Community Planning & Design

The Language of Design0101049

Character analysis

Assimilate all the data gathered into a purely subjective

document that subdivide the site into a variety of zones and

identifies the inherent ambiance of each. Provide plausible

justification for the location of specific uses in specific

areas.

Analysis drawingsExisting conditions map

Topography, geography, soils, climatic inf., plant and animal life,

local ordinances, environmental impact such as floodplain, air

and water quality, (sub)surface drainage (hydrology), existing

structures (buildings, streets, utilities), unique features

(wetland, archaeological or historical site)

Site analysis

Objective data of the existing conditions

Realistic opportunities + subjective/intuitive design

considerations; certain observations and judgments can be

made with regard to access, circulation, entry, views, visibility,

existing and potential focal points;

The design phaseNever one perfect plan.

The optimum solution will probably be the one that is the

best marriage of the market-driven goals of the program

and the desires of the community. –not necessarily the one

that makes the prettiest picture.

Freehand graphic sketch plan

Bubble diagram

The Inspiration of DesignDesign, much like writing, making music, and creating art,

is very kinetic; however, it sometimes needs to be helped

along. Inspiration is the grease that can get the freight

train of design moving. But it is not easy to come by. It is

true that if you have a good program, but the battle is half

won, calling up your inspiration is equally important.

There are three sources of inspiration: the natural world,

the manufactured world, and abstract thought.

1. The natural worldThe beauty of the natural world is unmatched for inspiring

creativity. The perfect geometry of Shell, the intricacy of the veins

in a leaf from your own backyard, the rich color of the desert

landscape at sunset,…..inspiration abounds if you only look for it.

Natural world(2)

In natural world we find not only beauty but also

economy of energy, doing the most with the least

with little or no waste.

A tubular column: the strongest structural element:

reed or tree trunk—maximum weight is supported

by the least amount of mass;

Cactus—trunk and leaf merged, reducing the

surface area subject to moisture loss and enabling

it to survive in the most hostile envrnmnt.

Natural world(3) Bubble: honeycomb

The wings of a bumblebee and an eagle

differ dramatically in size, structure and

composition, yet each performs its

intended function flawlessly.

Nature loves balances and symmetry. All

trees of a species branch in a certain

pattern, but no two are exactly the same.

With nature as a guide, don’t be afraid

to think in ways that are new or

unique.

2. The built environmentAnalyze places, and explore why they are preferred to more

conventionally design places.

Qs:

Why are some of the more traditional towns from the past

still functional and desirable today?

Why have the ceremonial boulevard and the customary

location of the marketplaces at key intersections of travel

stood the test of time?

Why do the resorts, the theme parks, the historical areas

attract droves of us to their quaint and crowded streets?

The built environment(2) In our travel and daily lives, be aware of our surroundings,

take note of our reactions to the spaces through which we

move; we can learn from the BE by asking ourselves what

works and what does not. What could have been done to

make it better?

To simply identify a problem? Image a solution to the

problem presented.

Learn from the successes of the past, but also from the

blunders. The philosopher spoke well who said: “Those who

cannot remember the past are condemned to repeat it”.

3. Abstract thought-the emotional connection Inspiration is not always limited to what we can see and touch,

but can often be inferred from emotions and feelings, which

are abstract concepts.

Joy, excitement: elements of color, texture, pattern and

surprise

Reverence, introspection: smooth, curing lines and rolling

topography

Calming, soothing and reassuring: The use of water, shade,

color green;

Sharp angles, hard surface and hot color: excitement;

Drawing what we thinkThink conceptually and understand graphic communication

techniques, one needs to know the graphic language of

community design;

A good plan: Descriptive and informative simultaneously;

The language of design consists of the graphic symbols that

represent the building blocks of community.

Discernable and distinct symbol: distill complicated

patterns, land uses and activities into very simple images

that are easily drawn and readily understood.

consistent repertoire

Drawing what we think

Hand-drawn, manual design –computer-aided design for

conceptual plans.

Symbolism for substance

Paths: linear, free-form,

continuous, dashed, dotted,

with arrows to denote

directions.

Edges: linear, boundaries

Districts: areas of

commonality.

Nodes: the core or center of a

district, a transition between

two districts.

Landmark: asterisks, stars

Axial design: strong linear

connections

Hierarchy: gradation betwn two

different spaces;

Transitional elements: the

overlap areas

Dominant feature

Sense of enclosure (Horizontal

& vertical)

Circulation: a hierarchy of

circulation system is essential

for good design

How does it work?Get the pencil moving

Start slowly

Start with the elements of the site

Hand and eye react together

look at the site in terms of circulation, open space and

structures, but independently of one another;

Make connections: learning to see the connections between

the seemingly unrelated elements is a skill.

Constantly questioning the status quo

Do not get too attached to any one solution, either. No plan

is perfect;

Do not be afraid to leave a particular challenging scenario

when you are just not get anywhere with it. It is better to

take a break and come back fresh than to keep hammering

at it and get frustrated;

If you are pressed for time and cannot afford to take a

break, try walking around to the other side of the table.

Rethink your approach, readjust, recalibrate your thinking.

Think on your feet; design should be done standing up.

In summary, learning the graphic language of design is

essential if we are going to put all of it together and

communicate our ideas effectively. Creating our own and

interpreting the drawings of others require a thorough

understanding of how the building blocks of community are

represented on paper.