2023 is truly a memorable year for me. I started quitting my job at my old studio, focusing my time and effort on learning English and preparing my application for a master’s degree abroad. Finally all my efforts paid off when I was accepted to Newcastle University. Everything happened quite quickly, and I easily adapted 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…

For successful urban design proposals, it is important to understand the factors that contribute outside of a good design. Economic viability is one aspect often gets overlooked. By using the economic assessment toolkit, this creates a better overall understanding of the project to maximise the chance of a successful proposal. Introduction One of urban design’s Read the full article…

Chapter 1: Adapting It was a rainy Thursday afternoon. After the introduction class by Tim we were rushing to find the classroom for blog tutorial. Many of us were still strangers to each other at that time. Meanwhile, the class had already begun as I reached. However, quickly secured a spot where I could see Read the full article…

What is urban design ? Urban design, to me, is the orchestration of spaces that shape the way we live, interact, and thrive in our cities. Its mission is to fill the gap left by planning and architecture. It is about creating harmonious environments that seamlessly blend functionality, aesthetics, and sustainability. Urban design is the 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…

A city’s quality of life is directly reflected in how sensitive its urban design is to public health. And why? As it would eventually by all means have an impact on the general public during a crisis. Certainly, this claim is supported by a number of historical events. So, let’s start from its origins. (Kuvar, Read the full article…

Introduction The design code has a long history of playing varied ‘roles’ in different cities based on their policies, developments, contexts, and cultures, and has been adapted to the development and regeneration of cities, although controversially. However, it is worth mentioning that the design code is a unique urban governance tool, which refining and updating, may eventually Read the full article…

Blog entry published by Georgina Walker on 07 December 2023 [FIG. 1] Ventus Naturalised Gardens, Singapore (Joson, 2022) Theorists and urban designers, such as Ebenezer Howard, have long understood and promoted the benefits of the integration of nature into the urban setting to move towards a healthy urban environment. The benefits extend beyond the visual Read the full article…

Importance of Urban Design Is Urban design all that important? The Architects are designing the buildings, the Landscape experts are taking care of the flora, the Planning committee is in charge of all the rules and regulations. Together, are they not enough for the proper functioning of spaces and society? Well of course they are. Read the full article…

INTRUCTION A smart city is a technologically modern urban area that uses different types of electronic methods and sensors to collect specific data. In other words, smart cities are responsive cities that are able to receive, process and return efficient information and services. The way to make a smart city successful is to capture the soul Read the full article…

Blog entry published by Georgina Walker on 10 November 2023   Understanding Child-Friendly Urban Design Child-friendly urban design is not a new concept, and neither is the variations in the definitions of what signifies ‘child-friendly’ design and how to measure the impact. However, as noted in the lecture by Dr Alkistis Pitsikali, the overarching connection Read the full article…