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Urban Form and Interaction

I very much enjoyed reading 'The social fabric in cities' written by Vinicius M.Netto in my copy of Area Development and Policy that arrived this morn. Also, there is a nice video on 'Architecture and the ballet of the street' concepted by the same author. It is definately worth a read. Urban areas are the result of learning, interaction and innovation between individuals and firms. But, in terms of centuries, the urban form is relatively recent. As this spontaneous order collides with institutional planners - what effect will planning interventions have on the outcomes for society? We can visibly identify from our own individual travels that cities are similar in shape and order but equall

How do we create cities for families?

The above clip from Friends (repeated every New Year's Day!) highlights the preference for young families to fly to the suburbs to raise children. Clearly, whether perceived or a fact, the suburbs are identified as a much preferred place to raise families. Suburban flight is a key concern of anti-sprawl and high-density advocates. And, surely sustainable, stable and vibrant cities should include families. But, how can we ensure thousands of families remain and can be attracted to the city? Urbanist Brent Toderian as Chief planner of Vancouver from 2006-2012 helped successfully design parts of the urban landscape specifically for families . His remedies include (1) ensuring family-sized hous

Cork, Ireland

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©2017 by Frank Crowley.

'A good city is like a good party. People don't want to leave early.'

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'First Life, then spaces, then buildings, the other way around never works' 

 

Jan Gehl