Towards a Methodology for Flexible Urban Design: Designing with Urban Patterns and Shape Grammars

José P Duarte and José Beirão

Environment and Planning B, 2011, vol. 38, issue 5, 879-902

Abstract: Traditional urban plans use definitive design systems, without the flexibility required to deal with the complexity and change that characterize contemporary urban societies. To conceive urban plans with increased flexibility, a shape grammar-based design methodology is proposed which is capable of producing various design solutions instead of a single rigid layout. In this approach the plan is a design system encoding a set of alternative solutions, rather than a single, specific solution. This methodology was developed on the basis of the analysis of existing plans and on a series of experiments undertaken within the controlled environment of design studios. Results show that shape grammars produce urban plans with nondefinitive formal solutions, while keeping a consistent design language. They also provide plans with explicit and implicit flexibility, thereby giving future designers a wider degree of freedom. As a result, they are particularly appropriate for dealing with complexity and change throughout the legal lifespan of the plan. Finally, they provide students with a concrete methodology for approaching urban design, fostering the development of additional design skills.

Date: 2011
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Persistent link: https://EconPapers.repec.org/RePEc:sae:envirb:v:38:y:2011:i:5:p:879-902

DOI: 10.1068/b37026

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