How do you balance beauty and function in urban design?

No.1 Look for simple solutions to complex issues. 2. Don't over design. "Less is more and More is less" 3. Good functional solution requires no cosmetic. Cosmetic requires constant upkeep and is heavy on maintenance. 4. Middle path is sustainable which is keeping balance in design parameters.

By seeing beauty in functionality and seeing functionality in beauty. There is a certain elegance in usefulness and efficiency, just as there is a purpose and economy in elegance.

- Have a clear understanding of the main purpose of the project, - Engage the community in the design process, - Work collaboratively with other disciplines to meet their requirements

Beauty vs Function is a false dichotomy. In fact, in order for an urban place (plaza, park, streetscape...) to function it must attract people, and in order to accomplish the latter, it must contribute to their delight and enjoyment. If the emotional appeal and sense of place is ignored, it will never truly 'function' as a city-building and community-building place.

While defining and aiming to bring your vision to reality an important aspect understanding the user mobility in that space and detailed study of how the ecosystem functions. The key is to unlock the potential the habitat, flora and fauna has to offer and integrate it in interactive scheme with the daily cycle of how a human is conducting his daily activities. Because while designing it is to understand that both the chains should enable each other and thrive in each others cycle. Urban designing is an ultimate game of clever amalgamation of nature provided elements, curated in a manner to uplift a setting.

By taking into consideration both aspects simultaneously throughout the entire process, the overall design, as well as each small aspect, must fulfill a function and be aesthetically pleasing as well.

Real beauty is when people continue to use urban designed space for generations. Secondly, whatever policy decision you take in its favour should be balanced and proportionate. Lastly, the adaptive re-use should be one of the core values of urban development.

I would consider what kind of space I would like to see myself in then being able to consider the balance between the aesthetic qualities and function of the space!

During my time at work, I often deal with clients who have a personal view of their site needs which defers or aligns with the council's vision and mine, of course. One way to produce the best outcomes is to first analyze the site's pros and cons, then understand what is possible and feasible by researching neighboring developments or similar precedents, and review zoning requirements, and other relevant city policies and UD guiding principles to comprehend what is realistic now and what is supported in the future. This would inform your design and complement/rehearse your vision for a particular site. The client loves certainty.

In my view each city has its own character and form. These should be the basis of any design exercise or project which shall has impact on the perception of the city. The practical example of this is The beautiful city planned and designed by Le Corbusier. Th physiography of the site has been studied in detail for evolution of design based upon human body. The potential of natural tributaries has been utilized by providing green buffer along the flow lines within the city. The different components of land use of city have been placed in manner to achieve maximum functionality. Whole city is divided into modules called sector having dimensions based upon walking capability of human.

Not only through the design process - also through the life of the project. Places where people have a sense of ownership and stewardship are well loved, taken care of, and flourish.

Collaborative involvement fosters trust among stakeholders, fostering a collective effort to create successful and inclusive urban environments.

Integrating users and experts in the design process can yield beneficial results by bringing forth a variety of opinions, discussions and perspectives that may be overlooked in isolated settings.This allows for a well rounded end result that addresses concerns at a grass-root level while still adhering to advanced methodologies by industry experts.

As my experience goes, for urban design proposals active involvement of stakeholders assures the acceptance of the project by the end-users. It induces the sense of ownership, if the opinions & suggestions get acknowledged by the authority.

This educational process is not just aimed at residents, but all entities involved, the public and private sector, service providers and potential generators of local development. This is the arduous task: educating the broad and complex system. However, in the same way as in formal education, this process can be gradual, choosing, for example, a case of a street, a block, an urban service, something with potential for improvement, but that requires a change in the current modus operanti . From case to case, as if it were the gradual evolution of a student, specific problems can be focused on, generating a comfortable and conducive learning environment, and encouraging broad engagement in broader planning.

Perhaps the most difficult task in a system with human components is exactly engagement, that is, how to transform planning into a sequence of actions that trigger something close to expected. In general, "pro" and "con" views are observed, with intense movements, sometimes passionate (non-rational), which, in general, generates difficulties in engagement in a greater aspect. Initially, the process of educating those involved is necessary. Education about the difficulties, limitations, potential and opportunities involved in urban planning.

Before we start designing something, we need to determine the goal first, what is for. The clear goal will lead us to what is exactly we want to design. In my opinion, we develop something to be function first, that is why we build it. After we finish to fulfil the aim of the building or whatever we create, we can start to modify it with our imagination or what we call it with beauty! the last, we need to engage and involve as many as possible people as the user. the great urban or city is the one that build with concept people centred oriented!

Research is your best friend, walk the mile-- literally! Get to know your users, get to know the history of the place and its surroundings, get to know the background stories, and get to know the autochthonous nature... Once you have quenched your input elements, you will be able to trace user routes that will define the intangible structure of its functional use, which then will allow you to design the 'void' spaces and imprint on each the inherent beauty of its local history and nature with your life knowledge to give it your personal-mystical touch :)

At Hub Planning we highly recommend conducting public consultation within the space your intending to design. Inform the community of the project, ask and witness the challenges first hand and ensure the public are empowered to inform the solutions.

Um projeto de intervenção urbana, muitas vezes são feitas sem a pesquisa dos moradores e suas necessidades. Podemos ver erros simples como praças transformadas em academia de terceira idade em frente a escolas publicas do primário, aonde teria um melhor aproveitamento se ali tivesse um parque. Colocação de grades em torno de parques para gerar uma falsa segurança e por si, impedindo a entrada voluntaria da comunidade e por fim, antes de qualquer coisa, saber o que os moradores anseiam em ter naquele terreno, uma praça, um parque, uma horta comunitária???

The context is essential relative to what will fit the location. It is also critical that the structure and potential land uses reflect what works in the marketplace. Talented architects can give us a good initial concept plan. The governing body also needs to weigh in with its "vision" for the area as well as any potential support in the areas of infrastructure investment and timing of the approval. Today Mixed Use seems to be the best approach for long term viability and adaptation to changing market conditions.

All the design principles should be applied while designing the urban spaces. This is something that shouldn't be compromised. The main concern is about those groups of people who don't value the design principles. These groups have immense authority and power over the projects because most of them are either investors or in government. Application of these principles cannot come into reality until and unless we Architects or Urban designers do not take a firm stand against it. I have many examples where the urban design is compromised and it has affected people's lifestyle, health and what not.

The inclusion of multiple scenarios in feasibility assessments in early pre-planning phase can assist in determining the most appropriate pathway forward.

"Kill your darlings" - that's the only way to stay objective during design phase. Looking at the assignment from different perspectives and suggesting polar solutions helps to find the best way and move further.

Lisez: "Une ville n'est pas un arbre" de Jean-Luc Fromental et Jean-Louis Floch, paru aux Humanoïdes Associés, 1989. Vous y découvrirez que la conception suivant un schéma d'un graphes connexes sans cycle simple (un arbre) voue l'heureuse viabilité du projet réalisé à l'échec.

Urban Design primarily deals with public space, it is inherent that function by default becomes the dominant factor, in the absence of which beauty can attract but not sustain. Beauty, it is said, is in the eye of the beholder, therefore involvement of the community in the design process very often decides the aesthetic quality of the design. However, community aspirations and values can be influenced through exposure to various alternatives and this is an area where the designer can extend his expertise to create unique and beautiful spaces.

Human Scale: Designing at a human scale enhances the pedestrian experience and fosters a sense of community. Elements such as sidewalks, street furniture, public art, and green spaces should be tailored to human proportions and promote interaction and connectivity. Green Infrastructure: Incorporating green infrastructure elements such as parks, green roofs, urban forests, and sustainable drainage systems not only enhances the aesthetic appeal of urban spaces but also provides ecological benefits, improves air and water quality, mitigates the urban heat island effect, and promotes biodiversity.

Aprender com seus acertos e erros é fundamental para evolução profissional, por isso sim, uma entrevista pós execução urbana do que foi feito, se agradou, gerou transtornos durante as execuções, se atendeu as expectativas, tudo isso são feedbacks valiosos para os próximos projetos.

One thing I have found helpful is to create a design/planning process that is highly iterative at each stage that enables rapid feedback and adaptability. It improves the chances of a more robust plan from kick off stage and reduces the future burden of multiple corrections and amendments.

Contextual Design: Understanding the unique context of the urban environment, including its history, culture, natural features, and existing built environment, is crucial. Design solutions should respond sensitively to these contextual factors to create a sense of place and cultural identity while also meeting functional requirements. Mixed-Use Development: Promoting mixed-use development encourages a variety of activities within a compact urban area. Integrating residential, commercial, recreational, and cultural uses fosters vibrant, walkable neighborhoods where people can live, work, and play conveniently.

You forgot the 'Science' of Urban Design...Kevin Lynch's book Site Planning talks about "the art and the science" of urban design. Patterns of activity; patterns of circulation and visual form. Visual for is the beauty. Activities and circulation are the science.

Balancing beauty and function can be a challenging aspect of Urban design but I am of the opinion that function should be prioritized. Function should be the first consideration in the design/building process. The needs of the users should be foremost in mind, placing priority on the socio-economic needs of the community. The focus on education, transportation, accessibility, civic spaces as well as natural or semi-natural spaces can inform the functional requirements, all while not forgetting sustainability. Beauty can then complement function, and of course, planning for the long-term needs of the environment being designed and built (such as upkeep and maintenance). Design and function can be cohesive.

Beauty and function are both subjective and experiential. Whilst there can be a consensus view on both, it will invariably change over time. In so much as it's possible to get either one 'right', the most important thing is to focus on quality and detail wherever possible.

We need to apply inclusion principle. The inclusive urban design balance beauty & function in our towns & cities in the global.

Il n'y a pas d'équilibre entre beauté et fonctionnalité. On ne peut pas corriger la fonctionnalité pour rendre le projet plus beau ou sacrifier la beauté pour rendre la fonctionnalité plus adéquate. La beauté est une qualité émergente d'un projet bien pensé. La fonctionnalité est aussi une qualité émergente d'une proposition d'usage bien pensée. Si le projet est bien pensé en termes de valeurs d'usages, il sera beau et fonctionnel.

To achieve a harmonious balance between aesthetics and functionality in urban design, architects and urban planner/Designer must integrate their knowledge and experience in architecture, urban planning, urban design, and sustainability without compromising any aspect. For example, a public space may be visually appealing and functional, but if it lacks inclusivity and ignores sustainability factors, it does not represent a proper balance. Just as sustainability involves balancing social, economic, and environmental factors without compromising any of them, achieving a balance between beauty and function in urban spaces requires considering architecture, urban planning, urban design, and sustainability factors equally.

I think a good marker of going too far on the beauty side is when a beautification feature inadvertently affects utility in a negative way. On the other hand, it is not beautiful when the utility is presented in a flat boring manner. The aim is to achieve the two goals collectively.

Maybe it's a cliché, but "form follows function". A beautiful design is a design that help you reach yours and the stakeholders' vision and goals, if the space you design is achieving what you aimed for in a seamless, accessible, inviting way it's a beautiful design. People love welcoming spaces that they know how to use, no need to make it complicated.

Beauty in urban language can be translated as the satisfaction of residents by their living environment. Satisfaction is reached when residents can meet their social, cultural, environmental, psychological and economic requirements in their living quarters. Successful urban planning patterns should evolve from the needs of the communities to arrive at vibrant, safe, and sustainable living areas.There is no single recipe for a beautiful and efficient urban planning pattern but it depends on the location , topography, fasade and available resources. Furthermore it should satisfy residents needs and aspirations.

Beauty and function are a false dichotomy. Some of the most 'effective' places are also those that are 'cherished'. In fact, arguably, it is impossible for one to excel without the other. It is useful to flip the conversation and consider that: the delight and enjoyment of a place is fundamental to its function; and, that the seamless functioning of day-to-day activities is part of its enjoyment.

Villages, towns and cities are humankind's greatest innovation. Their core purpose is to facilitate meeting and exchange; from goods and ideas to sex, money and power. The function of any place must therefore be to attract and retain people. Whether a single building or wider community, good design puts people first.

Functional aspects should form the foundation of any urban design. Prioritize elements like transportation efficiency, accessibility, and infrastructure to ensure the space serves its intended purpose effectively; Incorporate aesthetic elements such as landscaping, public art, or carefully chosen street furniture that harmonizes with the environment which can play apart in its sustainability too. Also design with adaptability in mind to accommodate evolving needs. Urban spaces should be flexible. It should strive for balanced allocation of space and promote walkability. Dont forget the people! Engage the community, their insights can help determine which aspects of beauty and function mean the most to them.

Urban design blends human-centered principles, sustainability, and resilience to craft functional and adaptable cities. It emphasizes walkability, mixed-use development, and vibrant public spaces to boost quality of life. Sustainable practices involve green infrastructure, energy-efficient buildings, and effective waste management. Economic viability is ensured through affordable housing and local investments, while social equity fosters inclusive, community-driven areas. Efficient public transit and smart technologies reduce car dependency. Preserving cultural elements and creating aesthetically pleasing spaces enhance community pride, while planning for climate resilience helps cities adapt to future challenges.

Be aware of what's happening in the ecosystem. Is the region looking at a net population loss? Is crime on the rise? Are office buildings under utilized? Lots of things have changed in cities and towns during the past 3 years. Plans from just a few years ago are probably out the window. There are a new set of problems that didn't even exist in 2019. It's time to rethink zoning, how buildings are used, traffic patterns, green space, etc. There's also new opportunities to make cities both beautiful and functional.

Deploying strategies with urbanites in mind will create places of both aesthetic and functional values. Functional and pleasant urban places are often those with great accessibility, STRONG sense of belonging which provoke great place making. From a simple public art installation to powerful urban elements an urban space can become both a pleasant and functional urban oasis.