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What do urban designers do, and what is the purpose of urban planning? From sustaining the environment to preserving the quality of life, learn more about urban design now.

WHAT IS URBAN PLANNING AND DESIGN?

Urban design and planning is the design of space. This could be a residential or commercial development, town, city or public space. Successful urban design considers many factors -  including inhabitants’ wellbeing and a sustainable environment. So, what do urban designers do, and what is the purpose of urban planning?

WHY DO WE NEED URBAN PLANNING?

Careful urban planning reduces any negative impacts that a built proposal may have on the environment, whilst keeping residents and building occupants’ comfortable, happy and healthy. When designing a space, an urban designer has a responsibility to help make the environment more sustainable and improve prospective inhabitants’ quality of life.  Without effective urban planning, designs could go ahead without proper consideration for layout, the effects on the environment, the wellbeing of the people who will live there.

WHAT DO URBAN DESIGNERS DO?

For an urban designer to design a place, they consider several factors. They work with institutions and the public; including local authorities, the transportation system, and other stakeholders. Through collaboration and communication, urban designers are able to create environmentally sustainable places.

Urban planners work to improve the spatial and visual character of existing and new spaces by considering its’ atmosphere and functionality. This is an important aspect of their job, as they’ll be required to look forward into the future to anticipate any consequences of their designs. Residents and public welfare is a priority in the design process, and remains at the forefront of every project.

WHAT IS AN URBAN DESIGN FRAMEWORK?

An urban design framework refers to the urban structure of a design proposal. The Urban Design Compendium defines urban structure as the ‘arrangement of development blocks, streets, buildings, open space and landscape which makes up urban areas.’ When urban designers are forming a project, they will usually start with an urban structure as an articulate framework that forms the basis for a more developed design.

Factors that are considered when forming an urban design framework would usually be:

- Integration (connection and overlap with surrounding areas)

- Functional efficiency (elements working together as part of efficient whole)

- Environmental harmony

- A sense of place

- Commercial viability

Learn more about our urban design and master planning services at A2. We at A2 are experienced in this field, having worked on a num ber of large-scale urban design, residential and mixed-use projects over the years. Contact a member of our expert team to find out more.