🎻Intro to Humanities Unit 8 – Architecture and Urban Planning

Key Concepts and Definitions

• Architecture the art and science of designing and constructing buildings and other physical structures
• Urban planning the process of designing and managing the development of cities and communities
• Built environment human-made surroundings that provide the setting for human activity, ranging from buildings to parks and infrastructure
• Vernacular architecture a style of architecture that is designed based on local needs, availability of construction materials, and reflecting local traditions
• Zoning the practice of dividing land into areas with specific regulations and restrictions on land use and development
• Gentrification the process of renovating and improving a neighborhood, typically resulting in increased property values and displacement of lower-income residents
• Sustainable design an approach to designing buildings and cities that minimizes environmental impact and promotes energy efficiency and resource conservation
• Walkability a measure of how friendly an area is to walking, considering factors such as sidewalks, traffic, and proximity to amenities

Historical Context and Evolution

• Early human settlements developed around 10,000 BCE, with the advent of agriculture and the need for permanent dwellings
• Ancient civilizations (Mesopotamia, Egypt, Greece, Rome) developed distinct architectural styles and urban planning principles
  • Greek architecture known for its use of columns, pediments, and symmetrical designs (Parthenon)
  • Roman architecture characterized by arches, domes, and the use of concrete (Colosseum, Pantheon)
• Medieval period saw the rise of fortified cities and the development of Gothic architecture (Notre-Dame Cathedral)
• Renaissance marked a revival of classical architecture and the emergence of planned cities (Florence, Venice)
• Industrial Revolution led to rapid urbanization and the need for new urban planning approaches to address overcrowding and poor living conditions
• Modernist movement in the 20th century emphasized functionality, simplicity, and the use of new materials and technologies (Bauhaus school)
• Postmodernism emerged in the late 20th century as a reaction against the austerity of modernism, embracing ornamentation and historical references
• Contemporary architecture and urban planning focus on sustainability, resilience, and adapting to the challenges of climate change and rapid urbanization

Architectural Styles and Movements

• Neoclassical architecture drew inspiration from the classical architecture of ancient Greece and Rome, characterized by symmetry, columns, and pediments (US Capitol Building)
• Gothic architecture known for its pointed arches, ribbed vaults, and large windows, often associated with medieval cathedrals and churches (Westminster Abbey)
• Art Nouveau a style that flourished in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, characterized by organic, flowing lines and decorative elements inspired by nature (Casa Batlló by Antoni Gaudí)
• Bauhaus a German art school that operated from 1919 to 1933, known for its functional, minimalist designs and its influence on modern architecture and design (Bauhaus Building in Dessau)
• International Style a modernist architectural style that emerged in the 1920s and 1930s, characterized by flat roofs, glass walls, and minimal ornamentation (Seagram Building by Mies van der Rohe)
  • Emphasized the use of industrial materials such as steel and concrete
  • Sought to create a universal architectural language that could be applied across cultures and regions
• Brutalism a style that emerged in the 1950s and 1960s, characterized by its use of exposed concrete and geometric, monolithic forms (Habitat 67 by Moshe Safdie)
• Postmodernism a movement that emerged in the 1960s as a reaction against the austerity and uniformity of modernist architecture, embracing eclecticism, ornamentation, and historical references (AT&T Building by Philip Johnson)
• Deconstructivism a style that emerged in the late 1980s, characterized by fragmented, non-rectilinear shapes and the appearance of chaos and disorder (Guggenheim Museum Bilbao by Frank Gehry)

Urban Planning Principles

• Land use planning the process of allocating different areas of a city for specific purposes, such as residential, commercial, industrial, or recreational uses
• Transportation planning the process of designing and managing transportation systems, including roads, public transit, and pedestrian and bicycle infrastructure
  • Aims to create efficient, safe, and accessible transportation networks that meet the needs of a growing population
  • Considers factors such as traffic congestion, air quality, and social equity
• Green space planning the process of incorporating parks, gardens, and other natural areas into urban environments to promote health, well-being, and environmental sustainability
• Mixed-use development an approach to urban planning that combines residential, commercial, and other uses within a single development or neighborhood, promoting walkability and reducing car dependence
• Transit-oriented development (TOD) an approach to urban planning that focuses on creating compact, walkable communities centered around public transit stations
• Smart growth a set of urban planning principles that emphasize compact development, mixed land uses, and the preservation of open space and natural resources
• New Urbanism a movement that emerged in the 1980s, advocating for the creation of walkable, mixed-use neighborhoods that promote social interaction and a sense of community (Seaside, Florida)
• Tactical urbanism a approach to urban planning that involves small-scale, short-term interventions that aim to improve the livability and functionality of urban spaces (parklets, pop-up parks)

Influential Architects and Planners

• Frank Lloyd Wright (1867-1959) an American architect known for his organic architecture, which emphasized harmony between human habitation and the natural environment (Fallingwater, Guggenheim Museum)
• Le Corbusier (1887-1965) a Swiss-French architect and urban planner, known for his contributions to modernist architecture and his vision of the "Radiant City" (Villa Savoye, Chandigarh)
• Jane Jacobs (1916-2006) an American-Canadian writer and activist who critiqued modernist urban planning and advocated for dense, mixed-use neighborhoods that foster social interaction and community (The Death and Life of Great American Cities)
• Oscar Niemeyer (1907-2012) a Brazilian architect known for his modernist designs and his contributions to the development of Brasília, the planned capital city of Brazil (Cathedral of Brasília)
• Zaha Hadid (1950-2016) an Iraqi-British architect known for her innovative, futuristic designs and her use of advanced technologies (Heydar Aliyev Center, Guangzhou Opera House)
  • First woman to receive the Pritzker Architecture Prize in 2004
  • Known for her parametric designs, which used computer algorithms to generate complex, fluid forms
• Rem Koolhaas (1944-present) a Dutch architect and urban theorist, known for his unconventional, provocative designs and his critiques of contemporary urbanism (Seattle Central Library, CCTV Headquarters)
• Jan Gehl (1936-present) a Danish architect and urban design consultant, known for his focus on creating livable, people-centered cities (Strøget pedestrian street in Copenhagen)
• Bjarke Ingels (1974-present) a Danish architect known for his innovative, sustainable designs and his "hedonistic sustainability" approach, which combines environmental responsibility with a focus on quality of life (8 House, Amager Bakke waste-to-energy plant)

Social and Cultural Impact

• Architecture and urban planning shape the physical and social fabric of cities, influencing how people live, work, and interact
• Well-designed public spaces (parks, plazas, streets) can foster social interaction, promote health and well-being, and contribute to a sense of community
• Poorly designed or neglected urban environments can contribute to social problems such as crime, poverty, and social isolation
• Gentrification, often driven by urban revitalization projects, can lead to the displacement of lower-income residents and the loss of cultural diversity
• Architectural heritage and historic preservation play a crucial role in maintaining a sense of place and cultural identity
  • Adaptive reuse the process of repurposing old buildings for new uses, can help to preserve historic structures while meeting contemporary needs
• Inclusive design practices aim to create built environments that are accessible and welcoming to people of all ages, abilities, and backgrounds
• Participatory planning approaches involve community members in the design and decision-making process, promoting social equity and empowerment
• Public art and cultural institutions (museums, theaters, libraries) can enhance the vibrancy and cultural richness of urban environments

Sustainability and Modern Challenges

• Climate change and environmental degradation pose significant challenges for architecture and urban planning in the 21st century
• Sustainable design practices aim to minimize the environmental impact of buildings and cities through strategies such as:
  • Energy efficiency using passive design techniques, renewable energy sources, and high-performance building envelopes
  • Water conservation implementing rainwater harvesting, greywater recycling, and low-flow plumbing fixtures
  • Material selection using recycled, locally sourced, and low-embodied energy materials
  • Waste reduction designing for adaptability, disassembly, and recycling
• Green infrastructure incorporates natural systems (green roofs, rain gardens, urban forests) into the built environment to mitigate the effects of climate change and improve urban resilience
• Resilient design strategies aim to create buildings and cities that can withstand and adapt to the impacts of climate change, such as sea-level rise, extreme weather events, and natural disasters
• Smart city technologies, such as sensors, data analytics, and automation, can help to optimize urban systems and improve resource efficiency
• Urban sprawl and car dependence contribute to environmental problems such as air pollution, habitat loss, and climate change
  • Compact, mixed-use development and transit-oriented design can help to mitigate these issues by reducing car use and preserving natural areas
• Social equity and environmental justice ensuring that the benefits and burdens of urban development are distributed fairly across society, particularly for marginalized communities
• Informal settlements and rapid urbanization in developing countries present unique challenges for providing adequate housing, infrastructure, and services in a sustainable and equitable manner

Case Studies and Notable Examples

• Curitiba, Brazil a city known for its innovative urban planning, including a highly efficient bus rapid transit (BRT) system and extensive green spaces
• Singapore a city-state that has successfully integrated green infrastructure, such as vertical gardens and rooftop farms, into its high-density urban fabric
• Copenhagen, Denmark a city that has prioritized cycling infrastructure and pedestrian-friendly streets, resulting in high rates of active transportation and improved public health
• High Line, New York City a public park built on a former elevated railway, exemplifying the adaptive reuse of industrial infrastructure for public benefit
• Masdar City, Abu Dhabi a planned city designed to be entirely powered by renewable energy and to showcase sustainable urban development in a desert environment
• Medellín, Colombia a city that has used innovative urban planning, such as cable cars and public libraries, to address social inequity and improve quality of life in low-income neighborhoods
• Vauban, Freiburg, Germany a sustainable urban neighborhood that features car-free streets, passive house design, and community-owned renewable energy systems
• Cheonggyecheon Stream Restoration, Seoul, South Korea a project that involved demolishing an elevated highway to restore a natural stream and create a linear park, improving the urban environment and catalyzing economic development