Census (2011) Definition of aa URBAN AREA: + Aplace having a minimum population of 5,000 + Density 400 persons per square kilometre (1,000/sq mi) or higher, and + 75% plus of the male working population employed in non-agricultural activities. Urban design is concerned with arrangement, - appearance and function of our suburbs, towns and cities. PLACE + Itis the process of designing and shaping the | physical features of cities, towns \ and villages and planning + Itis both a process and an outcome of creating Se localities in which people live, engage with each other, and engage with the physical place around themUrban Design involves the design and coordination of all that makes up cities and towns: + BUILDINGS + PUBLIC SPACES + STREETS + TRANSPORT * LANDSCAPE fies, Shea,IDENTIFICATION: * Buildings are the most pronounced elements of urban design. ‘They shape and articulate space by forming the street walls of the city. + Well-designed buildings and groups of buildings work together to create a sense of place. CHARACTERISTICS: Variation in building height, volume and the way in which buildings are: grouped together Contour. + Facade Design-main doors Jopenings, other f fenestration, material, etc. |ROLE: + Height & Contour define sense of enclosure and visibility + Openings lead to spatial structuring + Facade Designs animate & personalize urban space + Building forms are guided by specific uses of buildings. + As they have an’impact on the streetscape, it is important that their forms respond to their surroundings. EXAMPLE: ‘Developments along Orchard Road, however, haveshopping podiums with high-rise towers set further away from the road. This gives a sense of openness to the tree-lined pedestrianmall, that has become a signatilfe feature of Orchard RoadIDENTIFICATIOI Great public spaces are the living room of the city - the place where people come together to enjoy the city and each other. Public spaces make high quality life in the city possible -| they form the stage and backdrop to the drama of life. Public spaces range from grand centrel plazas and squares, to small, local neighborhood parks. CHARACTERISTICS: Promotes human contact and social activities. Is safe, welcoming, and accommodating for all users Has design and architectural features that are visually interesting: ‘naamgon emp Promotes community involvernent. Reflects the local culture or history. Relates well to bordering uses. Is well maintained. Has a unique or special character.ROLE: + Open spaces can be grand central plazas and squares, or small. lush 2 pocket parks. They can also be soothing sanctuaries amid the urban hurly-burly or packed with people. + These spaces let you soak in the sun, enjoy the lush greenery and interact with fellow city dwellers at these open spaces. + These open spaces also act as landmarks and unique setting for events and celebrations. ; EXAMPLE: Parks like Gardens by the Bay and the plaza in front of Cathay Building. ‘and Schoobof the Arts (SOTA) provide respite in our high-rise city environment,IDENTIFICATION: These are the connections between spaces and places, as well as being spaces themselves. Other pedestrian networks include pedestrian malls, promenades, covered walkways and link-ways, through-block links and overhead linkages. CHARACTERISTICS: They are defined by their physical cimension and character as well as the size scale, and character of the buildings ‘that line them. ‘Tho pattomn of the stroot network is part of what defines a city and what makes each city uniqueROLE: + Well-connected pedestrian networks to allow people to move easily and comfortably within the city, and facilitate the use of public transportation. + It connects open spaces, points of interest and parks, and can be at different levels, allowing you to appreciate the city from different perspectives. EXAMPLE: Walking to the Esplanade from City Hall MRT takes only about 15 minutes via the City Link underground pedestrian network. The link-ways also lined with shopping and dining options.IDENTIFICATION: + Transport systems connect the parts of cities and help shape them, and enable movement throughout the city. + They include road, rail, bicycle, and pedestrian networks, and together form the total movement system of a city. 1 ~ The bestecities are the ones that elevate the |. > experience of the pedestrian while minimizing the dominance of the private automobile. CHARACTERISTICS: The balance of these various transport systems is what helps define the quality and character of cities, and makes them either friendly or hostile to pedestrians.ROLE: ‘= The location of car parks and drop-off points affect the way vehicles navigete their way around the city. + Italso influences how pedestrians experience the city. + Its important to separate pedestrians from vehicular traffic to avoid ‘causing danger and conflict to pedestrians. EXAMPI The drop-off point at Mandarin Gallery used to be located in front of the buildings along the main Orchard Road pedestrian mall. This mix of vehicular and pedestrian. traffic was not ideal, and caused disruptions to pedestrians. After Mandarin Gallery was refurbished , the drop-off point was relocated to the side, along Orchard Link. This opened up the front of the development for activity generating-uses and also provides. pedestrians with s'saferand moro pleasant onvironment ie nm lyIDENTIFICATIO! + Itis the green part of the city that weaves throughout, in the form of urban parks, street trees, plants, flowers, and water in many forms. Green spaces in cities range from grand parks to small intimate pocket parks. ‘The landscape helps define the character and beauly of a city and creates soft, contrasting spaces and elements. ‘CHARACTERISTICS: + Levels, Flat or Sloping + Pattern + Surface textureROLE: Level moulds scale, give directionality, focus, ‘emphasis. Texture suggests (supports / prohibits) nature of acivity — pedestrian, vehicular ! slow, fast Pattern moulds movement paths, gives direction Landscape plays an important role in our urban design, and developments are encouraged to provide greenery (on the ground or skyrise) in the city. ‘Other than its environmental benefits— holping to clean the air and mitigating the urban heat island effect—greenery can help shape the streetscape, reinforce the character of a place, and make the public spaces more ‘comfortable by providing shade EXAMPLE: The sky terraces at Parkroyal Hotel at Pickering Street allow hotel guests to enjoy greenery at now ‘heights’.