CONTENTS

•What Is Urban Design??

•Value Of Urban Design

•Urban Design Issues

•Key Elements Of Urban Design Plan

•Elements Of Design

•Urban Design Of Delhi

1. What is Urban Design?
 Urban design is the making of better places for people.
 It is usually done at a scale larger than a building, and
 usually with multiple groups involved.
 It is an overlapping specialty within architecture,
landscape
 architecture, and planning.
 It tries to balance many considerations: physical form,
 functional needs, social issues, economic issues,
community
 values, environmental sustainability.
Urban Design in Minneapolis

 In Minneapolis, urban design can create long-term

value, livability, and efficiency by coordinating
investments in areas such as:
• Districts around new transit lines
• Commercial corridors
• Community corridors
• Neighborhood centers
 The Value of Urban Design

 In an era of crowded freeways, placeless

development, and environmental problems, urban
design offers the possibility of creating places that
are more attractive, satisfying, efficient, and
environmentally sound.
Urban Design Issues

 Urban designers must consider a wide variety of

issues that affect
 the built environment:
 Physical form
 Functional needs
 Human issues
 Social equity
 Community values
Physical Form

The arrangement of physical elements in a

place and their aesthetic character
(proportion, scale, surfaces, organization)
are the most visible aspect of urban design.
Functional Needs

Basic functions such as transportation, economic

development, and ecology must be understood
and incorporated in urban design.
Human Issues

Urban design is also concerned with how the built

Environment supports its users, such as its fit
with human needs, sense of vitality, meaning, and
history.
Social Equity

Social vitality and equal access to opportunities

can be encouraged through urban design.
Community Values

Urban design can help express shared priorities of

the community, such as efficiency, fairness, and
respect for nature.
KEY ELEMENTS OF URBAN DESIGN PLAN

It includes
1. Plan
2. The preparation of design guidelines for
buildings
3. The design of the public realm - the open
space, streets, sidewalks, and plazas between
and around buildings and the public interest
issues of buildings.
4. These include massing, placement, sun,
shadow, and wind issues.
Urban design plans are prepared for various
areas :-
DOWNTOW
NS

MIXED-USE
WATERFRON
DEVELOPME
TS
NTS

URBAN
DESIGN
PLAN
SPECIAL
CAMPUSES
DISTRICTS

NEIGHBORH
CORRIDORS
OODS
Issues to be considered

 Existing development
 Proposed development
 Utility infrastructure
 Streets framework
 And sustainable development principles.
URBAN DESIGN PLANS REQUIRE INTERDISCIPLINARY
COLLABORATION AMONG

URBAN
DESIGNERS

MARKET
ARCHITECTS
ANALYSTS

ENVIRONMENTAL LANDSCAPE
ENGINEERS ARCHITECTS

CIVIL PLANNERS
An example of mixed use development, with clearly defined pedestrian
areas, landscaping, and signage.
 ELEMENTS OF URBAN DESIGN

Urban Design involves the design and coordination of all

that makes up cities and towns:

1. Buildings
2. Public space
3. Streets
4. Transport
5. Landscape
 BUILDINGS
 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.
 PUBLIC SPACES
 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 central plazas and
squares, to small, local
neighborhood parks.
 STREETS
 Streets are the connections between
spaces and places, as well as being spaces
themselves.
 They are defined by their physical
dimension and character as well as the
size, scale, and character of the buildings
that line them.

The pattern of the street

network is part of what defines a
city and what makes each city
unique.
 TRANSPORT
 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.

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.
The best cities are the ones that elevate
the experience of the pedestrian while
minimizing the dominance of the private
automobile.
 LANDSCAPE
The landscape is the green
part of the city that weaves
throughout - in the form of
urban parks, street trees,
plants, flowers, and water
in many forms.

The landscape helps define the

character and beauty of a city
and creates soft, contrasting
spaces and elements.
ADDITIONAL ELEMENTS ADDRESSED BY URBAN DESIGN

o Signage
o Lighting
o Parking
o Landscaping
o Service areas
o Fencing
o Building materials
o Building articulation
o Transportation
Neighborhood scene with pedestrian ways, building
articulation & landscaping
 Signage

When choosing a sign one must

consider several aspects such as the
desired size, type and placement of a
sign.
How much space do you have to
construct a sign?

If you have limited space you should consider constructing a wall, canopy
or awning sign. If the site is large enough to construct a monument sign
you should do so in addition to wall, canopy or awning signs.

Architecturally integrate all signs with their surroundings in terms of size,

shape, color, texture and lighting so that they are complementary to
the overall design of the building and are not in visual competition
with other signs in the area.
 Lighting
Lighting is an important
element in Urban Design.
When considering a lighting
design, one must take into
account the type of light
needed for the specific
purpose of the site.

Is the light designed to enhance security to the property,

provide ambiance, aid drivers by increasing visibility
on roadways, or used simply to illuminate a sign?
Consult the UDC to determine the proper lighting for
your structure or site.
 Parking

Parking is an essential
element in regards to
urban design and
traffic circulation.

 A parking plan should be developed for each site prior to

development (consult the UDC). The type and number of
parking spaces should reflect the desired uses of each site.
 Landscaping of parking areas is also recommended to
provide shade, enhance the beauty of a site, and allow for a
reduction in storm-water runoff. Parking structures are
generally constructed using asphalt or concrete.
Service Areas

 When considering the placement of service areas one

should remember the old maxim, “out of sight, out of
mind.” Service areas should be oriented towards the
rear of the building to minimize visual eyesores.
 In addition service areas should be screened from
public view, and the best way to do this is to build a
solid fence around the service area in the same style as
the building to which the service area is designated.
 Fencing

It is to everyone’s advantage to
construct, and maintain good
solid fences between two
abutting properties, especially
when the abutting properties
are not under the same zoning
classification.

 Chain-link and barbed-wire

fences are discouraged as
building materials in many
areas of Baton Rouge. Wood
and masonry fences are
preferred.
 Building Materials

Façade treatment and the

architectural detail of
buildings contribute
significantly to the way a
building ‘reads’ from the
street and to the character
and continuity of the
streetscape.
 The composition and detailing of the building façade
also has an impact on the apparent bulk and scale of a
building.
 It is important when considering the design of new
development that the predominant patterns,
compositions and articulation of facades reinforces the
character and continuity of the streetscape.
 Design consideration is to be given to the
underlying building materials that contribute to
the character of a building.
 Such things include roof shape, pitch and
overhangs; entry porches, verandas, balconies and
terraces; materials, finishes, fixtures, patterns,
fenestrations, colors and detailing; the location
and proportion of windows and doors.
 Building Articulation
Building articulation refers to the
three dimensional modeling of a
building and its surfaces, giving
emphasis to architectural elements
(windows, balconies, porches,
entries, etc.) that create a
complementary pattern or rhythm,
dividing large buildings into
smaller identifiable pieces.

 Building articulation establishes the building’s street address, its

response to the local context and environmental conditions and
the degree of continuity between indoor and outdoor rooms.
 Use existing lot structure to influence the design of building
articulation when development on amalgamated sites is required
to respond to the existing or prevalent lot structure.
 URBAN DESIGN OF DELHI
TO CLARIFY THE ALL ELEMENTS OF URBAN DESIGN
 A city is an assemblage of buildings and streets,
system of communication and utilities, places of work,
transportation, leisure and meeting places.
 The process of arranging these elements both
functionally and beautifully is the essence of Urban
Design.
 Delhi had a traditional Urban Design which is
reflected in the glory of 17th century Shahajahanabad
and New Delhi.
 In the course of time Delhi is becoming amorphous
aggregate of masses and voids.
 The Walled City of Shahjahanabad has
certain urban form characteristics.

The Jama Masjid is a dominating feature

located on hill top and is different, both
in form and scale from the other
developments of the city.

The boulevard of Chandni Chowk was

its commercial centerpiece, with certain
visual character terminating at two
landmarks viz. Red Fort and Fateh Puri
Mosque as its two ends.
In the planning of New Delhi in 1916,
the Central Vista was conceived as a
landscaped stretch to form continuity
between the ridge and the river
Yamuna.

The stretch with the Rashtrapati Bhawan

and the India Gate at two ends has
tremendous visual quality and is one of the
finest examples of Urban Design and
monumentality in planning in the world.
The following aspects need to be considered to arrive at
the basis for policies affecting the urban fabric:
1. Areas of significance in built environment.
2. Visual integration of the city.
3. Policy for tall buildings.
4. Policy on unhindered access movement, parking
and pedestrian realm.
5. Policy on Hoardings, Street furniture and
Signage.
6. Urban Design Scheme.
7. Policy for design of pedestrian realm.
8. City structure plan and Urban Design objective.
1. Significant areas of built environment

Significant areas of
built environment

Metropolitan city
center District centers Other areas

Connaught place Walled city and

and extension extensions
 METROPOLITAN CITY CENTRE
1. Connaught Place and Extensions

I) Detailed Urban Design and Landscape

Schemes are to be prepared to integrate
MRTS stations, safe pedestrian walkways,
parking areas, recreational and cultural
areas, etc.

ii) The intermediate public transport such as

monorail, battery operated / high capacity
buses, sky buses to be introduced to increase
the mobility within the City Centre

iii) Activities such as viewing gallery, open-

air theatres, amusement parks, mini-golf
courses/sports activities, food plazas etc. to
be introduced to make them more attractive
even after working hours.
v) Continuity of the sidewalks should be
maintained, in terms of the width, surface
treatment, curb cuts, tree and street
furniture locations, for rendering it safe for
the pedestrians and disabled.

vi) Use of alternative renewable sources of

energy should be encouraged for new
buildings (especially those of commercial or
institutional nature), traffic signals, public
signage's, etc. Encourage the concept of
rainwater harvesting and remodeling the
storm water drainage to recharge the ground
water as per the norms.
 2. Walled City And Extensions
I) Conservation approach to retain the
overall traditional character of the Walled
City.
ii) Visual integration of major landmarks to
revitalize the past glory. Enhance the
existing visual link between the three major
landmarks namely Red Fort, Jama Masjid
and Fatehpuri Mosque as per original
concept of Walled City of Shahjahanabad.
iii) Many areas in Shahjahanabad could be
pedestrianised and made completely free of
vehicular traffic so as to restore the human
scale and convenient living. For example
pedestrianisation of Chandni Chowk to
impart grandeur to the monuments.
iv) Judicious use of existing spaces for
development of open recreational uses.
 viii) Environmental up-gradation
required to reduce degenerative effects
of traffic congestion.

vi) Introduction
v) MRTS station areas are to of activities such
be dealt as per specific as
Urban Design schemes and traditional/craft
be declared as pedestrian bazaar, heritage
zones. walk/rides to
attract tourists.

ix) Rejuvenation and

conservation through
management option,
financing incentives,
innovative
development
vii) Generation of urban culture controls considering
at neighborhood level such as built to edge
festivals/fairs, kite flying etc. typology.
 DISTRICT CENTRES

•A District Centre has been envisaged as a

focal point of a district with the population of
about 5 – 6 lakhs.
•The components like retail, office, cultural
complex and residential could be more easily
integrated in the same building space or area
through landscape and circulation.

•The district park adjoining to the district centre

proposed in the master plan / zonal plan should
be properly integrated with the district centre.
•A district centre should be accessible from the
surrounding residential areas through the
pedestrian approach or by subways etc.
•Planned district centers in city can be best
utilized for creating public spaces.
 OTHER AREAS
Historical Monuments and
Gardens

Central Vista and the areas

in its North and South

Designed environment
like Exhibition Republic day parade route
grounds, Zoo etc.

Ancient settlements Road and Rail, MRTS

Areas along entry routes and other
corridors, entries, and
important routes in Delhi
terminals.
 2. Visual Integration

 Delhi has a tremendous diversity of built form, color, scale and texture
with a heterogeneous end product from aesthetic point of view.
 The important mass movement corridors i.e., Ring road/Outer ring
road and major radials are used by city dwellers for internal city
commuting.
 These movement corridors along with newly introduced MRTS
corridors have potential to acquire an additional dimension of visual
quality and integration.
 Other important elements for the integration of different parts of the
city, planned at different times are
(i) Flora i.e. tree plantation continuance of ‘New Delhi character’ to
other parts of the metropolis and linking open space
(ii) Harmonious treatment for major ecological features i.e. the Ridge
and the River Yamuna.
 3. TALL BUILDINGS

 Present policy regarding tall buildings is based on height

restriction for buildings in different use zones, which is not
amenable to deliberate urban form.
 The height of buildings (above and below the ground)
needs to be seen in the light of modern technology with
due consideration for natural disasters like earthquakes,
floods etc.
 However, restrictions on tall buildings would be necessary
in important areas, namely Walled City, the Lutyen’s
Bungalow Zone, Civil Lines and North Delhi University
campus.
 No new tall building should be allowed in any area without
an Urban Design scheme.
 4 URBAN CORRIDORS

Urban corridors

City gateways MRTS corridors

Roads Rails

Delhi with huge intra city trip lengths and increasing number of personalized vehicles, few
imperatives cannot be ignored for its sustainable and healthy growth. Such as more
dependency on efficient, convenient and safe modes of public transport, linking large
number of work centers with residential areas and overall disincentives for private vehicle
ownership.
 CITY GATEWAYS

Road:
 Preferably locate non-residential public buildings with pleasing appearances
on entry corridors.
 Attractive landscape to be developed in accordance with the highway
landscape norms.
 Segregation of goods and passenger vehicles at the entry point through
separate lanes and improving the visual environment.

Rail:
• Enhancing visual experience for commuters through appropriate landscape
along railway tracks.
• Reconstruction / redevelopment of existing stations to be undertaken through
comprehensive Urban Design schemes.
• Attractive designs may be evolved for new stations.

Air:
• Natural & built environment to be revitalized to give an impression of global
city.
• The overall green cover in this zone should be enhanced and protected.
 MRTS CORRIDOR


In prior master plans, city structure was thought in terms of hierarchies
with CBD, District Center and Community Centers in descending order
of importance. But with due course of development and introduction
of MRTS, need is felt to connect these scattered districts with more
imaginable components. These components with enhanced built up
areas and activities form a network by which the experience of various
district and commercial centers becomes a part of continued
experience.
 5 SERVICES

Services

Public
Parking
amenities

•The organization of services makes the city to work along

with the buildings and the open spaces.

•Services and public amenities should, therefore, be provided

in a coordinated way, conforming to the National Building
Code, wherever applicable.
PUBLIC AMENITIES PARKING
Access to the parking should be well
defined and conducive to its usage,
whether it is at the surface or under-
ground. Basement parking lots need
to be structured legibly and access to
vertical cores clearly defined. Surface
parking should be located in a
manner that it does not diminish or
hinder the continuity and
homogeneity of the spatial and
pedestrian movement.

 The clean, litter free public spaces add to the

pleasant built environment. Thus the design,
location and maintenance of public amenities
such as public toilets, garbage bins, bus stops,
etc. determine the quality of public spaces.
 HOARDINGS, STREET FURNITURE & SIGNAGES

Hoardings, Street Furniture &

Signage's

Street Furniture & Road Signage's

Signage's & Safety

Hoardings, sign boards, directional boards, bill boards, neon sign bards, balloons, banners
etc. have become symbols of present day urban cape and important instruments of outdoor
publicity and public information These, if located properly and aesthetically, to fit into the
total scheme of Urban Design, may enhance the visual quality of the city.
Otherwise, these may cause hazards, obstruction and visual pollution etc.
 STREET FURNITURE & SIGNAGES ROAD SIGNAGES & SAFETY

•Provision of adequate pedestrian

facilities.
•Removal of encroachments from
footpaths.
• Improvement in accident
handling and reporting.

Public art is an important part of the urban

spatial experience, which can be incorporated,
in the form of functional objects such as street
furniture and paving designs. Street furniture
and signage's should be designed sensitively
considering the land use, intensity of activity
and other identified design districts. Their
design must also reflect respect to pedestrians
and physically challenged people.
 7 PEDESTRIAN FRIENDLY CITY

 Major work centers, where large number of pedestrian networks

emerge and culminate should have enhanced facilities for the
pedestrians. Pedestrian networks affect spaces in a very
distinctive way. Establishment of pedestrian networks in any
area reveals its vitality. They provide richness in terms of spatial
experience and community interaction etc.
 8 URBAN DESIGN SCHEME

In case of development / redevelopment of an area

of around 4 ha.
An Urban Design scheme
shall be prepared for approval by the competent
authority.
THANK YOU