Urban design concerns the arrangement, appearance and functionality of towns and cities, and in particular the shaping and uses of urban public space. It has traditionally been regarded as a disciplinary subset of urban planning, landscape architecture, or architecture. However, with its increasing prominence in the activities of these disciplines, it is better conceptualized as a design practice that operates at the intersection of all three, and requires a good understanding of a range of others besides, such as urban economics, political economy and social theory. Urban design theory deals primarily with the design and management of public space (i.e. the 'public environment', 'public realm' or 'public domain'), and the way public places are experienced and used.
Common Questions
Land Perservation:
- Is low density residential development threatening your rural lands including agricultural land?
Regional Retail:
- Are you concerned about big box retailers locating in your town?
Parks/Open Space:
- Are you trying to improve your parks and open space?
Urban Design Resources