MEJIA, MICA ELA D.
HOMEWORK #1
4TH YEAR – ARC 214 06-10-2024
URBAN DESIGN AND COMMUNITY ARCHITECTURE
INTRODUCTION
Urban designing, the creation of livable and environmentally friendly community by
establishing a safe, suitable, and appealing public space. It aims to build places that are both
useful and aesthetically pleasing. And often involves forms that are built with precision that
develops engaging streetscapes and different expressions of architecture. Meanwhile,
community architecture is a process of planning, constructing, and urban renewal that
actively involves its citizens and its stakeholders. Meaning, it highlights the importance of
spaces to human lives and day-to-day activities that sometimes go beyond the tangible
things of building.
HISTORY (EVOLUTION)
URBAN DESIGN
Urban design is the “art and science of designing and shaping the physical
environment of cities, towns and communities.” It encompasses the layout and design of
structures, public areas, transportation networks, and other components of the built
environment. Urban design has its roots in ancient civilizations and has developed over time
to become a crucial aspect of contemporary city planning.
Ancient Urban Design: Rome, Athens, Babylon
The urban design in Rome, Athens and Babylon is centered on orderly,
symmetrical and hierarchical principles. The design of these cities has their
purpose of conveying glory and strength together with monumental architecture and
public spaces that serves as a place to assemble or meet people.
1 | Page
Medieval Urban Design: Paris, Siena, Toledo
In medieval times, the urban design is greatly influenced by church and feudal
systems. Cities are mostly built and constructed around the religious institution with
narrow streets and winding alleys. Trading and commerce also influenced the urban
design in this period due to merchants, markets and traders becoming an important
part of the city.
Renaissance Urban Design: Florence, Venice, Edinburgh
Renaissance is the period where the revival of interest in classical
architecture and humanism which shaped the urban design significantly. Solely focusing
on creating aesthetic places, Florence and Venice reflects the ideals of humanism. Also,
during this period, with architects and planners designing cities based on order,
symmetry and balance, the concept “ideal city” was created.
Modern Urban Design: London, Chicago, Brasilia
Led by urban planners named Howard and Le Corbusier, who believed in the
power of planning to improve the lives of people in cities, the modern urban planning
was found. The known modern urban principles such as zoning, transportations, and
green spaces was developed in this period to adapt to the challenges of urbanization.
Contemporary Urban Design: Copenhagen, Singapore, Medellin
Urban design today is constantly evolving to meet shifting societal needs and
technological progress. Modern trends in urban design emphasize sustainability,
smart city technologies, and mixed-use development, focusing on energy efficiency,
social equity, and enhanced livability. At the same time, urban designers encounter
challenges such as gentrification and the demand for affordable housing,
necessitating innovative solutions and active community involvement.
COMMUNITY ARCHITECTURE
2 | Page
“The built environment works better of those who use it rarely actively and directly
involved in its creation and management.” Community architecture is a process of shaping
homes and communities with not just professionals but also everyone in the community. It
became an important part of world, especially in the United States and the United Kingdom
that are the frontrunners of the movement.
Industrial Revolution (1760-1840)
The fast pace of urbanization led to a situation where the needs and concerns
of the locals are overlooked most of the time. As the communities rose with
construction and economic growth, it left to no room for the well-being of the people
who lives there. Since the people responsible for urban planning and regulation often
priorities the profit and progress, disregarding affordable housing, public services and
impact on the environment. Therefore, a disconnection between the needs of the
people and urban development was created. The lack of attention became the
reason of challenges for residents that includes displacement, inadequate
infrastructure, and poor quality of life.
Urban Renewal (1939-1945 – Post-war World War II)
In the year 1939 to 1945, the attention has become more focused on
enhancing the living conditions of the poor areas in a community. Improving the access
to essentials such as clean water, sanitation, welfare and education are taken into
consideration. This is to adapt a better, safer and prosperous environment for each
individual and families in the community.
Modern Movement (1925-1950)
In the year 1925, the prominent architects like Le Corbusier used industrial
techniques for the construction of high-rise buildings as the future urban
development. It is also Le Corbusier who thought of high-rise buildings as a solution for the
urban overcrowding and inefficiency. In United States, these ideas became translated into
3 | Page
skyscrapers and apartment buildings that reshaped the city skylines which also
changed the way how people lived in the urban environment. Thus, high-rise became
a symbol of progress and modernity that reflects a shift towards potential for i
industrialized construction techniques that addresses challenges in housing.
Community Debate (1960)
In response to the need for greater community involvement, the concept of
Advocacy Planning emerged in US. One of the prominent figures for this approach
was a planning professor named Paul Davidoff. He was the one who claimed that the
process of community planning should not only be the government officials and/or
planners but also the people of the community. He believed of advocacy and
pluralism in planning would lead to a more balanced and effective outcome for
everyone in the community. In order to create a more inclusive and representative
urban environment, perspectives and needs of different stakeholders will be incorporated
that better served the interests of all in the community.
Attention of a Royal (1970)
Recognized as pioneer figure in the community of architecture in Great
Britain, Rod Hackney, made a great contribution in advocating democratic approach
to decision-making in urban development when he got the attention of Prince Charles in
the year 1984. He garnered the attention of Prince Charles by pointing out the
importance of involving community members in designing and shaping their
environment. It emphasized the local residence in discussing their environment
promoting that a decision-making process is both participatory and democratic. And
although a lot of critiques argues that community architecture can also be “apolitical”,
Hackney’s work highlighted the value of people involvement and empowerment of
local communities in shaping the community they will be living in.
Community Architecture (1975)
4 | Page
In the year if 1975, Charles Knevitt coined the term “community architecture”
in an article that was published in Building Design. He introduced the concept that
describes a movement that encouraged individuals and group of people to come
together in order to build and reshape the urban areas in Britain. This approach
emphasized collaborative efforts among the residents to improve their neighborhood
that fosters ownership and the engagement on urban renewal. Knevitt’s terms has
captures the essence of participatory model in architecture where local communities
played a central role in transforming urban landscapes.
IMPORTANCE
Urban Design
1. Urban Design is VISIONARY
- It outlines the future characteristics on an area and guides is use, often
supported by a development framework detailing key physical characteristics
that was needed to realize the vision. A vision statement projects the
economic, social, and environmental benefits of future changes for over 20-25
years.
2. Urban Design is FACT-FINDING
- Urban Designers collect data on aspects like transportation, infrastructure and
environmental issues in order to evaluate the development options. Feasibility
studies assess the viability of different scenarios and recommend the best
option based on these factors.
3. Urban Design is ILLUTRATIVE
- Urban designers use masterplans, artists’ impressions, 3D models, and
photos to illustrate potential developments. These tools help visualize how
new projects will integrate with local features, landmarks, and public spaces.
4. Urban Design SETS SPECIFICATIONS
5 | Page
- Site-specific masterplans detail the fixed proposals for development, including
building sizes, road layouts, and open spaces. Local planning authorities may
issue development briefs that outline required characteristics, guiding
developers in preparing their proposals. Masterplans and design codes
ensure that development complies with these requirements.
Community Architecture
“The built environment works better of those who use it are actively and directly
involved in its creation and management”
1. More vibrant and engaged community
- When people participate in planning and designing their spaces, it fosters
pride, ownership, and trust. Involving communities in decisions enhances
their sense of belonging, strengthening social cohesion in Scottish cities and
towns. Their unique experiences provide valuable insights into how places
function, leading to better maintenance and reduced anti-social behavior.
2. Increases participation in decision-making
- Involving people from the start of a project fosters transparency and builds
trust between architects, planners, and residents. Community engagement
empowers individuals to express their views and ensures decisions reflect
local needs, not just external interests. Open communication allows
professionals to explain their designs and address concerns, creating a
cooperative environment that reduces conflicts and leads to smoother
implementation.
3. Designing Community that reflects what people’s needs
- Community engagement fosters collaboration in architecture and planning,
helping professionals design spaces that address diverse needs. By involving
people in the design process, architects and planners gain insights into daily
6 | Page
challenges, leading to innovative, inclusive solutions that improve quality of
life for all, including those with disabilities and the aging population.
4. Prioritizes co-creation
- Community engagement in architecture and planning drives positive change,
which is why Architecture and Design Scotland supports the Place Principle.
This approach encourages service providers and asset managers to
collaborate with local communities to create sustainable, inclusive places that
reflect residents' aspirations. Beyond individual projects, this participatory
approach enhances social cohesion, empowers local voices, and builds trust
between residents and those shaping their environments.
7 | Page
References:
Urban Design
Urban Design lab Educations Pvt. Ltd. (2023, March 11). History of urban design:
From ancient to Modern cities. Urban Design lab.
https://urbandesignlab.in/history-of-urban-design-from-ancient-to-modern-cities/
MRSC - The importance of urban design for your community. (n.d.).
https://mrsc.org/stay-informed/mrsc-insight/march-2020/the-importance-of-
urban-design-for-your-community
Community Architecture
4_COMMUNITY ARCH. INTRODUCTION.pdf. (2022, November 21). [Slide show].
SlideShare. https://www.slideshare.net/slideshow/4community-arch-
introductionpdf/254366713
Architecture and Design Scotland. (n.d.). https://www.ads.org.uk/blog/benefits-
community-engagement-architecture-and-planning
Community Architecture: Build it Right, and They Will Come | Commsor. (n.d.).
https://www.commsor.com/post/community-architecture
8 | Page
9 | Page
