NUS Design Dialogues book publication

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Graduate

Urban Planning

DEP5104

DEP5105

ISD5105

URBAN AND REGIONAL ECONOMICS G

URBAN INFRASTRUCTURE AND MOBILITY SYSTEMS

PRINCIPLES OF SUSTAINABLE URBANISM

Today most people live, learn and work in cities. Cities are also faced with many challenges, ranging from extreme poverty to environmental risks. These challenges are especially daunting for developing countries. Many cities in these countries are ill prepared for the rapid urbanization process. Housing shortage, traffic congestion, inadequate public transit, and unequal access to education and health care are among the pressing issues. Even in developed economies, rising income inequality in recent decades poses a big challenge for cities to become more inclusive.

This course covers the major aspects of urban infrastructure including power, water and sewage. However, the main emphasis is on mobility systems. This recognises that the economic development of cities is based on access to people, goods, services and information. The better and more efficient the access, the greater the economic benefits through economies of scale, agglomeration effects and networking advantages. Traditionally, accessibility has been a function of the urban form and the mobility systems, although now telecommunications and particularly the internet are increasingly important. However, its mobility or transport systems retain a uniquely important role in a city’s success as a place to live, work and enjoy.

Anuja Karve, Ericko S Limartha, Han Jieyu, Jin Ling, Loh Sze Sian, Pradeep Attavar Alva, Shirlynn Ong Shi Hui, Winny Irwanto

Urban planners are responsible for managing land and space, the scarcest resource in cities. Since they assume such an important role, decisions made by them affect the daily lives of everyone profoundly. Economics is a discipline about the allocation of scarce resources. It is important that planners know about the basic conceptual framework and the quantitative approach available in the economic toolbox.

The course covers some of the fundamental design concepts of transport systems which assists in understanding their space requirements in the urban environment, and the accompanying constraints. Design toolboxes are provided for addressing common issues which arise.

Students in this module learn how to use economic principles to understand issues relating to policies and economics in urban and regional growth. Some of the topics covered include why cities exist, why firms cluster, urban growth, system of cities, land rents and land use patterns, real estate cycles, land use planning, location decisions of firms, industries, and households, roles of local government, income and racial segregation, public finance and regional competitiveness policies.

Group exercises allow students to explore planning public transport networks and active mobility networks. An individual essay is used to explore the broader strategic elements of planning and developing a city’s mobility or transport systems. Current transport master plans for two regions are compared and analysed. Real world case studies are used to understand processes such as Traffic Impact Assessments and their place in the overall planning framework.

The module consists of both the traditional lectures and in-class discussions of assigned readings, which include classical essays on urban development, recent development in the academic literature, and policy reports. Development of analytical skills through problem solving exercises is another key feature of the module. Students are also engaged in a team-based project, involving identification, description, and solution of a particular urban problem. This project is closely guided by the lecturer and coordinated with other modules offered within the MUP program.

The influence of transport on the organisation of urban space is examined through examples such as transit oriented development, the Radburn model, and the environmental block concept.

LI QIANG Coordinator

EMILY TAN Coordinator

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The accelerated, often rampant, growth of cities in Asia alters the quality of their inhabitant’s lives, their ecological footprints and community bonds. Coping with urban growth affects not only those in the city, it also affects residents of rural and periurban areas that are increasingly threatened by urban sprawl. This module investigates various historical and economic forces shaping urban developments, identifies the elements of urbanism that have a direct impact on the environment (such as transport infrastructure) and offers insights into how sustainability principles might lead to new paradigms for urban rejuvenation and growth. DR. HENG CHYE KIANG Coordinator

Sustainability is another current concern which is closely intertwined with infrastructure and mobility. What is a sustainable transport system and how do we move towards it? The course aims to stimulate thinking on these questions.

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Graduate

Integrated Sustainable Design

Hong Kong Central Dr. Nirmal Kishnani, AsmaAnne Khawatmi TUTOR

PRADEEP ATTAVAR ALVA, SHUCHI JALANI, SHRUTHI SRINIVAS, WINNY IRWANTO This site on Hong Kong Island consists of four different administrative districts (Shueng Wan, Central, Sai Ying Pun & Midlevels). It represents both opportunities and conflicts in a highly dense urban environment. The group’s approach was an integration of systems, old and new. This was translated into various strategies: the enhancement of mobility with a new north-south link; a new development that enhances ecological services; rethinking existing public spaces by intensifying greenery and restoring hydrological flows; creating a strong social network in the form of 20 km long waterfront promenade; the waterfront is also an integrated hub of clean technologies and new urban spaces.

Left (from top to bottom): 1. Concept plan of 1x1 km2 2. Proposed strategies using multi-scalar approach 3. Concept axonometric: Urban Synergy, showing the integration between many systems Right: 4. Outcomes

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DR. NIRMAL KISHNANI: The site is literally a sampling of Hong Kong Island’s various settings, from waterfront to hillside, private enclaves to public space networks, ancient landmarks to newly formed pocket parks. The group’s approach takes advantage of the flow of people and water from midlevels to the waterfront. This axis becomes the new binding element that accentuates

existing flows and creates new spaces and elements that enrich the experience of city dwellers. The most innovative act of integration links the energy demands of the site – in the form of a new power plant – with public space. The power plant becomes an urban object that directs the flow of people, its roof becoming a new elevated green space from which to enjoy the city. 490


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