Informed Design Decision-Making: From Digital Analysis to Urban Design

Abstract

This study describes a new approach to explore the design of public open spaces based on a multidimensional analysis useful to inform decision-making and foster the development of evidence-based architectural solutions. It presents an overview of the most relevant design variables and their constraints, providing, in this way, valuable information for the elaboration of a more sustainable urban design, considerate of the local socio-cultural values. This research aims at providing holistic guidance for the development of better design proposals in contemporary urban environments. More specifically, it seeks to synchronously characterize urban spaces at a multi-scale and multidimensional level, both quantitatively and qualitatively, by collecting contributions from Space Syntax Theory, Public Life Studies, Building Science and Environmental/Comfort Analysis in public open spaces. Many advanced digital tools are used for data management purposes and to generate and test iteratively different design proposals. The proposed methodology is based on a range of tests and analyses performed in the process of developing a new experimental project for Largo da Graça, an urban square located in Lisbon's historic centre, which allowed the testing of different design solutions. This experiment generated a digital workflow for the design of the urban square, in which are registered all the steps undertaken to solve the many design problems identified by considering the efficiency targets (centrality, connectivity, enclosure, thermal comfort, security, social equity and interaction). The process comprises a sequence of comparative design reviews and records the choices made when dealing with latent information underlying changing conditions in the use of public space and the programmatic malleability of the Portuguese plaza. The description of the adopted design strategy and the examples extracted from the workflow are used to illustrate the practical approach of the proposed methodology. Ultimately, this study seeks to show how tightening the link between applied research and sustainable urban design can effectively support the design and planning of better public open spaces.KEYWORDS: Design Methods; Public Space Design; Parametric Architecture; Multidimensional Analysis; Space Syntax.RESUMO: Este artigo descreve uma nova abordagem ao desenho do espaço público aberto, baseada numa análise multidimensional orientada para a tomada de decisão e para o desenvolvimento de soluções arquitetônicas assentes em evidências. Apresenta uma visão geral das variáveis mais relevantes de projeto e suas restrições, fornecendo assim informações úteis para o desenvolvimento de um desenho urbano mais sustentável, que considera os valores sociais e culturais locais. Este trabalho propõe fornecer uma ferramenta de orientação holística para o desenvolvimento de melhores propostas de projeto em ambientes urbanos contemporâneos; mais especificamente, visa caracterizar de forma síncrona os espaços urbanos através de análises multiescala e m...

Multiscale Configurational Approach to the Design of Public Open Spaces After Urban Disasters

“…Therefore, the authors analyse the pre-earthquake (T1), postearthquake (T2), current (T3) and hypothetical future (T4) road network configurations of Arquata del Tronto as well as the area of Borgo1 and its immediate context to identify a suitable space to design a new square (T5), with adequate qualities to be a successful and socially oriented public place. This research complement results and partially assesses the reliability of Space Syntax analysis models by using empirical evidence from a Public Life study [18]. The design decision-making process including how the analysis is used to iteratively set and assess design aims in a reflective manner is illustrated in sections 2.1 and 2.2.…”

“…The agent-based analysis simulates navigational performance and pedestrian flow intensity through a Gate Count. According to Pezzica et al [18] selecting a few suitable variables can help the designer focusing on the most significant properties of a space, while increasing control over design outputs and simplifying project evaluation.…”

“…Using field Public Life Studies observations techniques [27], Space Syntax analysis models can be validated [18] and used to simulate "what if" scenarios, while relevant guidelines for encouraging space appropriation by the public [28] can be useful to set further design choices.…”