Urban Design and Historic/Cultural Preservation Flashcards
Historic preservation
The act of protecting something that provides a valuable lesson about the past for future generations. The purview of organizations that work across the US, such as National Trust for Historic Preservation or National Park Service.
Cultural preservation
Preserving some types of legacy related to a place or people’s cultural identity, such as language or artifacts
Adaptive reuse
Refers to the act of renovating an existing building to serve another purpose. Adds financial or societal value to a community.
Urban design
A field that blends planning, landscape, and architecture. Focuses on the look and scale of a specific geographic area, such as a city, in a neighborhood, or a large scale development. Examines the spatial orientation of buildings and what surrounds them.
Wayfinding
A coordinated system of directional signs that identify where places of interest are located, how far away they are, and the path to reach them. Designed to be intuitive. Mostly for tourists.
Arts district
Many cities have a designated arts district that is a clustering of arts-related businesses. Sometimes happens organically over time. Sometimes intentional.
Placemaking
the process of turning public spaces into more of a community amenity. Connects a community’s cultural and social identity to the built environment. Requires community participation and often is grassroots led.
Placemaking attributes
sociability: how a place supports social activities and social cohesion; uses and activities: the amount and types of activities available in a place; access and linkages: where and how people can reach the place; comfort and image: the look and feel of a place appropriate for its location
Walkability
Buildings next to the sidewalk and facing the street are key feature that makes it easier to walk. Parking lots and large gaps between front doors are less walkable. Designed around automobiles scores low for walkability.
Infill development
the addition of new buildings on vacant land that is surrounded by existing development. Key aspect is its location in an area that already has public services. Considered a criterion of smart growth.
Mixed-use development
Development that combines multiple uses
Transit-Oriented Development (TOD)
high-density development constructed near a mass transit hub or stop. Can be considered a mixed-use development as well
