Tag: Urban

Geospatial Analysis and Modelling of Urban Structure and Dynamics (GeoJournal Library)

Foamboards

A Coming of Age: Geospatial Analysis and Modelling in the Early Twenty First Century Forty years ago when spatial analysis first emerged as a distinct theme within geography’s quantitative revolution, the focus was largely on consistent methods for measuring spatial correlation. The concept of spatial au- correlation took pride of place, mirroring concerns in time-series analysis about similar kinds of dependence known to distort the standard probability theory used to derive appropriate statistics. Early applications of spatial correlation tended to reflect geographical patterns expressed as points. The perspective taken on such analytical thinking was founded on induction, the search for pattern in data with a view to suggesting appropriate hypotheses which could subsequently be tested. In parallel but using very different techniques came the development of a more deductive style of analysis based on modelling and thence simulation. Here the focus was on translating prior theory into forms for generating testable predictions whose outcomes could be compared with observations about some system or phenomenon of interest. In the intervening years, spatial analysis has broadened to embrace both inductive and deductive approaches, often combining both in different mixes for the variety of problems to which it is now applied.

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5 Celestial Viewing Platforms in Urban Spaces

Foamboards

As we continue to congregate in increasingly urban, built-up, and densely populated areas, looking up at the sky has almost become a forgotten luxury. (When’s the last time you watched the sun set?) Bright city lights and pollution make it nearly impossible to see any sort of cosmic matter with the naked eye. To prevent the “big dipper” from becoming something we’ve only read about, a sort of mythical constellation, it is essential to take back our environmental awareness, and, perhaps, the pastime of stargazing — and you don’t have to leave the comforts of your big city to do it. Recently, Cardin Ramirez Julien + Ædifica teamed up to design Rio Tinto Alcan Planetarium in Montréal, Canada’s second largest city. The site creates a trifecta of well-connected (physically and visually) cultural establishments — the Biodome, Olympic Stadium, and planetarium. Functionality and use rely heavily on the visitors and their desire to connect the experience of stargazing with the act of being in nature as a whole, ultimately creating a public space that serves as an escape within the city that patrons can call their own. Of course, this isn’t the only celestial viewing spot implanted into an urban space …

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Urban Modelling: Algorithms, Calibrations, Predictions (Cambridge Urban and Architectural Studies)

Foamboards

Originally published in 1976, this book introduced a series of mathematical models of urban phenomena relevant to scientists and planners attempting to understand and predict the form of cities and regions. Dr Batty organises the book around the main theme of designing and using such models in practical situations and develops a family of static and dynamic models dealing with the location of land use and economic activities. He describes the models both as urban theories and as computer algorithms, and thoroughly explores the process of calibrating or ‘tuning’ the models to reflect reality. Problems concerning the definition of the spatial systems to which these models refer are examined, as are other practical difficulties such as data organisation. The quasi-experimental approach which characterises this style of computer model-building extends to using the models in conditional prediction and Dr Batty discusses their role in the planning process, with their use in testing the impact of public policies on existing conditions.

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Five Architecture And Urban Planning Trends We Hope To See More Of In 2014

Foamboards

As 2013 comes to a close, we are taking the opportunity to look back on the memorable trends that have influenced the larger dialogue of architecture and urban design. From the beach-side city of Miami slowly transforming into the USA’s next design center, to a mushrooming of super-tall skyscrapers competing for the distinction of “world’s tallest building,” to proposals for entire cities that function on renewable energy and sustainable building practices, 2013 may be remembered best for the proposals by big-named architects seeking to claim attention-grabbing titles over the next couple of years. The upcoming year presents numerous challenges to architects, especially in solving issues of sustainability and climate change, an ever increasing income gap in our largest cities, and planning for the smart growth of cities, especially as the world’s population becomes increasingly urbanized. Looking forward to the next year, here are the architecture and planning trends that we hope to see more of in 2014. 1. Adapting coastal cities to climate change through resilient design The profound devastation experienced throughout the New York Metropolitan area in the wake of Hurricane Sandy made us come face-to-face with a dismal reality: as worldwide carbon levels in the atmosphere continue to …

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“Urban Fold” Paper City Creator Set Puts Twist on Traditional Building Blocks

Foamboards

In a hybrid of LEGO and origami, Paper Punk has created their first boxed set of punch-and-fold, customizable paper building blocks. Urban Fold is the California-based company’s newest creation by founder Grace Hawthorne, a designer, author, and artist from San Francisco who currently teaches at Stanford University’s d.school (Institute of Design). The set gives builders […]

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Integrated Land Use and Transport Modelling: Decision Chains and Hierarchies (Cambridge Urban and Architectural Studies)

Foamboards

The integration of the location of activities in space and the use of transport has been a theoretical planning issue for many years. However, most books on this subject treat each component of the land use and transportation system with different, sometimes even conflicting, theories. The purpose of this book is to present the issue in the light of a single and consistent theoretical framework, that of random utility theory and discrete choice models. This is achieved in a methodical way, reviewing microeconomic theory related to the use of space, spatial interaction models, entropy maximising models, and finally, random utility theory. Emphasis is given to the concepts of decision chains and hierarchies. Spatial input-output models are also discussed, followed by chapters specifically dealing with the location of activities, the land market and the transport system. The book ends with the description of a number of real case studies to show how the theory can be used in practice.

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Integrated Land Use and Transport Modelling: Decision Chains and Hierarchies (Cambridge Urban and Architectural Studies)

Foamboards

The integration of the location of activities in space and the use of transport has been a theoretical planning issue for many years. However, most books on this subject treat each component of the land use and transportation system with different, sometimes even conflicting, theories. The purpose of this book is to present the issue in the light of a single and consistent theoretical framework, that of random utility theory and discrete choice models. This is achieved in a methodical way, reviewing microeconomic theory related to the use of space, spatial interaction models, entropy maximising models, and finally, random utility theory. Emphasis is given to the concepts of decision chains and hierarchies. Spatial input-output models are also discussed, followed by chapters specifically dealing with the location of activities, the land market and the transport system. The book ends with the description of a number of real case studies to show how the theory can be used in practice.

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