

TURN LEFTOVERS
INTO PARKS
Arch 231 CITY COMFORTS

WASTE NOT WANT NOT

PLACE SHOPS IN BRIDGES
•  not always possible, but a
whimsical example of
discovered spaces
Arch 231 CITY COMFORTS

WASTE NOT WANT NOT

BRIDGE FREEWAYS TO
RE-LINK
NEIGHBORHOODS
•  air space is valuable space…
and it reconnects districts
Arch 231 CITY COMFORTS

WASTE NOT WANT NOT

BRIDGE FREEWAYS TO
RE-LINK
NEIGHBORHOODS
•  air space is valuable space…
and it reconnects districts
Arch 231 CITY COMFORTS

WASTE NOT WANT NOT

RECLAIM THE
“INTERNATIONAL
STYLE” PLAZA
•  Filling up these barren places
can recreate a streetscape for
the walker and economic
activity for the building owner
Arch 231 CITY COMFORTS

WASTE NOT WANT NOT

BRING DEAD CORNERS
TO LIFE
•  Corners of parking lots are
generally unusable for parking.
Use them to give life to the
street and interest to the
building
Arch 231 CITY COMFORTS

WASTE NOT WANT NOT

USE SIDEYARDS FOR
SEATING
•  intimacy is part of its charm
Arch 231 CITY COMFORTS

WASTE NOT WANT NOT

MAKE RECYCLING
SECOND NATURE

•  If people do it at home then

why not in public?
Arch 231 CITY COMFORTS

GETTING AROUND

“…we still all drive too

fast for the posted
speed limits.
We do it because the
roads are designed to
encourage us to do
so.”
Arch 231 CITY COMFORTS

GETTING AROUND
TRAFFIC CALMING “The person as driver
BULB THE CORNERS overwhelms the very same
FOR MORE PEDESTRIAN person as walker.”
SPACE
Arch 231 CITY COMFORTS

GETTING AROUND
TRAFFIC CALMING “The person as driver
BULB THE CORNERS overwhelms the very same
FOR MORE PEDESTRIAN person as walker.”
SPACE
Arch 231 CITY COMFORTS

GETTING AROUND
DECREASE THE
TURNING RADIUS
“The sharper the turn,
the slower one must
drive.”
Arch 231 CITY COMFORTS

GETTING AROUND
MAKE BLOCKS SHORT
“A journey seems
quicker, livelier and
more eventful when
punctuated by crossing
streets.”
Arch 231 CITY COMFORTS

GETTING AROUND
BUILD STREETS ON A
GRID…..
BUT DON’T LET DRIVERS
EVERYWHERE ON THE
GRID
•  vary the grid with devices for
traffic calming and visual
diversity
Arch 231 CITY COMFORTS

GETTING AROUND
BUILD STREETS ON A
GRID…..
BUT DON’T LET DRIVERS
EVERYWHERE ON THE
GRID
•  vary the grid with devices for
traffic calming and visual
diversity
Arch 231 CITY COMFORTS

GETTING AROUND
USE SHORTCUTS TO
CREATE A GRID…..

•  Not all sidewalks need

streets
Arch 231 CITY COMFORTS

GETTING AROUND
SLOW TRAFFIC WITH
CIRCLES
•  a deliberate obstruction in a
stream of traffic forces cars to
slow down….
•  …and provides good
neighborhood decoration
Arch 231 CITY COMFORTS

GETTING AROUND TAKE A JOG TO CALM

TRAFFIC
CURVE ROADS TO
NARROW SIGHT LINES
Arch 231 CITY COMFORTS

GETTING AROUND
RAISE THE CROSSWALK
Arch 231 CITY COMFORTS

GETTING AROUND
WIDEN BUSY SIDEWALKS
Arch 231 CITY COMFORTS

GETTING AROUND
PROVIDE CURB RAMPS
•  not only convenient for the
disabled but also for people
with walkers and strollers
Arch 231 CITY COMFORTS

GETTING AROUND
ALLOW SHORTCUTS IN
PARKING LOTS

•  like water flowing downhill,

walkers find the shortest path

•  the urge to cut across should

be acknowledged and
welcomed
Arch 231 CITY COMFORTS

GETTING AROUND
ALLOW SHORTCUTS IN ALLOW SHORTCUTS IN
PARKING LOTS BUSY INTERSECTIONS

•  like water flowing downhill,

walkers find the shortest path

•  the urge to cut across should

be acknowledged and
welcomed
Arch 231 CITY COMFORTS

GETTING AROUND
ENCOURAGE BIKING
•  a healthy compromise
Arch 231 CITY COMFORTS

GETTING AROUND
ENCOURAGE BIKING
•  a healthy compromise
Arch 231 CITY COMFORTS

GETTING AROUND
ENCOURAGE BIKING
•  a healthy compromise
Arch 231 CITY COMFORTS

PERSONALIZE THE
CITY WITH ART
“Public art and
decoration is a city
comfort because it
functions as a
conversation piece to
remind us that we are
not alone.”
Arch 231 CITY COMFORTS

PERSONALIZE THE
CITY WITH ART
ART CAN PROTECT US
Arch 231 CITY COMFORTS

PERSONALIZE THE
CITY WITH ART
ART CAN INSPIRE
Arch 231 CITY COMFORTS

PERSONALIZE THE
CITY WITH ART
ART CAN CLARIFY
Arch 231 CITY COMFORTS

PERSONALIZE THE
CITY WITH ART
ART CAN CLARIFY
Arch 231 CITY COMFORTS

PERSONALIZE THE
CITY WITH ART
ART CAN CELEBRATE
EVERYDAY EXPERIENCES
Arch 231 CITY COMFORTS

PERSONALIZE THE
CITY WITH ART
DECORATE BLANK
WALLS WITH MURALS
Arch 231 CITY COMFORTS

PERSONALIZE THE
CITY WITH ART
LET CHILDREN
CONFUSE ART AND
TOYS
Arch 231 CITY COMFORTS

PERSONALIZE THE
CITY WITH ART
LET ART BE
INTERACTIVE
Arch 231 CITY COMFORTS

PERSONALIZE THE
CITY WITH ART
Arch 231 CITY COMFORTS

PERSONALIZE THE
CITY WITH ART
Arch 231 CITY COMFORTS

MMDA ART
Arch 231 CITY COMFORTS

CONCLUSION
TO SLEEP IN PUBLIC……
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City Comforts: How to Build an
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