URBAN DESIGN

MODULE 3
Elements of Urban Design
Understanding the City as a Three-Dimensional Element
Cities are not merely two-dimensional layouts; they are three-dimensional entities that exist in space
and time. Urban design must account for the vertical as well as the horizontal dimensions, including
how buildings, open spaces, and infrastructure interact across multiple levels. The three-dimensionality
of a city involves the interplay of height, volume, and the horizontal spread of urban elements. Urban
designers must consider not only the arrangement of streets, buildings, and open spaces on the ground
but also how these elements relate to one another vertically.
For instance, skyscrapers in high-density urban environments like New York City or Hong Kong create
a complex vertical dimension, adding another layer to the city’s form. At the same time, public spaces
such as parks or plazas, which can vary in elevation or design features, also play a crucial role in creating
a dynamic urban environment. A well-considered three-dimensional design enhances the functional
connectivity between different layers of the city and ensures that the interaction between built and open
spaces is maximized.
Urban Form as Determined by the Interplay of Masses, Voids, Order, Scale, Harmony, Symmetry,
Colour, and Texture
Urban form refers to the overall physical layout and organization of the city, shaped by a complex
interplay of various design elements. These elements are:
• Masses: The large-scale structures such as buildings, blocks, and landmarks that form the solid
parts of the urban fabric. The size, shape, and distribution of these masses influence the sense
of scale and proportion in a city. For example, the Colosseum in Rome is a mass that dominates
its surroundings and defines the spatial character of the area.
• Voids: The empty spaces that provide contrast to the built forms, such as public squares, parks,
and open areas. These voids are vital for creating balance and breathing space within the urban
environment. The Place des Vosges in Paris, a public square surrounded by uniform buildings,
is a perfect example of how voids can complement solid masses.
• Order: The organization and arrangement of masses and voids in a city. The order can be formal
or informal, and it dictates how easily individuals can navigate the urban environment. The
grid system used in Manhattan, for example, introduces a sense of order and clarity, making
the city easier to navigate.

• Scale: The relationship between the size of built elements (buildings, streets) and human
perception. Scale affects how people experience a space. A well-proportioned space will be
comfortable and navigable, while a disproportionate one may feel overwhelming. Paris’s
Haussmannian boulevards are designed with human scale in mind, creating a comfortable
walking experience.

1943

Now
• Harmony and Symmetry: These are principles often used in urban design to achieve a visually
appealing and balanced cityscape. Symmetry can be seen in the layout of some monumental
buildings or streets, while harmony emerges from the integration of diverse elements, creating
a cohesive whole. The symmetrical streets and squares of Washington, D.C., designed by
Pierre L’Enfant, are an example of how symmetry and harmony shape a city’s image.

• Colour and Texture: Colour and texture are critical in defining the identity of urban spaces.
The materials used in the construction of buildings—such as stone, glass, and metal—
contribute to the city’s aesthetic qualities, as does the colour palette of surfaces. In cities like
Venice, the texture of stone and the muted tones of the buildings are integral to the city’s
atmosphere. The use of brick, glass, and steel in modern urban environments can also create a
distinctive character.
Organization of Spaces and Their Articulation in the Form of Squares, Streets, Vistas, and Focal
Points
Urban design involves the careful organization of spaces to ensure that they are functional, accessible,
and aesthetically pleasing. Key elements that contribute to this organization include:
• Squares: These are large, open spaces, often at the intersection of multiple streets, serving as
key gathering points for people. They often serve civic, commercial, or recreational functions.
The Piazza del Duomo in Florence is an example of a square that acts as a central space for
both religious and public life.

• Streets: Streets are the arteries of a city, and their design impacts circulation and connectivity.
Streets can vary in scale—from wide boulevards like Champs-Élysées in Paris to narrow,
winding alleyways in Barcelona’s Gothic Quarter. Streets are often designed to encourage
specific activities, whether it’s pedestrian movement, vehicular traffic, or social interaction.
• Vistas: Vistas are visual perspectives that open up as people move through the city. They can
be planned deliberately to highlight certain views or landmarks. A notable example is St.
Peter’s Square in the Vatican, where the vista is directed toward the grand façade of St. Peter’s
Basilica, creating a sense of awe and importance.

• Focal Points: These are specific areas or landmarks designed to draw attention. Focal points in
a city could be monumental buildings, statues, or natural features like rivers or hills. For
example, The Lincoln Memorial in Washington, D.C. serves as a focal point, directing
movement and attention toward it.
Concept of Public Open Space
Public open spaces are areas that are accessible to all members of society and serve a wide range of
functions, including recreation, socialization, relaxation, and public gatherings. These spaces are
essential for creating a balanced urban environment, offering a respite from the density of built areas.
Examples of public open spaces include:
• Central Park in New York City: A large urban park offering a variety of recreational activities
and green space, providing a contrast to the dense urban environment around it.
• Hyde Park in London: Another example of a significant public open space where people gather
for social, cultural, and recreational activities.

Public open spaces serve as the lungs of a city, providing not only physical space but also contributing
to the mental and emotional well-being of urban residents.
Image of the City and Its Components
The image of the city, as described by urban theorist Kevin Lynch in his seminal work "The Image of
the City" (1960), is shaped by a series of interconnected elements that help people navigate and relate
to the city. Lynch identified five key elements that form the mental map of a city:
1. Edges: These are boundaries or limits that define the city's extent. They can be natural, like
rivers or mountains, or man-made, such as highways or walls. For example, the Berlin Wall
once defined the edge between East and West Berlin.
2. Paths: These are the channels through which people move, such as roads, streets, and
walkways. The design of paths impacts how people interact with the environment. The Las
Ramblas in Barcelona is an iconic example of a path that guides movement and fosters social
interaction.
3. Landmarks: Landmarks are notable or recognizable features that help orient people within the
city. Examples include The Eiffel Tower in Paris or Big Ben in London, both of which are
strong markers in the urban landscape.
 4. Street Features: Street furniture and design elements such as benches, light poles, trees, and
signage are important in urban design. These features help define the character of the street and
influence the experience of pedestrians. The Royal Mile in Edinburgh, with its cobblestone
streets and historic street furniture, is an example of how street features contribute to the image
of the city.
Incorporating these elements into urban design helps create a cohesive and navigable urban
environment, enhancing both the aesthetic and functional qualities of the city.
Major Urban Designers and Their Influence
Several urban designers and theorists have had a profound impact on the development of urban design
principles. Some of the most influential figures include:
• Le Corbusier: A pioneer of modern architecture and urban planning, Le Corbusier’s ideas on
urban design were centered on the concept of the Radiant City, a model of efficient urbanism
focused on functionality, zoning, and open spaces.
• Jane Jacobs: A strong advocate for community-centered urban design, Jacobs focused on
the importance of vibrant, mixed-use neighborhoods that support social interaction and street-
level activity. Her book, "The Death and Life of Great American Cities", critiques top-down
planning and emphasizes the importance of understanding the social dynamics of urban spaces.
• Kevin Lynch: As previously mentioned, Lynch’s work on mental maps and how individuals
perceive cities shaped urban design theory. His concepts of paths, edges, districts, landmarks,
and nodes remain integral to understanding urban form and functionality.
• Christopher Alexander: Known for his work on pattern language, Alexander focused on how
cities can be designed to enhance human well-being. His ideas about spatial coherence and
small-scale interventions continue to influence urban design practices today.
Through the work of these and other urban designers, we have come to understand the city as a dynamic,
layered environment where form, function, and human experience are intricately connected. Their
principles continue to shape modern urban design, ensuring that cities evolve in a way that promotes
both aesthetic beauty and functional efficiency.