Urban design elements for a successful city

A brief introduction to streetscape level planning ideals

Swetha Ramesh | Final year | MIDAS
“A city is more than a place in space, it is a drama in
time”
- Patrick Geddes
URBAN DESIGN ELEMENTS
BUILDINGS – creates identity and
a sense of space.

PUBLIC SPACES form the backbone

of a city – forms the stage and
backdrop of city life.

STREET SCAPES – are part of

what defines a city and what makes
each city unique.

TRANSPORT SYSTEMS – connect

parts of city and help shape
them, and enabling movement

LANDSCAPE helps define the

character and beauty of a city and
creates soft, contrasting spaces and
elements.
ILLUSTRATION SOURCE: dreamstime stock images
Let’s talk about
Streetscape
 What is a street scape ?
“a view or scene of streets, especially in a city.”

Elements of a streetscape:
Trash bins Seating Landscape Public art Fences/walls

Special event
Street corners spaces

Lighting

Sidewalks
Utilities

ILLUSTRATION SOURCE: self

 SIDEWALKS/PLATFORMS
PURPOSE : Platforms are pedestrian friendly systems where the users have ample
access and mobility. They also function as outdoor rooms and gathering places, and
help define community character.

SOURCE : Streetscape Design Guidelines

STANDARDS for Indian cities
• Obstruction Free Min. Walking Zone shall be
1.8 M X 2.4 M – both horizontally & vertically.
• Maximum height of a pavement shall not
exceed 150 MM (6”).
SOURCE : UTTIPEC) Delhi development authority
SOURCE : City of Surrey’ s sidewalk
RULES FOR SUCCESS
• The material used should be slip
resistant
• No obstacles on the side of travel
• Should be partially covered by
greenery
 WHEN THIS COULD BE THIS

WHY NOT ?

SIDEWALKS – DIRTY AND DAMAGED SIDEWALKS AND ROADS IN KALPAKAM,

TAMILNADU
 TRASH RECEPTABLES
PURPOSE : Strategically located garbage receptacles/spitoons and cigarette ash cans help keep
areas clean and attractive.

Segregated trash cans in Seattle Condition of trash in India Well segregated trash on a sidewalk

NEED RULES FOR SUCCESS

• Min. of one trashcan per
street corner
• Street food places must place
Trashcans for their own purpose.
• Segregation for better recycling
• Conveniently located • Segregation
• Easily accessible • Regular emptying
• Well protected from animals - For a cleaner looking space
and better ambience.
 PUBLIC ART
PURPOSE : Public art can help establish a unique identity, enhance civic pride, depict a cultural
or historic event, and add interest to public spaces.

Art installation using drain pipes in Surat Wall art in fort kochi, kerala

PRINCIPLES RULES FOR SUCCESS

• Public art can be used in dead spaces • Can be used in spaces to add character
Or in the utility zones • Delivers a social message
• Can be used to enhance the visual character • Interactive public art
Of a place
 LIGHTING
PURPOSE :Lighting of the street system, including adjacent sidewalks, walkways and bike lanes,
increases security and pedestrian safety and comfort.

Well lit street in los angeles Led lit roads in Delhi Bollard lighting

PRINCIPLES RULES FOR SUCCESS

• Lighting should be done with reference to the
Human scale and to provide light under trees
• Lighting levels between 0.5 to 2.0 foot-candles
should be provided along pedestrian pathways
• Lighting must be functionally appropriate and
properly scaled to both pedestrians and vehicles.
• Can be used in combination with public
seating or public art
• Use solar power & in combination with
Seasonal elements
• Additional special lighting to be given at
Nodal points ; crossings, subways & alleys
 FURNITURE
PURPOSE :Waiting and resting areas along walkways provide welcome relief to pedestrians, and
a place to sit together, interact, and observe.

Seating with arm rests to avoid people Seating under a tree – for shade; space saving Seating in combination with lighting
From sleeping on it
RULES FOR SUCCESS
PRINCIPLES • Can be used in combination with public
• Should not obstruct views public art and lighting
• Ample space should be available for pedestrians • Use in areas of high pedestrian traffic
to walk • Smart use of materials and design will
• Simple fixed furniture to avoid theft/damage enhance function and utility
And possibly the most important of them all…
 LANDSCAPE
PURPOSE :Landscape is not only used as a shading element but also as a buffer element to cut
down vehicular noise and pollution to make the pedestrians feel more comfortable.

Upward branching trees Self illustration

Shrubs used along the sidewalk as a buffer
For better visibility (India) Landscape used as a buffer between sidewalk and road

PRINCIPLES RULES FOR SUCCESS

• Planting of deciduous along foot paths • Easy maintenance trees which require less
• Minimum width of 2.5’ for trees water
• Short trees with large canopies not • Can be combined with signage/mailboxes/
recommended seating;
• Lighting must be provided under trees • Upward branching trees for good visibility in
critical areas
ILLUSTRATION SOURCE: self
 SOURCES
• Article on city of Cheyenne – urban design elements
• UTTIPEC, Delhi Development Authority, Delhi Development Authority; Master Plan
for Delhi -2021 (2001)
• Principles of urban design – Kevin llynch
• Ministry of Urban Development; National Urban Transport Policy (2006)
• Government of Seattle, Seattle Right of Way Improvement Manual (2008)

…thank you!