Urban Design and Planning

  1. The Urban Design Process and Methods
    1. Site Analysis and Assessment
      1. Mapping and Data Collection
        1. Base Mapping
          1. Topographic Surveys
            1. Property Boundaries
              1. Existing Structures
                1. Utility Locations
                2. GIS Analysis
                  1. Spatial Analysis
                    1. Data Integration
                      1. Mapping Applications
                        1. Database Management
                        2. Field Surveys
                          1. Site Reconnaissance
                            1. Photo Documentation
                              1. Condition Assessment
                                1. Activity Observation
                              2. Physical Context Analysis
                                1. Topography and Landform
                                  1. Elevation Changes
                                    1. Slope Analysis
                                      1. Drainage Patterns
                                        1. Soil Conditions
                                        2. Climate and Microclimate
                                          1. Temperature Patterns
                                            1. Precipitation Data
                                              1. Wind Patterns
                                                1. Solar Exposure
                                                2. Existing Built Form
                                                  1. Building Inventory
                                                    1. Architectural Character
                                                      1. Infrastructure Assessment
                                                        1. Land Use Patterns
                                                      2. Social and Cultural Context Analysis
                                                        1. Demographic Characteristics
                                                          1. Population Analysis
                                                            1. Age Distribution
                                                              1. Income Levels
                                                                1. Educational Attainment
                                                                2. Cultural Heritage and Identity
                                                                  1. Historic Resources
                                                                    1. Cultural Landmarks
                                                                      1. Community Traditions
                                                                        1. Ethnic Composition
                                                                        2. Community Needs and Preferences
                                                                          1. Resident Surveys
                                                                            1. Focus Groups
                                                                              1. Community Meetings
                                                                                1. Stakeholder Interviews
                                                                              2. Regulatory Context Analysis
                                                                                1. Zoning and Land Use Regulations
                                                                                  1. Zoning Districts
                                                                                    1. Development Standards
                                                                                      1. Use Restrictions
                                                                                        1. Variance Requirements
                                                                                        2. Environmental Constraints
                                                                                          1. Wetland Boundaries
                                                                                            1. Flood Plains
                                                                                              1. Steep Slopes
                                                                                                1. Contaminated Sites
                                                                                                2. Historic Preservation Requirements
                                                                                                  1. Historic Districts
                                                                                                    1. Landmark Designations
                                                                                                      1. Design Guidelines
                                                                                                        1. Review Processes
                                                                                                      2. SWOT Analysis
                                                                                                        1. Identifying Strengths
                                                                                                          1. Existing Assets
                                                                                                            1. Competitive Advantages
                                                                                                              1. Community Resources
                                                                                                                1. Infrastructure Capacity
                                                                                                                2. Identifying Weaknesses
                                                                                                                  1. Physical Constraints
                                                                                                                    1. Infrastructure Deficiencies
                                                                                                                      1. Market Limitations
                                                                                                                        1. Regulatory Barriers
                                                                                                                        2. Identifying Opportunities
                                                                                                                          1. Development Potential
                                                                                                                            1. Policy Changes
                                                                                                                              1. Funding Availability
                                                                                                                              2. Identifying Threats
                                                                                                                                1. Environmental Hazards
                                                                                                                                  1. Economic Risks
                                                                                                                                    1. Regulatory Changes
                                                                                                                                      1. Competition
                                                                                                                                  2. Conceptual Design
                                                                                                                                    1. Precedent Studies
                                                                                                                                      1. Case Study Analysis
                                                                                                                                        1. Project Documentation
                                                                                                                                          1. Performance Evaluation
                                                                                                                                            1. Lessons Learned
                                                                                                                                              1. Applicability Assessment
                                                                                                                                              2. Best Practices Review
                                                                                                                                                1. Design Standards
                                                                                                                                                  1. Implementation Strategies
                                                                                                                                                    1. Success Factors
                                                                                                                                                      1. Innovation Examples
                                                                                                                                                    2. Diagramming and Parti Development
                                                                                                                                                      1. Conceptual Diagrams
                                                                                                                                                        1. Bubble Diagrams
                                                                                                                                                          1. Flow Diagrams
                                                                                                                                                            1. Relationship Diagrams
                                                                                                                                                              1. Organizational Concepts
                                                                                                                                                              2. Spatial Organization
                                                                                                                                                                1. Functional Relationships
                                                                                                                                                                  1. Circulation Patterns
                                                                                                                                                                    1. Activity Zones
                                                                                                                                                                      1. Hierarchy of Spaces
                                                                                                                                                                    2. Framework and Structuring Plans
                                                                                                                                                                      1. Circulation Frameworks
                                                                                                                                                                        1. Street Networks
                                                                                                                                                                          1. Pedestrian Systems
                                                                                                                                                                            1. Transit Routes
                                                                                                                                                                              1. Parking Strategies
                                                                                                                                                                              2. Open Space Networks
                                                                                                                                                                                1. Park Systems
                                                                                                                                                                                  1. Green Corridors
                                                                                                                                                                                    1. Public Spaces
                                                                                                                                                                                      1. Recreation Facilities
                                                                                                                                                                                      2. Land Use Frameworks
                                                                                                                                                                                        1. Activity Centers
                                                                                                                                                                                          1. Mixed-Use Areas
                                                                                                                                                                                            1. Residential Neighborhoods
                                                                                                                                                                                              1. Employment Districts
                                                                                                                                                                                            2. Scenario Planning
                                                                                                                                                                                              1. Alternative Futures
                                                                                                                                                                                                1. Growth Scenarios
                                                                                                                                                                                                  1. Development Options
                                                                                                                                                                                                    1. Policy Alternatives
                                                                                                                                                                                                      1. Design Variations
                                                                                                                                                                                                      2. Impact Evaluation
                                                                                                                                                                                                        1. Comparative Analysis
                                                                                                                                                                                                          1. Trade-Off Assessment
                                                                                                                                                                                                            1. Performance Metrics
                                                                                                                                                                                                              1. Stakeholder Feedback
                                                                                                                                                                                                          2. Design Development and Representation
                                                                                                                                                                                                            1. Master Planning and Site Layout
                                                                                                                                                                                                              1. Block and Lot Arrangement
                                                                                                                                                                                                                1. Block Structure
                                                                                                                                                                                                                  1. Lot Configuration
                                                                                                                                                                                                                    1. Street Frontages
                                                                                                                                                                                                                      1. Corner Treatments
                                                                                                                                                                                                                      2. Open Space Integration
                                                                                                                                                                                                                        1. Park Placement
                                                                                                                                                                                                                          1. Green Infrastructure
                                                                                                                                                                                                                            1. Public Spaces
                                                                                                                                                                                                                              1. Private Open Space
                                                                                                                                                                                                                            2. Three-Dimensional Modeling and Massing Studies
                                                                                                                                                                                                                              1. Physical Models
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                1. Scale Models
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  1. Study Models
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    1. Presentation Models
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      1. Interactive Models
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      2. Digital Models
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        1. 3D Computer Models
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          1. Building Information Modeling
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            1. Virtual Reality
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              1. Parametric Design
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            2. Visualization Techniques
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              1. Renderings
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                1. Perspective Drawings
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  1. Computer Renderings
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    1. Photo-Realistic Images
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      1. Artistic Illustrations
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      2. Sketches
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        1. Concept Sketches
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          1. Design Development Drawings
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            1. Presentation Sketches
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              1. Technical Sketches
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              2. Fly-Throughs and Animations
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                1. Video Presentations
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  1. Interactive Tours
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    1. Time-Lapse Sequences
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      1. Virtual Walkthroughs
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    2. Materiality and Landscape Palettes
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      1. Building Materials
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        1. Material Selection
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          1. Color Schemes
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            1. Texture Variations
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              1. Sustainability Considerations
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              2. Planting Design
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                1. Plant Selection
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  1. Seasonal Interest
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    1. Maintenance Requirements
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      1. Ecological Benefits
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      2. Hardscape Elements
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        1. Paving Materials
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          1. Site Furniture
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            1. Lighting Fixtures
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              1. Water Features
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          2. Design Guidelines and Standards
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            1. Prescriptive Guidelines
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              1. Setbacks and Height Limits
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                1. Building Placement
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  1. Height Restrictions
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    1. Bulk Regulations
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      1. Transition Requirements
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      2. Material and Color Requirements
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        1. Approved Materials
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          1. Color Palettes
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            1. Architectural Details
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              1. Quality Standards
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            2. Performance-Based Guidelines
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              1. Environmental Performance
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                1. Energy Efficiency
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  1. Water Conservation
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    1. Stormwater Management
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      1. Green Building Standards
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      2. Flexibility in Design Solutions
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        1. Alternative Compliance
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          1. Innovation Incentives
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            1. Design Alternatives
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              1. Performance Metrics
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            2. Architectural Character and Style Guides
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              1. Historic Styles
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                1. Period Architecture
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  1. Restoration Standards
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    1. Compatible Design
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      1. Material Authenticity
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      2. Contemporary Styles
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        1. Modern Design
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          1. Sustainable Architecture
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            1. Innovative Materials
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              1. Technology Integration
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            2. Public Realm Design Manuals
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              1. Streetscape Standards
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                1. Street Furniture
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  1. Lighting Design
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    1. Landscape Requirements
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      1. Signage Standards
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      2. Park and Open Space Guidelines
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        1. Design Principles
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          1. Facility Standards
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            1. Maintenance Guidelines
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              1. Programming Requirements
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          2. Scales of Urban Design Intervention
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            1. The Block, Street, and Building
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              1. Block Structure
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                1. Block Dimensions
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  1. Perimeter Development
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    1. Internal Organization
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      1. Access Points
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      2. Street Design
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        1. Cross-Section Design
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          1. Intersection Design
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            1. Streetscape Elements
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              1. Traffic Management
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              2. Building Placement
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                1. Street Frontage
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  1. Building Orientation
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    1. Entrance Location
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      1. Parking Integration
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    2. The Neighborhood
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      1. Neighborhood Structure
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        1. Neighborhood Boundaries
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          1. Activity Centers
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            1. Residential Areas
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              1. Transition Zones
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              2. Community Facilities
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                1. Schools and Libraries
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  1. Community Centers
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    1. Health Facilities
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      1. Religious Institutions
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      2. Local Identity
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        1. Character Areas
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          1. Landmark Features
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            1. Cultural Assets
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              1. Historic Resources
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            2. The District and Corridor
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              1. Mixed-Use Districts
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                1. Activity Centers
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  1. Transit Hubs
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    1. Entertainment Districts
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      1. Innovation Districts
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      2. Commercial Corridors
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        1. Main Streets
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          1. Strip Commercial
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            1. Auto-Oriented Corridors
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              1. Transit Corridors
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              2. Industrial and Employment Districts
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                1. Manufacturing Areas
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  1. Office Parks
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    1. Research Districts
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      1. Logistics Centers
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    2. The City and City-Region
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      1. Urban Growth Boundaries
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        1. Growth Management
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          1. Rural Protection
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            1. Infrastructure Efficiency
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              1. Development Patterns
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              2. Regional Connectivity
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                1. Transportation Networks
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  1. Economic Linkages
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    1. Environmental Systems
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      1. Cultural Connections
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      2. Metropolitan Structure
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        1. Polycentric Development
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          1. Urban Hierarchy
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            1. Regional Centers
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              1. Growth Corridors

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                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        3. The Planning Process and Policy

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Go to top

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                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        5. Contemporary Issues and Specializations