URBAN DESIGN

SEM 8
SEMINAR ON URBAN DESIGN
VOCABULARY

THE PLANNING AND DESIGN OF CITIES FOCUSING ON THE

THREE DIMENSIONS1. FORM
2. FUNCTION OF PUBLIC
3.PUBLICLY ACCESSIBLE SPACE

URBAN DESIGN

Accessibility
Accessibility is the ability of all people to move round an area
and access its facilities.

Areas of Archaeological
Potential

Barrier-Free Design

Building Envelope

The volume of space that may be occupied by a

building, usually defined by a series of
dimensional requirements such as setback, step
back, permitted maximum height, maximum
permitted lot coverage.

Right-of-Way

Walkability refers to those characteristics of an area which

enable or hinder ones ability to walk around an area.

Accessibility is the ability of all people to move round an area

and access its facilities.
Activity spines refer to those streets which service intensive
activities.
Building Envelope The volume of space that may be occupied
by a building, usually defined by a series of dimensional
requirements such as setback, stepback, permitted maximum
height, maximum permitted lot coverage
Bulk is another word for massing, i.e. the combined effect of a
building/s volume and shape.

Connectivity
Connectivity or permeability refers to the visual
and physical accessibility into and within an area.

In-curtilage Parking
In-curtilage parking refers to the parking provision
within a site boundary.

Landscape
Landscape refers to the combination of the
appearance of land and streets (shapes, forms,
colours,) in such a way that they define the
distinctiveness or not of a specific area.

Layout
Layout refers to the way that buildings, spaces,
places and routes are spaced in relation to each
other.

Landmark
Landmark refers to a structure which stands out
from its background by virtue of its defining
characteristics.

Main Delhi Railway Station

Live edges
Live edges refer to the side of buildings or features
whose use is directly accessed from the spaces
which they face.

Public/private interface
Public/private interface is the area where public
and private spaces and buildings meet each
other.

Streetscape
Streetscape refers to the patterns (good & bad),
landscaping and furnishings that express the form
of the built environment.

Topography
Topography refers to the artificial or natural
features on or off the ground.

Vernacular
Vernacular refers to buildings which were built
using local materials and styles and techniques
as an expression of local socio-economic
conditions.

Vista
Vista is an enclosed view, usually framed by a long
and narrow structure/s.

Visual permeability
Visual permeability refers to the
degree to which it is possible to
see from one space to the next.
Visual clutter is the uncoordinated
use of street furniture, signs and
barriers.

Walkability
Walkability refers to those characteristics of an
area which enable or hinder ones ability to walk
around an area.