29.7.12

marks dictionary + intersections

please note that the intersections marks are displayed as break down as discussed in class. 
the submissions have been marked as follows:
content  40% 
idea and concept for analysis
scales and layers covered, understanding of subject matter
originality, innovation and relevance of scenarios
techniques  40% 
research, method, process and presentation
presentation  20% 
clarity and quality of the presentation
aesthetics and quality of visuals
language
completeness 
(from project brief)

the weighting of each project within the total year mark:

term1+2
urban dictionary 10%
essay 10%
intersections 20%
term3+4
udf energy tower 60%
(from course outline addendum)






the missing mark in the dictionary column is 63% for all three group members.




23.7.12

handout 8, urban design framework


principles of urban design 4 (pud 41-1)
handout 08 – 23.7.12

in my country, we are just learning that sidewalks are relatives of parks – not passing lanes for cars.
enrique peñalosa, previous mayor of bogotá, colombia

term 3 + 4_dissertation: urban design guidelines
term 3 + 4 ask for the development of an urban design framework that integrates your design of a mixed-use alternative energy tower within the larger context of its site along the eastern edge of johannesburg central, between fox and durban street (n-s) and the elevated city highway m31(e-w), which turns into sivewright ave and siemert road before merging into joe slovo drive.

your dissertation needs to show your objectives for the overall area in which the building is located. by large the objective is to create sustainable environments that enable individual creativity to thrive and contribute to community development, identity, cohesion and efficiency. this will be done through alteration of the physical environment. based on your design approach and its locality the following three levels should be revealed in your project:

i. metropolitan scale (city)
explains the location of your site in the city-wide context and makes the connection of the contribution of your design to the creation of a sustainable city.

ii. local scale (neighbourhood)
explains the location of your site within an identifiable functional area. it shows the hierarchy of routes and distribution of public infrastructure. furthermore, it addresses the broader issues of access, circulation and open space networks.

iii. precinct area (block, street and building)
explains the immediate locational area of the chosen site with distinct characteristics which will guide the proposed design. it shows the nature of the proposed infill intervention within its immediate surroundings i.e. relationships at street level.

urban design approach
it should be guided by a vision of what needs to be achieved. the vision should be informed by a set of design principles:
-        principles for creation of vibrant, inclusive communities
-        principles of establishing economic sustainability
-        principles for creating sustainable environments

method
collect and map accurate, relevant and site-specific information on the following:
-        circulation networks and hierarchies, patterns of transport and movement: motorized and non-motorized, public and private, pedestrian and vehicular, and any other forms.
-        infrastructural networks
-        nodes, corridors and development patterns
-        topographical information
-        vegetation distribution and green spaces
-        building scale, densities and typologies
-        open space system
-        land use
-        gateways and entrances
-        formal, informal structures and networks
-        management and ownership in the area 
-        social patterns and networks
-        economical patterns and networks

urban design framework
the framework should consist of the following:
-        problem statement
-        objectives
-        design framework – showing all components of the concept
-        traffic flows – hierarchy of transport routes, a new design of appropriately scaled local streets
-        key installation and infrastructure – hierarchy of nodes
-        open spaces – hierarchy, structure of open spaces, hard and soft urban landscape
-        design criteria – sustainability strategy for the building
-        implementation strategy

the implementation strategy should be made up of the following:
-        phasing drawings – includes economic strategy
-        three dimensional drawings of nodal areas expressing integration of your proposed design in the precinct
-        analysis and application of the design framework, positive and negative aspects. how does the framework integrate with the precinct and neighbourhood as a whole? how does it envisage economic upliftment in the area? how does it address social integration and attempt to avoid gentrification?

dates
hand out                                  23 july
hand in 1                                   2 august
hand in 2                                  27 august
hand in 3                                    1 october
hand in 4                                  22 october
portfolio exam                       22,23 november                

requirements
hand in 1-4

hand in 1                proposal udf, 2 august
- focus, abstract: 300 words
- structure of document
- mapping methods and samples
- from architecture to urban design and vice versa:
conceptual approach from metro, local and precinct scale to building
- case studies
- theory references

hand in 2                draft udf,  27 august
- drawings: at least 4 a1 size sheets, the submission must include but is not limited to plans, street sections, elevations, morphological studies, figure ground, axonometric and perspective representations, the systematic use of photography as tool or urban investigations is encouraged.
models are highly recommended.
- draft document 30-40 a4 pages (landscape) including images and layout

hand in 3                revised udf, 1 october
- revised document 30-40 pages including images, complete structure must be covered, including content page, list of figure, references

hand in 4                complete document udf,  22 october
- final document and final drawings
the final document has to be handed in as
-        a hard copy, a4 landscape, bound
-        a digit digital copy as pdf, preferably on dvd as a class submission


guides on preparing digital material for printing, archiving and postproduction.
resolution                     for postproduction purposes of image material a resolution of min 150 dpi on a a4 size is required, otherwise the material is of no use.
font                              preferable text font: arial or helvetica. consistent size of different text categories throughout the document, to be proposed in hand in 2. suggestion: running text 10pt, captions 8 pt, headings 12pt
layout                           booklet should be laid out in a layout programme like indesign. the layout has to be consistent, clear and comprehensive. the booklets should be saved as pdf, including the cover.
presentations                preferably presentations are created in powerpoint, key note or similar. presentations have to be clear and comprehensive.                 
text                              text has to be presented in well phrased english and be grammatically correct. correct spelling is mandatory. it is advised to find an independent proof reader before handing in the final version.
bibliography and                 please see separate document
quotations

outcomes
students should be able to:
-        contextualize and analyse the project in an the urban setting
-        outline and discuss urban implications of the project
-        generate an innovative precinct frame work for the project
-        produce relevant design guidelines for the project in the urban context

criteria
students must:
-        exhibit knowledge of systematic understanding of the metropolitan area in which the site is located.
-        produce and document relevant information about the project, i.e. structure, topography, morphology and socio economic factors that influence the project.
-        show knowledge of the planning and legal requirements of the areas.
-        produce drawings using urban design conventions and documents that convey the ideas of the proposed project in a clear and unambiguous manner.

evaluation criteria
general:
all hand ins1-4 and requirements have to be met timeously. hand in 1-3 will be get a provisional mark for due performance as prerequisite for hand in 4. hand in 4 will evaluated as final document to be moderated in the portfolio exam. The marks are based on:

content 40%
- idea and concept of urban design framework
- scales and layers covered, understanding of subject matter
- originality, innovation and relevance of idea

techniques 40%
- research, method, process and presentation
- design, method, process and presentation

presentation 20%
- clarity and quality of the presentation
- aesthetics and quality of visuals
- language
- completeness

the udf counts 60% of the total year mark. 
this structure refers to the programme in the course outline.


before we begin:                                                   
it is a key premise of this project that reading context is a necessity for any successful urban intervention, not a choice. whenever we intervene on the landscape, we alter the existing context. thus it becomes imperative to fully comprehend what exactly the existing context is, and how best to deal with it[1], in order to promote and unleash its full performance potential.

settlement designers need to find new ways of analytical processes, which include mapping, and researching to uncover the actively shifting nuances currently shaping the fragmented urban fabric. different and new methodologies are critical to confront the current techniques in which we exemplify and illustrate conceptual design ideas in assignments and projects in the attempt to reshape the city.

the adoption of holistic approaches – as in looking at economics, policy and managerial strategies – is to reinforce the notion of how will people interact in space, rather than the form of the space itself.[2]  city makers and designers have to rekindle their civic conscience and forge alliances with local community agencies, as a conduit to its people, to fully grasp the complexities and desires of that particular community. 

different methods of mapping should be explored and applied as design tools in the process, for any design project has to go beyond mapping, take a position and propose spatial change.

the genesis of the process lies with the individual. to heighten that individual’s sense of pride within their context may begin with asking the correct kind of question, to get the correct kind of information, as an important facet in setting up the correct tool, for re-stitching the city with an innovative product.  practices like urban –think tank articulate this methodology and focus on a “a more holistic approach which engages the local community, and acknowledges internal hierarchies, cultures, values, race, gender, local aesthetics and functional standards, as well as working directly with sociologists and anthropologists, and becoming more ethnographic in approach.”[3]

the common denominator for any design project in the inner city of johannesburg should be the person who relies on public transport.

solam mkhabela july 2012


[1] catalyst in context, tomoyuki haramura, the berlage cahiers 4, studio ’94-’95, p 124
[2] latin america at the crossroads, introduction by mariana leguia, ad, may/june 2011, p 13
[3] from product to process, alfredo brillemborg, ad, may/june 2011, p 109 

18.7.12

we will begin the last semester by

wapedalling.

read this article:
http://www.nytimes.com/2012/07/18/world/europe/in-denmark-pedaling-to-work-on-a-superhighway.html?_r=1&hp

for discussion on thursday.
 gabby + rachel should each prepare
a 20 min visual
discussion
of their 
recent escapades . . .

24.5.12

essay


principles of urban design 4 (pud 41-1)
handout 07 – 24.5.12

semester 1:
what?
- perception of the city and analysis of city form
how?
- develop urban vocabulary
walk, watch, read, write, question, converse, capture, quest + draw
why?
- construct basis for design works within an urban context in an age of rapid change

write an essay about the challenges for urban design in south africa (individual work)

challenges for urban design in south africa
the purpose of the essay is to establish and demonstrate your knowledge of the south african city and its urban challenges.  it should be a vehicle in which you exhibit your ability to think critically about the role of urban design within the south african context. 
focus on the research topic, challenges for urban design in south africa, starting from the expertise you developed in your work concerning johannesburg’s urbanity.  you should expound on the many themes explored in class, including your dictionary contributions, interview and readings that have been made available.  it is essential for the paper to demonstrate both indepth knowledge and a critical yet creative analysis of the chosen topic.  graphic representation is a must + is important.  the paper must include visual representations [graphs, maps, plans, photographs, archival material etc.] of the issues under consideration. the paper must read as a visual essay and should not be replication of existing positions but rather a well researched piece yet written from a personal angle, as in: what is your opinion on urban design and how can this be it relevant for a variety of other stakeholders?
length: approximately 2000 words plus illustrations where relevant.  the precise length is not critical but should not differ by more than 10% from the mentioned amount.  however, this amount does not include references.

dates:
thursday 31may 
hand in: topic proposal, abstract 500 words,  essay structure via email
1-4 june
written feedback on blog
monday 16 july
final hand in: printed version and digital version (on 1 cd as a class)

to consider:
1. is there a clear proposition or big idea to the essay?
2. how well is the thesis supported by argument, which is substantiated with evidence?
3. quality of evidence—how well have you researched the evidence that backs up your arguments?
4. how concise and precise is your essay? how clear is your writing? how well organized is your essay (paragraphs, use of topic sentences, grammar)?
5. format—correct footnoting, referencing, proofreading, grammar?

structure:
research essays have four basic components:
1) abstract (a concise summary of no more than 10 sentences of your entire essay)
2) introduction—this is where you state your subject and big idea (essay statement), your arguments and points you hope to substantiate with evidence
3) main body—a discussion of the evidence and analysis which build the argument of your paper
4) conclusion—a short summary of what you have discovered and argued, and further questions you wish to ask
to improve the quality of your essay, it is strongly recommended that you do the following:
1. interview, in regard to your topic, 1 or more urban professionals
2. go to the writing center and have them assist in structuring your paper

evaluation of work:
subject matter | topic | angle : 10%
structure: 10%
sources | material | references: 10%
argument: 40%
graphics | illustrations: 20%
language | spelling | format: 10%
total: 100%, min pass rate 50%

16.5.12

thursday 17 may

we will watch a film.
make sure you
bring eats . . .
+ imagination.

12.4.12

handout 6 - phase 3 - intersections

principles of urban design 4 (pud 41-1)_fada
intersections Johannesburg
phase 3


to remember from handout 2:
challenge
intersections johannesburg understand the selected sites as prototypical conditions and confronts the existing status quo by research through design: vision, action and production.
the task is to develop:
1_ a vision for the larger context around the intersection (urban framework) as mixed use environment, for equally pedestrians and motorized transport, scale 1:10 000, 1: 5000
2_ a design for diverse and vibrant edge conditions on the indicated sites that follow that vision and negotiates between building envelope (form), public space (for anyone), programme (activities) and various speeds (from slow to fast), scale 1: 500, 1:200
the indicated scales are recommendations and have to be determined by the overall concept.
3_ visualize: a format (graphics, print or animation) to communicate the spatial narrative to different audiences, architects, urban designers and ultimately the common citizen to stir a public debate. one of the major challenges is the urban design for structures which define their own dual sequence of the public and private realm in open and closed spaces to accommodate pedestrians and motorists. thus specific attention has to be paid to the following subjects from the beginning till final design: back & front, edge, section, ground floor, porosity, access, yards, eye-level, density, scripting, performance.

production
the project has 4 major phases with specific deadlines and weighting in the overall evaluation in addition to the final presentation at the end of the project. each component will get an individual hand out with specific requirements and hand in formats.


phase 1 analysis _mapping w1-3 15%
phase 2 evaluation w4-6 15%
phase 3 urban design framework w7-9 30%
phase 4 final narrative_document w10-12 40%

this structure refers to the programme in course outline.

dates
week 7, 12 April
consolidation of analysis and evaluation material for provisional hand format A3 landscape Monday 16 April, formulation of initial concept ideas

week 8, 16, 19 April
provisional hand in analysis and evaluation A3 landscape 16 April,
presentation pin up conceptual ideas udf 19 April

week 9, 23, 26 April
vision_udf: development of a vision for the future urban development of the indicated area as individual work, description in text format (brief) and visual representation, crit 23 April, hand in 26 April, format A3 landscape

week 10, 3 May (phase 4)
beginning of the final phase: the preparation of the final report, which will include the editing of the material produced so far and additional work with specific attention to graphic representation.

phase 3
previously: evaluation
the evaluation is a critical review of the analysis. the intention is to identify possible conflicts and opportunities that can feed into the concept of the design. the task is to graphically illustrate those constraints and possibilities and discuss the spatial development on a multitude of layers in various scales that go beyond the immediate and visible, like political issues, legal affairs, land values, historical development, sustainability. in this phase the larger context of possible interventions will be finally framed. the work can be done in groups with an individual conclusion that prepares the following phase. groups can develop a common strategy that will be worked out individually by each student, students could for example zoom into different areas of a larger context.

urban design framework
the vision for an urban framework is a logical follow up/ implementation of findings in the analysis and evaluation. three principles of contextual urbanism:… will constitute the process.

- it starts with a precise description of everything empirically encountered, while making no distinction between the planned and the unplanned or the physical and the non-physical. it aims to avoid qualitative judgements.
- it endeavours to distil a story, an image and a distinguishing characteristic from what it has encountered, while treating complexity and in some cases paradox as positive qualities.
- it formulates projects from the standpoint of the continuity of the city as analysed, and implements these projects as a series or more or less mutuallty independent interventions, of limited scale although with an impact on the whole.
from: wimby! hoogvliet, future, past and present of a new town, 2007, nai publishers

in other words: the framework is not intended to cover every sqm of the entire area identified in the evaluation but rather asks for a strong idea for the specific identity of area and punctual interventions as points of magnitude to trigger further change for a mixed use environment. concentrate on specifics rather than generalities. the focus is always on the set up of a public realm as consistent and accessible network through built structure. an imaginary set of spatial rules, the project code, should be customized for each framework. at this stage, the work will be concentrated on the organisation of the cross-section, the most important but strongly under valuated instruments of architecture and urbanism. volumetrical studies, plans and elevations will be complement the explorations of edge conditions, which will be the essential design component within the framework. the aim is to develop valuable open space by means of built space. buildings are to be considered a frame for the public space, which it is creating, bordering, sheltering.
the framework is individual work.

general guidelines:
your framework needs to show your objectives for the overall area where your punctual interventions will be located. by large the objective is to create sustainable environments that enable individual creativity to thrive and contribute to community development, identity, cohesion and efficiency. this will be done through alteration of the physical environment. based on your design approach and its localities the following three levels should be revealed in your project:

i. metropolitan scale (city)
explains the location of your site in the citywide context and makes the connection of the contribution of your design to the creation of a sustainable city.

ii. local scale (neighbourhood)
explains the location of your site within an identifiable functional area. it shows the hierarchy of routes and distribution of public infrastructure. furthermore, it addresses the broader issues of access, circulation and open space networks.

iii. precinct area (block, street and building) –
explains the immediate locational areas of the chosen site with distinct characteristics, which will guide the proposed design of edge conditions. it shows the nature of the proposed interventions within its immediate surroundings i.e. relationships at street level.

urban design approach
it should be guided by a vision of what needs to be achieved. the vision should be informed by a set of design principles:
- principles for creation of vibrant, inclusive communities
- principles of establishing economic sustainability
- principles for creating sustainable environments

structure
the framework should consist of the following:
- problem statement
- objectives
- design framework – showing all components of the concept
- traffic flows – hierarchy of transport routes, a new design of appropriately scaled local movement network
- key installation and infrastructure – hierarchy of nodes
- open spaces – hierarchy, structure of open spaces, hard and soft urban landscape
- design criteria – strategy for the urban fabric in relation to sustainability, porosity, programme, form, accessibility and legibility
- implementation strategy

the implementation strategy consdider the following:
- possible phases of future developments
- analysis and application of the design framework, positive and negative aspects. how does the framework integrate with the precinct and neighbourhood as a whole? how does it envisage economic upliftment in the area? how does it address social integration and attempt to avoid exclusionary gentrification?

to produce:
please note that the framework is not intended to be a ‘text heavy’ document but rather asking for illustrations of spatial development. make use of as many images, diagrams, plans, sections, elevations, 3D models, photo collages, axonometric views or perspectives as you need to demonstrate your argument. produce the following using the material from your analysis as base material:

- concept plan that shows the design approach within the wider urban context (metro scale), based on your broader context analysis from phase 1+2. this should be accompanied by strategic diagrams that explain your general principles in plan, section and 3D illustrations. The scale has to be determined by the general design idea, but should be between 1:5000 and 1:1000.
this concept plan should point out areas where specific interventions are proposed and translate your principles into spatial layout. the plan can be the result of the evaluation, a larger strategy developed in your group where every students then zooms into one of the identified areas.

- layout plan of a minimum of 1 selected precinct/ block (per student) at a scale of 1:500.

- cross sections at a scale of 1:500 and 1:200 that show the organisation of your spatial argument. the final number of sections will be determined by your design, but a minimum of 4 sections are expected. remember, it is important to illustrate the complexity of your design, not to tick off requirements from this list. these drawings will help you to define the edge conditions of your selected area.

- basic three dimensional models or axonometric drawings for each area, that illustrate the design principles in this format. Again, a minimum of 3 drawings per area is expected, but your design determines the final number. these drawings constitute a base for part 4 of the project, the final narrative.

- project code: a set of imaginary spatial rules, that should be based on real by-laws and, if requires, transformed according to your principles. a valid reference for this part would be michael sorkin’s book ‘local code’.

- project text: 500 – 800 words that describe the objectives of the urban design framework.

- any additional material that you need to explore and illustrate your ideas.

general requirements phase 3:
consolidated visual analysis with relevant relation to final concept
constraints and opportunities
diagrammatic principles for the development of an urban design framework
diagrammatic exploration of voids and solids, public and build space
edge condition: plan, section, elevation, 3d
before/ after 3d illustration
preparation of a visual narrative
further details to be communicated on hand-outs if necessary.