Reading Reflection of ‘Form Values of Urban History’, chapter 1 in Good

City Form, written by Kevin Lynch

I. Lessons
1. There are good examples that help me well understand why a city's
distinctive features and attributes are what set it apart from other locations
and constitute good city form. Individuality and identity have a role in
establishing a feeling of place. It is centered on how the physical layout of
the city—its streets, buildings, and open areas—contributes to the overall
feel and operation of the city. Kevin Lynch also has good arguments for the
fact that human interactions and activities play in forming the shape of the
city and giving it a distinct identity.
2. There are a lot of useful knowledge about basic functions of the urban
design suggested by the author. I believe that cities and towns may be
more spatially organized with the help of urban planning, which produces
logical and effective layouts that maximize connectivity and land usage.
Second, it integrates effective transportation networks with a focus on
designing pedestrian-friendly and accessible surroundings. I also find out
that in order to represent the cultural as well as historical background of
the community, urban designers aim to create aesthetically beautiful areas
that also inspire a feeling of place and identity.
3. From Kevin’s description, I believe that combining energy-saving
architecture, green areas, and methods play a crucial role in lessening the
negative effects of urban growth on the environment. Lastly, by
establishing welcoming public areas that promote community involvement
and interaction, urban design seeks to promote social cohesiveness.

II. Questions
1. How does urban design impact on economic transitions?
2. What physical forms of the city feature urban design?
3. How does urban population impact on urban design of cities?
Reading Reflection of ‘Classic Planning was Always There’, chapter 4 in
The Art of Classic Planning, written by Nir Haim Buras
I. Lessons
1. Nir Haim Buras has found out the key purpose of the urban experience
which is to delight in discovering, examining, and interacting with a city as
well as its people. He has developed strong argument for this finding by
analyzing the approach of Haussmann. Consequently, I have got a good
understanding of how Haussmann and his team rebuilt the infrastructure,
service tunnels, sewers and pipes of the cities, beside some critics of his
approach.
2. I have got the impression that City planners applied Grand Manner
planning has been utilized by city planners on the global scale. The Author
uses a wide range of examples, from the Middle East, North Africa to
Korea, China, Indochina and Japan. In each example, he gives an
attractive description in how this planning method was applied to address
problems such as traffic or hygiene
3. It can be seen that the author devotes effort to emphasizing the importance
of classic plan rules in solving social as well as existential problems. I am
convinced by his example of utopian projects and Renaissance planning.
Through these, I find the centers, open spaces, religious or government
precincts become more understandable.

II. Questions
1. How does Haussmann approach become the success of Grand manner
plans?
2. What are Utopian impositions on the landscape?
3. What is ‘organic’ fabric in buildings?