2.1 pl 4002_framework of ud theory 09

Week #4

PL 4002 Introduction to Urban Design / Module 2.1 1

Module 2.1

FRAMEWORK OFURBAN DESIGN THEORY

Denny Zulkaidi

PL 4002 INTRODUCTION TO URBAN DESIGN

Week #4PL 4002 Introduction to Urban Design /

Module 2.1 2

OBJECTIVE & CONTENT

OBJECTIVE: To understand the framework of urban design theory To recognize a number of normative and substantive theories in

urban design

CONTENT:1. Definition and scope of theory

2. Classification of urban design theory

3. The framework of urban design theory


Module 2.1 3

1. DEFINITION AND SCOPE OF THEORY

Definition:

“A system of ideas or statements -a mental schema- that is believed

to describe and explain a phenomenon or a group of phenomena”

(Lang 1987: 13).

“A system of ideas that is held as an explanation for a phenomenon

or a group of facts” (Rowe 1989: 165)


Module 2.1 4

The Functions of Theory

To describe the world and explain the accumulation of facts about the world

To formulate structure of concept to arrange and explain observation

“A theory cannot be proved.

It stands until its disapproved” (Lang 1987: 14)


Module 2.1 5

Association of Theory(Lang 1987: 13)

Model: “A way of perceiving reality that imposes a structure on that

reality” (e.g. environmental design model) Hypothesis:

“A prediction that a certain outcome will be achieved by a certain action”

“an imaginative preconception of what the truth may be” (Medawar 1983, in Lang 1987)

Normative Theory: “a prescription for action” (e.g. Design principles, standards,

manifestoes) “Based on an ideological position on what the world, good

architecture, landscapes, and urban design should be”


Module 2.1 6

Types of Models(Rowe 1989: 166-7)

Descriptive models “..explanation of phenomena in the domain of interest”

Predictive models “..to give a forecast of the temporal disposition of the phenomenon under

study” Extrapolative: temporal change process are represented by a continuation of

past trends Conditional: mechanism of cause and effect governing the change process is

specified in the general form (if x.., then y..) Explorative models

“..to allow the discovery, by systematic speculation, of realities other than the one at hand that may be logically possible”

Planning models “..developed for simulating the effects of different decisions about an

environment and behavior setting, and evaluating those decisions or strategies against a specified goal structure..”


Module 2.1 7

Substance of Theory

Description (Descriptive Theory) Explanation (Explanatory Theory):

consistent and confirms other descriptions Creation (Design Theory):

concept of structure to arrange and explain observations

Strengths/utilities:Concept of structure is used to : Describe/explain what is going on Predict what will happen


Module 2.1 8

Value and Power of Theory(Lang 1985: 14)

Depends on its power to explain and predict

Successful theory : simple but powerful generalization about the world and how it

operates enable us to predict accurately future operation.

“Design may work in theory, but not [necessarily] in practice”


Module 2.1 9

Theory Building

To understand and recognize the complexity and chaos of environment as a consequence of variety of life

Able to deal with various issues related to design Able to make prediction that may occur as an impact of an urban

design product


Module 2.1 10

2. CLASSIFICATION OF THEORY

Positive Theory Normative Theory Substantive Theory

Descriptive Explanatory

Procedural Theory


Module 2.1 11

Positive Theory

Positive statements, assertions about reality. …untested act of faith, or ideally, one that has been tested using scientific methods (Lang 1987 13)

Based on the occurrence of elements of the world (invariant; highly degree of regularity; or random), to predict how these patterns will occur

Accumulation of facts about the world


Module 2.1 12

Positive Theory (Lang 1987: 14)

“intrinsically tentative and subject to revision in the face of the first deviant case that does not conform to its explanation and prediction” (Roberts 1969, in Lang 1987)

The functions of positive theory : “..to enable people to derive a large number of descriptive

statements from a single explanatory statements” “..to raise to consciousness behaviors in the built environment

that are important to people that therefore should have an impact on design decisions.”

“..to be value-free, avoid bias, to look for alternative explanations, and to apply rules of scientific method to observation and explanation”


Module 2.1 13

Normative Theory(Lang 1987)

Build on positive theory; based on: how the world works, and perception of good and bad; right and wrong; desirable and

undesirable; working well or working badly Articulate and interpret behavior, value and environment (Lynch) Ambiguous:

“what has been consensually agreed upon, the norms for a given time”

“what ought to be - what a good world is” Value-laden statements of philosophers, politician, architect, etc on

what ought to be Useful for action-oriented professions: guidelines and principles

simplify the process of making decisions.


Module 2.1 14

Substantive Theory

Concerned with the nature of the phenomena with which architects and planners have to deal in their work (quality, function, afford, aesthetic, etc.)

“Natural-environmental theory”: describe and explain nature of materials, geometry, structures,

and interplay between natural forces and the artificial environment

“Person-environmental theory”: describe and explain 3D layout of environment that can afford

different organisms for their habitats


Module 2.1 15

Procedural Theory

nature of praxis in environmental design

Description and process of how built environment (interior, buildings, landscape, etc) is self-consciously designed

Concerned with design methodology


Module 2.1 16

3. THE FRAMEWORK OF URBAN DESIGN THEORY

Subject Matterof Theory

Orientation of Theory

Positive Normative

ProceduralPositive

Procedural Theory

Professed

Practiced

SubstantivePositive

SubstantiveTheory

Professed

Practiced


Module 2.1 17

SUBSTANTIVE PROCEDURAL

POSITIVE

the nature of the phenomena with which architects and planners have to deal in their work (quality, function, afford, aesthetic, etc.)

Consists of:- “Natural-environmental theory”- “Person-environmental theory”

• Nature of praxis in environmental design

• Description and process of how built environment (interior, buildings, landscape, etc) is self-consciously designed

• Concerned with design methodology

• Weak in urban design

NORMATIVE

Articulate and interpret behavior, value and environment (Lynch)

Based on consensus agreed and the norms for a given time”

“What ought to be - what a good world is”

Value-laden statements on what ought to be

For action-oriented professions


Module 2.1 18

SUBSTANTIVE PROCEDURAL

POSITIVE

Figure Ground Theory (Trancik)

Linkage Theory (Trancik)Place Theory (Trancik)Theories of Perception Image of the City (Lynch)

Internalized Method (Shirvani)

Incremental Method (Shirvani)

Fragmental Method (Shirvani)

Radical Method (Shirvani)

NORMATIVE

Cosmic Theory (Lynch)Mechanic Theory (Lynch)Organic Theory (Lynch)Garden City (Howard)Beautiful City (Olmsted) Linkage Theory (Trancik)Place Theory (Trancik)Functionalist theory (Attoe)Broadacre City (Wright)Radiant City (Le Corbusier)Good City (Lynch)

Rational Method (Shirvani) Synoptic Method (Shirvani) Scientific Design Process

(Moughtin)


Module 2.1 19

POSITIVE

Fig. Pattern of solids and voids

Figure Ground Theory

Fig. Diagram of Urban Design Theory


Module 2.1 20

POSITIVELinkage Theory


Module 2.1 21

POSITIVEPlace Theory


Module 2.1 22

NORMATIVECosmic Theory


Module 2.1 23

NORMATIVEMechanic Theory


Module 2.1 24

NORMATIVEOrganic Theory


Module 2.1 25

Example of Substantive Theory(Attoe & Logan 1989)

STANCESAPPLICATION INTO

URBAN DESIGN VISION

FUNCTIONALISMTowers in a ParkSuperblock

HUMANISM

TownscapeParticipationHeterogeneity

SYSTEMICExpress TrafficEfficient Transit

FORMALISMCivic AxisPublic Realm


Module 2.1 26

NORMATIVEFunctionalist theory


Module 2.1 27

Towers in a Park

FUNCTIONALISM

Superblock


Module 2.1 28

HUMANISM


Module 2.1 29

SYSTEMIC


Module 2.1 30

FORMALISM

Fig. Civic Axis

Fig. Public Realm

Fig. Civic Axis


Module 2.1 31

References:

Attoe, Wayne; Donn Logan (1989). American Urban Architecture. Berkeley: Univ. of California Press

Lang, Jon (1987). Creating Architectural Theory. New York: Van Nostrand Reinhold

_______ (1994). Urban Design: the American Experience. New York: Van Nostrand Reinhold

Lynch, Kevin (1988) The Image of The City. 9th ed. Cambridge, MA. The MIT Press

_______ (1990). Good City Form. 7th ed. Cambridge, MA. The MIT Press Moudon, Anne Vernez (May 1992). ”A Catholic Approach to Organizing What

Urban Designers Should Know.” Journal of Planning Literature, Vol. 6, No. 4.hl. 331-349

Rowe, Peter (1992). Design Thinking. Cambridge: The MIT Press Shirvani, Hamid (1985). The Urban Design Process. New York: Van Nostrand

Reinhold Trancik, Roger (1986). Finding Lost Space. New York: Van Nostrand Reinhold Wilson, William H (1984). The City Beautiful Movement. Baltimore: The Johns

Hopkins Univ. Press

2.1 pl 4002_framework of ud theory 09

Documents

urban design module

urban design content

design principles

normative theory

successful theory

theory buildingto

concept of structure

descriptive models