On the 2nd November the session was
attended by nine people.
Our sessions in the spring have
left us with some material that we feel can be of use. Out of
it, with some new additions, a draft has been made of what can
become 'performance criteria', a check-list that is used to
give directions in the planning process, considering all aspects
from the outset in an as comprehensive way as possible. The
material is here presented in different categories but all
aspects are interrelated. The very purpose of this procedure is
to create cohesion by progressively adopting new experiences
whenever necessary.
The source of the material is not any predetermined model of the
city. From these criteria different models can be made. Due to
lack of space only some of the available material has been
included here. The presentation is made to give an idea of how
the planning process can be made visible and open for general
input.
Character
Preservation of natural features.
Relationship between development & its environment.
Character through local ecology. Reflection of history &
functions of areas. Buildings embedded in greenery. Continuity
of built form.
Continuity & Enclosure
Continuous & coherent urban fabric
with attractive pedestrian streets. Relation of heights with
width of buildings & importance of open spaces. Definition
of neighbourhood, its area and character.
Quality of public realm
Different types of plazas, squares,
parks, streets, paths. Different character of informal,
cultural, civic, recreational, commercial spaces. Frequent
street entrances to ensure activity. Exclusion of disturbing
traffic. Friendliness to children, elderly & less-abled.
Legibility / Orientation
Focusing the views on important
routes, landmarks and landscape features. Design of public realm
to enhance the sense of the place. Coherent architectural styles
in different areas. Richness in details, particularly on ground
level. Focus on works of art.
Diversity
Mix of residences, work, culture,
services & play. Mixed uses in one building (one use above
another), in a street ( one use next to the other), in
neighbourhoods (groups of uses next to another). Distribution of
activities based on frequency of use. Mix of compatible uses
which interact positively in mutual support. Smaller
(integrated) structures (& not mega-structures) to allow
various design approaches by architects at different points in
time.
Ease of movement
Network of connected spaces &
routes. Streets should be public spaces, not traffic routes.
Minimise walking distance through mixed uses. Suitable density
to support public transport. Priority to public life, space
& safety, not to private vehicles.
Adaptability
Flexible buildings: floor-ceiling
heights & depths so as to allow various uses. Adoptable
ground floors for multiple uses over time. Provision for
expansion. Fine grained development is easier to adapt. Public
spaces allowing various uses ( events, festivals, markets.)
Temporary construction: bamboo, keet, low-cost structures.
Health
Transport and industries,
non-polluting & non-disturbing. Active noise barriers
wherever needed. Optimum acoustic condition in housing. Adequate
natural light. Arrangement of buildings to provide shade in
public places. Streets & cycle paths adequately shaded with
trees, pergolas, colonnades etc. Use of water for cooling (
fountains, reflecting pools, natural water bodies.)
Sustainability
Energy from renewable sources. Water
harvesting. Re-use of waste. Urban agriculture. Sufficient
density of population & compact layout of the city for
efficiency in service infrastructure & mobility. Synthesis
of traditional & modern technology. Vernacular architecture
as response to local climate, technology & building
materials.
Process
The planning process should be
flexible and open to new ideas & trends. Facilitate
consultation, participation & feedback from residents.
Encourage sense of community. Transparency.
