In urban design, sustainable communities are seen as the way of the future (Droege, 2008), but their realization is not easy. There are many challenges. We need to examine the issue from an urban design perspective. We need to find ways to overcome the difficulties and create truly sustainable communities. Sustainability in urban design First, Read the full article…

In the realm of urban planning and community development, the pursuit of excellence has given rise to a rare breed of public spaces – the 5-star destinations that transcend functionality to become vibrant hubs of social, cultural, and recreational. These spaces serve as the beating heart of our communities, fostering connections, promoting well-being, and contributing Read the full article…

We live in an age where owning smartphones, computers, assistants (we all are familiar with Alexa and Siri), and smart equipment and homes are more indicative of being smart than intelligence and talent. The advancement of technology has overshadowed the parameters of living as SMART CITIES are the next big thing we are racing towards. Read the full article…

In our first class of the term, we travelled to a design site on the south bank of the River Tyne to conduct research. In order to manage flooding during this design project, we had to take into account the threats that flooding on both banks of the River Tyne posed. In this entry, I Read the full article…

Rewilding. Photograph by Luke Leung Greening urban design As cities around the world grow, it is curial to consider the impact these spaces have on nature and ecosystem. Furthermore, how greenery affect our health and wellbeing. Building greenery can be more inclusive, including among streetscape and urban neighbourhoods. People of all ages and the spaces Read the full article…

Photograph by Luke Leung In the recent decade, community planning has been rising in popularity as planners and local authorities, architects and other practitioners can all benefit from social discussion into shaping their local environment. Wates (2014) suggested, growing numbers of residents and communities are getting involved with professionals in shaping their environment. These involvements Read the full article…

The Government state that inactivity contributes to 1 in 6 deaths across the UK (Public Health England, 2016). Additionally, it is reported to cost an estimated £7.4 billion yearly (Public Health England, 2016). Active travel is defined as physical travel such as walking and cycling. With over a quarter of adults reporting less than 30 Read the full article…

 ‘Woonerf’: A Refuge Opportunity for Us All   “The modern street in the true sense of the word is a new type of organism, a sort of stretched out workshop, a home for many complex and delicate organs, such as gas, water and electric mains.” (Le Corbusier, 1929)   However, our streets are more than Read the full article…

A recent study has likened city air pollution to smoking a pack of cigarettes each day for 29 years. Whilst this is undoubtedly concerning, the effects of living in cities may not be limited to those which damage our lungs. Other recent studies have shown the prevalence of psychiatric disorders, mood disorders and anxiety disorders Read the full article…

When designing, all designers should consider the present and future of the object being designed, especially in urban planning. Today, urban planning projects must be planned in detail for 5, 10, or 20 years. Who can really “predict” the future and plan everything accurately? The problem with the future is that it is different. We Read the full article…

  A Nation of Luddites: Active Travel as a UK Crises Solution   We are experiencing the aftermath of the modernist era. The complex, concrete networks we call roads comprise the cities we experience today. Cities were built around automobiles. The urban thread is therefore largely disconnected from human form, scale and need. The craze Read the full article…

Published 29 October 2021 by Quitterie d’Harcourt The problematic pollution levels in Paris are a matter that is commonly mentioned.  Every year, pollution levels reach hazardous levels, necessitating action, particularly in transportation. According to studies, air pollution kills between 48,000 and 67,000 people prematurely in France each year (Blondeau, 2019, pp.68). Air pollution has thus Read the full article…