Responsive City
This research explores the dynamic and evolving fabric of New York City, examining how urban and architectural design integrates past knowledge with future perspectives to address both temporal and permanent needs. Chapter I delves into the principles of flexible design and connectivity that foster urban vitality. Chapter II focuses on mobile architecture, the role of infrastructure over time, public engagement, and the dual functions of celebration and protest in urban spaces. It also examines adaptive reuse and the importance of green initiatives. The concluding chapter synthesizes these themes, providing insights into the responsive nature of modern urban environments.
Table of Contents
Chapter I:
Integrating Past Knowledge and Future Perspectives in Urban and Architectural Design
Bridging Temporal and Permanent Needs in New York City
Fostering Vitality through Flexible Design and Connectivity
Urban Interfaces: Temporal and Permanent, Hard and Soft
Chapter II:
Mobile Architecture & Programs
Infrastructure: Past, Present and Future
Public Engagement: Identity
Celebration and Protest
Green City
Adaptive Reuse
Chapter III:
Conclusion
Chapter I:
Integrating Past Knowledge and Future Perspectives in Urban and Architectural Design
This research assesses the strategic applications and adaptations of cities' operational systems, drawing from the responsive tactics of both past and present cities, while aiming to foresee future perspectives.
This project consists of analysis and proposals, each presenting a critical dimension of urban and architectural design: morphological, conceptual, visual, social, temporal, and functional. The morphological dimension explores the physical forms and structures of urban spaces, while the conceptual dimension delves into the underlying ideas and theories that shape urban planning and architecture. The visual dimension focuses on the aesthetic aspects and visual impact of design, and the social dimension examines the interactions and relationships within communities influenced by urban design. The temporal dimension considers the evolution and changes in urban environments over time, and the functional dimension addresses the practical and utilitarian aspects of urban spaces and their capacity to meet the needs of their inhabitants. Through these diverse perspectives, the research aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of the complexities involved in urban and architectural design.[1]
Bridging Temporal and Permanent Needs in New York City
New York City is one of the world’s oldest and densest metropolises. Often, temporal and permanent needs coexist, and to adapt, soft interfaces are organically developed to fill the voids of hard interfaces. Hard interfaces, such as buildings and infrastructure, take a considerable amount of time to transform and accommodate the fast-changing needs of the people. To bridge these gaps, softer, more flexible elements are introduced, such as mobile programs, temporary structures, and events. These mobile units can provide individual or collective programs needed in neighborhoods to meet demands or serve as part of a vitalization strategy. This strategy should not be limited to post-implementation but should also be considered during the programming and planning. This approach will allow for a smoother transition from urban-scale development to building-scale development, providing multi-purpose, flexible spaces that can change and evolve over time.
[1] Matthew Carmona et al., Public Places Urban Spaces (New York: Routledge, 2010), vii-viii
Fostering Vitality through Flexible Design and Connectivity
“By their imageability or distinctiveness of form; By their visibility as people move around the city; By their role as a setting for activity; and by the significance of their role in society.” – Kevin Lynch
The components of cities—its streets, buildings, open spaces, and infrastructure—form intricate series of networks. These networks are interconnected, with each element influencing and enhancing the others, cultivating an integrated city. This interconnected relationship between different urban components fosters a dynamic, living environment that adapts to the needs of its inhabitants.
Open spaces, parks, and plazas are indispensable to urban fabric. These green spaces act as vital connectors, weaving through the city to provide pathways that link different neighborhoods. They serve as sanctuaries within the urban landscape, offering residents places to rest, gather, and interact. Parks and plazas are urban oases, essential for mental and physical well-being, offering a refuge from the hustle and bustle of city life. They also support biodiversity, improve air quality, and enhance the overall quality of life, transforming the city into not just a place to live, but a place to thrive.
Streets intersect with the transient population, seamlessly merging into open spaces. In these scenarios, multiple crucial facets of urban dynamics converge: transient populations, programming, connectivity, and open space. Planned intersections introduce complexity into urban functionality. For instance, a park might feature benches, open spaces, pedestrians passing by, and an artist playing the violin. Individually, these elements are everyday occurrences and park amenities, but together, they can transform the space into a lively music venue.
Urban Interfaces: Temporal and Permanent, Hard and Soft
The city is composed of various types of interactive interfaces—fixed, mobile, virtual, physical, new, and old. Accessible interfaces promote the exchange of information and materials, thereby activating spaces. Assessment strategies are being developed to facilitate interactions between people. Fixed interfaces serve as convergence points, connecting mobile nodes and enhancing the overall functionality and dynamism of urban spaces.
In response to the spontaneous, fast-changing needs of people, mobile programs such as food trucks, traveling libraries, and pop-up stores are often introduced in dense neighborhoods of New York City. These mobile units fill gaps in services and amenities. These flexible programs can be temporary or semi-permanent, yet they effectively address deficiencies and serve as part of vitalization strategies. In urban planning, master planning, and building design, elements need to allow soft and interactive interventions. This approach will extend the life of buildings and facilitate timely adaptation to users' needs.
Adapting to technological advancements, smartphones, telecommunication systems, applications, and the Internet are bridging virtual and physical playgrounds in urban environments. Various types of information are readily accessible via smartphones and computers, with websites serving as gateways for announcing and broadcasting information. Real-time apps further simplify access to this information, enhancing connectivity and accessibility in modern cities.
Email at praxes@praxes-ny.com for more information.