In our recent Urban Design Seminar, a classmate and I had the opportunity to present two significant readings that delve into different perspectives on city planning. The first was “City Planning According to Artistic Principles” by Camillo Sitte, a classic text that emphasizes the role of artistry and human experience in urban design. The second, “The Glory, Destruction, and Meaning of the City Beautiful Movement” by William H. Wilson, explores the history and impact of a movement that aimed to beautify cities while addressing broader societal challenges.
Our presentation focused on key topics from the readings, such as:
- Historical Context: How urban design has evolved from past centuries.
- Landmarks and Public Spaces: The role of monuments and squares in creating identity and civic pride.
- Irregularity and Variety: Sitte’s critique of rigid, grid-like city planning, arguing for a more organic, varied layout.
- Spatial Enclosure: The sense of containment and community that well-designed public spaces offer.
Following the discussion, we engaged the class in an interactive activity. Our classmates were divided into four small groups, each tasked with designing a city from scratch. They had 20 minutes to create plans, sections, and perspectives for their city, incorporating at least two public squares, three monuments, and influences from both historical and modern urban planning practices (such as green spaces and walkability).
As we regrouped to discuss the outcomes, it was fascinating to see how each group integrated ideas from Sitte and Wilson. Some focused on the artistic arrangement of public spaces, while others leaned into the City Beautiful Movement’s ideals of grandeur and beauty. The process also brought challenges to light, such as balancing historical influences with modern needs and making quick decisions on the organization of space.
Most of us come from architecture backgrounds, while a few are urban designers or landscape architects. This exercise pushed us to think beyond the building scale we’re accustomed to and consider the larger, more dynamic context of a city. It was a valuable experience, blending historical theory with hands-on design in a way that highlighted the complexity and creativity involved in urban planning.