Exploring Urban Design: A Reflective Journey

Integrating Urban Design into Architectural Practice

As I started my second year of pursuing my Master of Architecture (March) degree, I was delighted to find that urban design was an elective option within the course curriculum. Knowing the close connection between architecture and urban design, I enthusiastically chose to explore this field further. In my initial year, I focused on a project that applied urban design principles and utilized design codes. Working at an urban scale and incorporating these codes revealed the intricate relationship between built environments and the functionality of society, igniting a deep interest in the fusion of architectural details with urban design concepts.

I got an opportunity to learn about the “Principles and Practice of Urban Design” module this semester, which provided a varied selection of interesting lectures each week. These talks covered a lot of interesting topics, but three in particular caught my attention: the significance of design codes, the development of healthy neighborhoods, and child-friendly urban design. My understanding of urban design’s enormous potential to build livable, sustainable, and inclusive communities has been heightened by these lectures.

Beginning the Journey of Blog Writing

Writing a blog was something I had never done before, so it was a new experience for me. When I first tried to navigate the unfamiliar terrain, I was lost in a sea of confusion. Nevertheless, I progressively gained confidence and started writing blogs on subjects that I was interested in, like child-friendly urban design and the use of design codes, with the assistance and support of both professors and peers. Interacting with the wide array of blogs written by my colleagues provided me a broad forum for discussion and analytical reasoning, broadening my cognitive horizons and cultivating a recognition of the diversity of viewpoints that prevail in the field of urban design.

As I delved into the world of blog writing, I found it to be a valuable break from the rigorous demands of my architectural design courses. Through this medium, I was able to explore multiple viewpoints and angles, which seamlessly integrated with my design work. This endeavor allowed me to conduct extensive research on various urban design topics and simultaneously hone my writing skills. Interacting with my peers and witnessing their unique perspectives and ideas expanded my understanding, challenging me to reevaluate my preconceived notions and approach design challenges with renewed insight.

The Summary of Insights: Urban Design and Blog Writing

The exploration of urban design and blog writing this semester has been an unforgettable journey that goes beyond academic bounds and turns into a personal quest for self-awareness. Analyzing how architecture and urban design interact has improved my understanding of the human aspect of design while also expanding my knowledge base.

The more I learn about these related topics, the more I understand that design is about people as much as it is about buildings and spaces. The various viewpoints I’ve come across in lectures and conversations with other bloggers have had a profound effect on me, highlighting the significance of empathy, sustainability, and inclusivity in design.

Blogging and urban design have been more than just learning experiences for me; they have been personal journeys of self-discovery and growth. My design approach will be shaped by the invaluable lessons and profound experiences I have gained from this expedition, which will help me create inclusive, sustainable, and empathetic spaces that improve the lives of those who occupy them.

Reference

Cover photo captured by Sangeetha Nagaraj