Sierra Shamburg: Urban Design

Module 2: Contemporary Urban Design Theories- The social interactions that take place in urban, designed areas are one of the most important reasons why, we as designers, are able to be successful in the design field. How people perceive a space and how they feel in a space is critical knowledge for present designers and future designers as well. Being conscious of human behavior in the public setting will aid in design techniques and create a pleasant space that people will want to be in.  There are many forms of social spaces that I think are well planned and it is noticeable that people like to be in these areas in the cities. For instance, adding a large w ater feature not only draws people to the area on warm days, but the sound of the fountain adds aesthetics and creates a more comfortable space. There is a large fountain and splash pad located in downtown Portland, OR that draws a lot of attention from locals and visitors. The "Teacher's Fountain" provides an...

Module 1: Background of the "Field"- Urban Design is what many large cities are "centered" around. By beautifying public space and allowing the people who these areas were designed for, to interact with the sites and give them a sense of comfort in the big cities is the reason that we, as designers, put a lot of importance on urban design. More often, cities are trying to become more of a haven for the residents and it has made urban design more significant. The cleaning up of urban areas has made the cities a more desirable place to live and it is apparent with rising numbers of population. Overall, urban design has made living in cities a lot more pleasing and comfortable with the added greenery. The added features such as vegetation, paving variations, and water features how made the cities more aesthetically pleasing and it is also helping the cities get away from the concrete jungle vibe.  A city that has had a lot of success with urban design is San Die...