Quick Urban Analysis Kit

The personal preference criterion is a subjective criteria. It works like the 'like-button' on social media and gives you the opportunity to express for which of the designs you are in favour of.

Visibility analysis shows the visual impact from a point into the surrounding environment affected by the obstructions and shaping the skyline. In the city, the urban elements such as topography, building, trees, etc., make part of the urban atmospheric visibility. The quality of an urban space is affected by how people perceive the space. For instance, people feel more secure in spaces where they can easily see the surroundings from different positions.

Space Syntax brings together a series of theories for the analysis of spatial configurations in urban systems ^[1][2]. The Space Syntax approach represents streets as nodes and intersections as edges. According to Space Syntax, the three main conceptions of space are: isovist, axial space and convex space, and the street networks analyses are: Integration, Choice and Depth Distance.

Isovist is the field of view from any particular point. An isovist, or viewshed, is the area in a spatial environment directly visible from a location within the space ^[3]. Isovists have particular relevance to architectural and urban analysis by providing an intuitively way of analyzing the spatial environment from the point of view of individuals.

In city planning and design, the visibility aspect is considered when, for instance, when enhancing highly visible public space with clear sight-lines and entrances/exits, or when clearly defining facades to main streets.

For our MOOC exercise you can intuitively work with visibility or you can deepen your knowledge on Space Syntax theory or graph theory and use computational tools such as depthmap or any GIS software.

1. Hillier B. and Hanson J. (1984). The Social Logic of Space. Cambridge University Press, Cambridge, UK.
2. Hillier B. (1996) Space is the Machine: A Configurational Theory of Architecture. Cambridge University Press, Cambridge, UK.
3. Turner, A., Doxa, M., O'Sullivan, D., Penn, A., (2001). From isovists to visibility graphs: a methodology for the analysis of architectural space. Environment and Planning B: Planning and Design, 28, 103-121.

Centrality analysis is based on graph theory and is used to understand structural properties of complex relational networks. Centrality measures identify that, in a network, some nodes are more central than others (the most important vertices in a graph). The idea of centrality was first introduced in the context of social systems. It helps understand the relation between the location of an individual in the network and its influence in the group^[1]. Centrality is also relevant for urban networks and used to understand spatial factors affecting human life and behaviors in cities^[2] In the city we consider urban street patterns as spatial networks by transforming the city into a spatial graph by mapping the inter-sections into the graph nodes and the roads into links between nodes. By using a set of different centrality indices (multiple centrality assessment) it is possible to spot relevant places of a city:

1. Closeness centrality: places closer to other places.
2. Betweenness centrality: places that are structurally made to be crossed.
3. Straightness centrality: places whose route to other places deviates less from the virtual straight route.
4. Information centrality: places whose deactivation affects the structural properties of the system.^[2]

Space Syntax brings together a series of theories for the analysis of spatial configurations in urban systems ^[3][4]. The Space Syntax approach represents streets as nodes and intersections as edges. According to Space Syntax, the three main conceptions of space are: isovist, axial space and convex space, and the street networks analyses are: Integration, Choice and Depth Distance.

From the urban design perspective, planners and designers use the concept of centrality, for instance, when giving a clear public space hierarchy, when creating public open spaces, or to concentrate main activities in a central place.

For our MOOC exercise you can intuitively work with centrality or you can deepen your knowledge on Space Syntax theory or graph theory and use computational tools such as depthmap (http://www.spacesyntax.net/software/) or any GIS software.

1. Newman M. E. J. (2010). Networks: An Introduction. Oxford University Press, Oxford, UK.
2. Crucitti P., Latora V., Porta S. (2006). Centrality in networks of urban streets. Chaos.
3. Hillier B. and Hanson J. (1984). The Social Logic of Space. Cambridge University Press, Cambridge, UK.
4. Hillier B. (1996) Space is the Machine: A Configurational Theory of Architecture. Cambridge University Press, Cambridge, UK.

Connectivity analysis is based on graph theory. A connected graph is an undirected graph that has a path between every pair of vertices^[1]. For urban networks, connectivity is used to understand spatial conditions affecting pedestrian activities and behaviors in cities.

Space Syntax brings together a series of theories for the analysis of spatial configurations in urban systems ^[2][3]. The Space Syntax approach represents streets as nodes and intersections as edges. According to Space Syntax, the three main conceptions of space are: isovist, axial space and convex space, and the street networks analyses are: Integration, Choice and Depth Distance.

In Space Syntax connectivity is a local property: it tells you how many elements (e.g. convex spaces) are directly connected with one certain element. A local property can be experienced directly from a static location in space. Depth Distance is a global property: it tells you how "far away" an element is from all the other elements. A global property can only be experienced from moving through space.

For our MOOC exercise you can intuitively work with connectivity or you can deepen your knowledge on Space Syntax theory or graph theory and use computational tools such as depthmap or any GIS software.

1. Diestel R. (2006). Graph Theory. Springer Verlag Berlin Heidelberg, Germany.
2. Hillier B. and Hanson J. (1984). The Social Logic of Space. Cambridge University Press, Cambridge, UK.
3. B. Hillier. (1996) Space is the Machine: A Configurational Theory of Architecture. Cambridge University Press, Cambridge, UK.

Density can be defined as the mass of an object per unit area. In architecture and urban planning, physical density is a numerical measure of the concentration of individuals or physical structures within a given unit area. It can be used as a spatial indicator in geographical context ^[1].

In urban planning, measurement of physical density can be broadly divided into two categories: people density and building density. People density is expressed as the number of people or household per given area, while building density is defined as the ratio of building structures to an area unit ^[1]. Building density most be related with urban morphology because it plays an important role in the shaping of urban form. For instance, different combinations of plot ratio and site coverage will manifest into a variety of different built forms ^[1,2].

In regards to rapid urbanization, the relationship between building density and urban form has become an important field of study. Mathematical, geometrical and cognitive analyses have been conducted to address the issue, particularly concerning the relationships between building heights, plot ratio, site coverage and solar obstruction ^[3,4,5].

When planning new building densities, the correspondent properties are linked to the design objectives for the specific urban area. For instance, the efficient use of space with limited interstitial spaces, the daylight access of buildings, or an appropriate response to existing site geometries.

For our MOOC exercise you can intuitively work with centrality or you can deepen your knowledge on Space Syntax theory or graph theory and use computational tools such as depthmap (http://www.spacesyntax.net/software/) or any GIS software.

1. Cheng, V. (2010) Understanding Density and High Density. Part 1: Designing High-density Cities for Social and Environmental Sustainability. Published by Earthscan, edited by Edward Ng.
2. Carmona, M., Tiesdell, S., Heath, T., Oc, T. 2010. Public Places, Urban Spaces: The Dimensions of Urban Design. Second edition. Architectural Press. Oxford, UK.
3. Evans, P. (1973) Housing Layout and Density, Land Use and Built Form Studies, Working Paper 75, University of Cambridge, Department of Architecture, Cambridge, UK.
4. Martin, L. and March, L. (1972) Urban Space and Structures, Cambridge University Press, Cambridge, UK.
5. Knowles, R. L. (2003) The solar envelope: its meaning for energy and buildings. Energy and Buildings 35 15-25.

The concept of accessibility is a key element in urban, regional and transportation planning ^[1]. Accessibility can be defined as the facility in which one place can be reached from another place and is dependent on the spatial distributions the given location. Accessibility is also attributed to the quality and character of the activities in a location, the efficiency of the transportation system, and the characteristics of the pedestrian ^[2]. People's choice of living might depends on the level of accessibility to work, shopping and public service.

Connectivity is directly related to accessibility. Connectivity analysis is based on graph theory. A connected graph is a graph that has a path between every pair of vertices ^[3]. For urban networks, connectivity is used to understand spatial conditions affecting pedestrian activities and behaviors in cities.

Space Syntax brings together a series of theories for the analysis of spatial configurations in urban systems ^[4][5]. The Space Syntax approach represents streets as nodes and intersections as edges. According to Space Syntax, the three main conceptions of space are: isovist, axial space and convex space, and the street networks analyses are: Integration, Choice and Depth Distance.

Integration measures how to reach a street segment from all other street segments in a network using shortest paths. From a theoretical perspective, integration might show how complex it is for pedestrians to reach a street and can "predict" accessibility. Another Space Syntax technique that can be use to analyse accessibility is Choice. Choice measures the shortest path between 2 elements (spatial accessibility).

In city planning and design, the concepts of accessibility and connectivity are use when, for instance, creating a clear public space hierarchy in terms of streets, when enhancing private household access to public space, or giving permeability and connections to existing street networks.

For our MOOC exercise you can intuitively work with accessibility or you can deepen your knowledge on Space Syntax theory or graph theory and use computational tools such as depthmap depthmap or any GIS software.

1. Hansen, W.G. (1959). How Accessibility shapes land-use. Journal of the American Institute of Planners 25, 73-76.
2. Fuglsang, M., Henning Sten Hansen, H.S., Munier, B. (2011). Accessibility Analysis and Modelling in Public Transport Networks - A Raster Based Approach. B. Murgante et al. (Eds.). Springer-Verlag Berlin Heidelberg, 207-224.
3. Diestel R. (2006). Graph Theory. Springer Verlag Berlin Heidelberg, Germany.
4. Hillier B. and Hanson J. (1984). The Social Logic of Space. Cambridge University Press, Cambridge, UK.
5. B. Hillier. (1996) Space is the Machine: A Configurational Theory of Architecture. Cambridge University Press, Cambridge, UK.

The concept of accessibility is a key element in urban, regional and transportation planning ^[1]. Accessibility can be defined as the facility in which one place can be reached from another place and is dependent on the spatial distributions the given location. Accessibility is also attributed to the quality and character of the activities in a location, the efficiency of the transportation system, and the characteristics of the pedestrian ^[2]. People's choice of living might depends on the level of accessibility to work, shopping and public service.

Space Syntax brings together a series of theories for the analysis of spatial configurations in urban systems ^[3][4]. The Space Syntax approach represents streets as nodes and intersections as edges. According to Space Syntax, the three main conceptions of space are: isovist, axial space and convex space, and the street networks analyses are: Integration, Choice and Depth Distance.

Integration measures how to reach a street segment from all other street segments in a network using shortest paths. From a theoretical perspective, integration might show how complex it is for pedestrians to reach a street and can "predict" accessibility. Another Space Syntax technique that can be use to analyse accessibility is Choice. Choice measures the shortest path between 2 elements (spatial accessibility).

For our MOOC exercise you can intuitively work with accessibility or you can deepen your knowledge on Space Syntax theory or graph theory and use computational tools such as depthmap depthmap or any GIS software.

1. Hansen, W.G. (1959). How Accessibility shapes land-use. Journal of the American Institute of Planners 25, 73-76.
2. Fuglsang, M., Henning Sten Hansen, H.S., Munier, B. (2011). Accessibility Analysis and Modelling in Public Transport Networks - A Raster Based Approach. B. Murgante et al. (Eds.). Springer-Verlag Berlin Heidelberg, 207-224.
3. Hillier B. and Hanson J. (1984). The Social Logic of Space. Cambridge University Press, Cambridge, UK.
4. Hillier B. (1996) Space is the Machine: A Configurational Theory of Architecture. Cambridge University Press, Cambridge, UK.

Walkability is a measure to assess how friendly an area is to walking. A definition by Abley is : "The extent to which the built environment is friendly to the presence of people living, shopping, visiting, enjoying or spending time in an area"^[1].

Factors that influence the walkability are not only measurable on small scale but also concern the organisation of space. The criteria on large scale are the land use mix, the residential density and the amount of places to go near the majority of homes.

Ewing and Server summarised the impacts as criteria that they named the five D's of built environment: density, diversity, design, destination accessibility and distance to transit^[2].

1. Abley, Stephen. "Walkability Scoping Paper" 21 March 2005.
2. Ewing, Reid and Cervero, Robert (2010). Travel and the Built Environment - A Meta Analysis.
3. Wang, Ke. "Causality Between Built Environment and Travel Behavior: Structural Equations Model Applied to Southern California." Transportation Research Method, no 2397 (2013): 80- 88.

Feasibility study is an assessment of the practicality of a proposed project or system.

In a new project, financial viability or economic feasibility can be judged on the total estimated cost of the project, financing of the project in terms of its capital structure, debt to equity ratio and promoter's share of total cost, existing investment by the promoter in any other business and projected cash flow and profitability.

In a new project, financial viability or economic feasibility can be judged on the total estimated cost of the project, financing of the project in terms of its capital structure, debt to equity ratio and promoter's share of total cost, existing investment by the promoter in any other business and projected cash flow and profitability. ^[1]

Mixed use development can create additional economic value compared to single use urban development. ^[2] A quality mixed-use development can increase office and retail prices, rents and occupancy rates as well as accelerate absorption rates. Retail tenants may be willing to pay higher rents because of the increased customer traffic generated by the compatible and complementary uses. Residents and hotel guests are attracted by the convenient location of dining, retail and entertainment venues on the site.

In this exercise, please consider the various aspect of economic feasibility from the mixed used diversity and the proposed development concept.

1. European Commission.(2011). Consultative guidelines for sustainable urban development co-operation: Towards sustainable urban development. Retrieved from https://www.ucl.ac.uk/dpu-projects/drivers_urb_change/official_docs/Tow_Sust_Urb_EU_Guidelines.pdf
2. Rabianski, J. S., CLEMENTS III, J. S., & TIDWELL, O. A. (2009). Mixed-Use Development and Financial Feasibility. REAL ESTATE ISSUES, 17.

• Accessiblity represents the ease of reaching (and interacting with) destinations or activities distributed in space.
• A place with high accessibility means many destinations can be reached, or destinations can be reached with relative ease.
• Low accessibility implies that relatively few destinations can be reached for a given amount of time/effort/cost or that reaching destinations is more difficult or costly from that place.
• To have better accessibility, there should be a clear public space hierarchy in terms of streets, when enhancing private household access to public space, or giving permeability and connections to existing street networks.
• In addition, walkability is also considered as an important indicator in accessibility, as it represents the accessibility to amenities like parks, school, public services or restaurants for the pedestrians.

• Understanding of site context and characteristics.
• Critically examines and understands the issues and challenges related to the planning and future use of the site.

• Responds holistically to the brief and comprehensively addresses identified issues and challenges.
• Backed by research and fits the context and characteristics of the site and its locality.
• Has the potential to be implemented in 70% the future.
• Has the potential to be supported by the community, stakeholders and the wider community/general public.
• Concept and rationale behind proposals are well thought out and brought across clearly and coherently.

• Visionary and insightful, demonstrating a strong sense of creativity in addressing the brief and the identified issues and challenges.
• Break-through unique ideas that fit the context of the site well. Break-through unique ideas that fit the context of the site well.

Thermal comfort is the condition of mind that expresses satisfaction with the thermal environment and is assessed by subjective evaluation. ^[1]

Singapore has become warmer in recent years as a result of the Urban Heat Island (UHI) effect. UHI has become a matter of increasing concern because of its many, mainly negative, effects upon the quality of urban life. These include reduced outdoor thermal comfort (OTC) for urban dwellers, and increased noise, air pollutants and greenhouse gas emissions. In tropical Singapore, increased temperatures due to UHI negatively affect the liveability and thermal comfort of residents.

The Cooling Singapore project purpose design strategies concerning vegetation, urban geometry, water bodies & features, material & surfaces, shading, transport, and energy aspects. Specifically for urban geometry, block size, block orientation, aspect ratio, height profiles, and ventilation corridors are key design strategies that will have great impacts on the thermal comfort.

In your exercise, please consider the strategies and the weather of Singapore for example the prevailing wind direction (From North/North-east during Decmeber to March and from South/South-East during June to September) for climate-sensitive design. It has been proved that North-South oriented streets, taller buildings and higher H/W ratio provide better OTC.

1. ANSI/ASHRAE Standard 55-2013, Thermal Environmental Conditions for Human Occupancy.

• Your personal preference and grading based on the given and your own criteria
• Please write in a scale from [0,100] and explain why.