A brief presentation on urban design elements for a successful city.

1. Urban design elements for a successful city
A brief introduction to streetscape level planning ideals
Swetha Ramesh | Final year | MIDAS

2. “A city is more than a place in space, it is a drama in
time”
- Patrick Geddes

3. 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

4. Let’s talk about
Streetscape

5. What is a street scape ?
“a view or scene of streets, especially in a city.”
Sidewalks
Street corners
LandscapeSeatingTrash bins Public art Fences/walls
Special event
spaces
Lighting
Utilities
Elements of a streetscape:
ILLUSTRATION SOURCE: self

6. 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.
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 : Streetscape Design Guidelines
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

7. SIDEWALKS AND ROADS IN KALPAKAM,
TAMILNADU
SIDEWALKS – DIRTY AND DAMAGED
WHEN THIS COULD BE THIS
WHY NOT ?

8. 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
• Min. of one trashcan per
street corner
• Street food places must place
Trashcans for their own purpose.
• Segregation for better recycling
RULES FOR SUCCESS
• Conveniently located
• Easily accessible
• Well protected from animals
• Segregation
• Regular emptying
- For a cleaner looking space
and better ambience.

9. 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
• Public art can be used in dead spaces
Or in the utility zones
• Can be used to enhance the visual character
Of a place
RULES FOR SUCCESS
• Can be used in spaces to add character
• Delivers a social message
• Interactive public art

10. LIGHTING
PURPOSE :Lighting of the street system, including adjacent sidewalks, walkways and bike lanes,
increases security and pedestrian safety and comfort.
PRINCIPLES
• 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.
RULES FOR SUCCESS
• 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
Well lit street in los angeles Led lit roads in Delhi Bollard lighting

11. FURNITURE
PURPOSE :Waiting and resting areas along walkways provide welcome relief to pedestrians, and
a place to sit together, interact, and observe.
PRINCIPLES
• Should not obstruct views
• Ample space should be available for pedestrians
to walk
• Simple fixed furniture to avoid theft/damage
RULES FOR SUCCESS
• Can be used in combination with public
public art and lighting
• Use in areas of high pedestrian traffic
• Smart use of materials and design will
enhance function and utility
Seating with arm rests to avoid people
From sleeping on it
Seating under a tree – for shade; space saving Seating in combination with lighting

12. And possibly the most important of them all…

13. 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.
PRINCIPLES
• Planting of deciduous along foot paths
• Minimum width of 2.5’ for trees
• Short trees with large canopies not
recommended
• Lighting must be provided under trees
RULES FOR SUCCESS
• Easy maintenance trees which require less
water
• Can be combined with signage/mailboxes/
seating;
• Upward branching trees for good visibility in
critical areas
Upward branching trees
For better visibility (India)
Self illustration
Landscape used as a buffer between sidewalk and road
Shrubs used along the sidewalk as a buffer

14. ILLUSTRATION SOURCE: self

15. 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!