architectural

2. THEORY AND METHODS OF URBAN DESIGN
ABSTRACT

3. THEORY AND METHODS OF URBAN DESIGN
BACKGROUND
• Whyte believed that public spaces should prioritize the needs and well-being of people,
rather than solely serving functional or economic purposes. He emphasized the
importance of creating comfortable and welcoming spaces that encourage social
interaction and community engagement.
• to create vibrant and unique public spaces that reflect the character and culture of their
surrounding communities. He believed that successful public spaces are those that are
designed with the input and participation of local residents, and that reflect their values
and aspirations.
• Whyte recognized the importance of environmental sustainability in urban design, and
advocated for the creation of public spaces that are not only aesthetically pleasing and
socially engaging, but also environmentally responsible.
• Whyte believed that public spaces should be accessible and open to all members of the
community, regardless of socioeconomic status or background. He saw public spaces
as important sites for democratic participation and civic engagement, where people can
come together to discuss and address important issues facing their communities.
• He emphasized the importance of empirical research and observation in understanding
how people use and interact with public spaces, and argued that urban design should
be based on a thorough understanding of the needs and preferences of local
communities.
WHILLIAM WHYTE’S IDEOLOGY (SOCIAL LIFE OF SMALL URBAN
SPACES)

4. THEORY AND METHODS OF URBAN DESIGN
SCOPE
• The scope of the theory also includes the identification of successful design elements
that promote social interaction in public spaces, such as movable seating, access to
sunlight, the presence of food vendors, and the provision of public art.
• Its scope is primarily focused on the social dimensions of urban design, and it has been
influential in shaping the way urban designers approach the design of public spaces.
• Whyte's theory explores the use and behavior of people in public spaces, including the
observation and analysis of how people sit, walk, talk, and interact with one another.
The theory also emphasizes the importance of designing public spaces that are
accessible, safe, and inclusive, and that support a range of social and cultural activities.
METHODOLOGY
• Whyte and his team conducted direct observations of people using public spaces,
recording their behavior and patterns of use over extended periods of time.
• They used a variety of techniques to gather data, including photography, video
recording, and the use of maps and diagrams to record patterns of movement and use.
• The study also included the use of surveys and interviews with people who were using
public spaces.
• By observing people's behavior in public spaces, Whyte was able to identify key design
features and elements that contributed to the social vibrancy and success of these
spaces.

5. THEORY AND METHODS OF URBAN DESIGN
BACKGROUND
• Trancik presents an ideology of urban design that emphasizes the importance of
designing public spaces and the urban fabric in a way that supports social interaction
and community engagement.
• Trancik argues that successful urban design should prioritize the creation of diverse and
accessible public spaces that foster social interaction, cultural expression, and
community engagement.
• He advocates for an approach to urban design that balances functional considerations
with aesthetic and social concerns, and that values the input and participation of local
communities in the design process.
• One of Trancik's key contributions to the field of urban design is his concept of "lost
space", which refers to underutilized or overlooked urban spaces that have the potential
to become vibrant and active public places.
• He argues that these spaces, which may include vacant lots, alleyways, or underutilized
public parks, can be transformed through thoughtful design interventions that support
social interaction and community engagement
• Trancik's ideology of urban design emphasizes the importance of designing public
spaces that support social interaction and community engagement, and that are
responsive to the needs and desires of local communities.
ROGER TRANCIK’S IDEOLOGY (FINDING LOST SPACES)

6. THEORY AND METHODS OF URBAN DESIGN
SCOPE
• A broad scope that encompasses a range of interconnected issues related to the design
of the urban environment.
• Trancik's theory is concerned with the idea that urban design should be guided by a
holistic, integrated approach that considers the multiple dimensions of the urban
environment.
• This includes the physical, social, cultural, and ecological aspects of the urban
landscape, as well as the historic and symbolic meanings associated with specific
urban spaces.
• The design of the urban environment should be tailored to the specific needs and
characteristics of a particular site or location, and should take into account the existing
built and natural environment.
• Trancik's theory emphasizes the importance of context and site-specificity in urban
design.
METHODOLOGY
• Trancik's methodology involves a combination of theoretical research, case studies,
and site analysis.
• Trancik emphasizes the importance of community engagement and participation in the
urban design process.
• One of the key methods used by Trancik is site analysis, which involves the detailed
examination of the physical, social, and cultural characteristics of a particular site or
location. This involves the use of maps, diagrams, and photographs to capture the
physical and spatial attributes of the site, as well as the historic and cultural meanings
associated with it.

7. THEORY AND METHODS OF URBAN DESIGN
SITE SELECTION (NIRALA BAZAR, AURANGABAD)

8. THEORY AND METHODS OF URBAN DESIGN
DISCUSSION / ARGUMENTS
Since, the technology have seen a drastic change in the past years and will also change in
coming years, the above mentioned theories does not justify some of the aspects in the
current scenario some of the arguments that can be taken into account are -
• The theory is based on observations and analysis of public spaces and may not fully
account for the needs and experiences of diverse communities in different urban
contexts.
• The theory places a strong emphasis on human behavior and social interaction in
public spaces but due to technological advancement people are not interested in going
to public spaces rather they prefer to sit at home and socialize on the online platform.
• William whytes’s theory of “Food attracts people, who attract more people” , has a
lot of limitations in todays world because of technology (food delivery apps – zomato,
swiggi, uber eats, etc) the food is delivered at your home and people do not need to
physically visit the place to have food.
• Overemphasis on the physical design of spaces: While the theory emphasizes the
importance of physical design elements such as stage, water features, and plantings in
promoting social interaction, due to mobile phones the people using the open space are
always on their phones rather that being present at the space.
• Overemphasis on behavior and neglect of context: Whyte's theory places a strong
emphasis on observing and analyzing human behavior in public spaces. However, the
theory may not fully account for social, cultural, and historical contexts of urban spaces.

9. THEORY AND METHODS OF URBAN DESIGN
DISCUSSION / ARGUMENTS
• Overemphasis on form over function: While the theory emphasizes the importance
of physical design elements, it may not fully account for the role of urban development
in shaping the design and use of urban spaces, as the physical infrastructure
development in present situation is very high which accounts to very less availability of
space at a very high cost.
• Emphasis on human experience: Trancik's theory emphasizes the importance of
designing public spaces for the human experience, such as by providing comfortable
seating, appropriate lighting, and easy access. This approach can enhance the quality
of life for urban residents and promote social interaction.
• Flexibility and adaptability: Trancik's theory advocates for designing urban spaces
that are flexible and adaptable to changing needs and uses. This approach can allow
for greater community engagement and involvement in shaping public spaces.
• Trancik's theory acknowledges the importance of sustainability in urban design, such
as by promoting the use of green infrastructure and renewable energy sources. This
approach can help to remove the negative environmental impacts of urbanization and
promote more sustainable cities.

10. THEORY AND METHODS OF URBAN DESIGN
CONCLUSION
• While William H. Whyte's theory of urban design has been influential in shaping
contemporary urban design, it may also be limited in its applicability in modern day
urban contexts and its ability to fully account for the complexities of urban design.
• Roger Trancik's urban design theory offers a comprehensive approach to designing
public spaces that prioritizes the human experience, cultural context, and sustainability.
This approach can enhance the quality of life for urban residents and promote more
vibrant and sustainable cities in modern day urban context.