Walkability and the human dimension in urban public spaces: How can urban planners/designers influence cities to focus more on people? (R-8537)

Cities are the places where people meet to exchange ideas, trade, or simply relax and enjoy themselves. A city's public domain - its streets, squares, and parks - is the stage and the catalyst for these activities. Asian cities have traditionally been cities of walkers, but with the increasing population densities and the exponential increase in motorization, it is no longer pleasant to walk in many Asian cities. As such, walkability is an interesting example of the broader topic of the human dimension in urban public spaces. A humane city with carefully designed streets, squares, and parks creates pleasure for visitors and passers-by, as well as for those who live, work, and play there every day. In developing countries, the plight of the human dimension is considerably more complex and serious. From this perspective, the main objective of the study is to deepen the knowledge of human dimensions in cities' public space. Using a variety of research methods, including walkability indices, comparative case studies, site analyses, mapping and Participatory Design methods, as well a Research by Design studies in the particular case of Ho Chi Minh City, we explore how cities can focus more on people and investigate the new role of urban planners and designer in the 21st century.

Keywords:Architecture

Disciplines:Architectural design