Jacob Kimaryo Consultancy is a staunch proponent of the concept of urban block. We advocate for adoption of the urban block as the basic spatial organization unit for urban design, particularly in central urban areas. We believe if the concept of urban block is applied properly, it can ensure, among others the following urban qualities:
Optimization of land uses
Inclusiveness
Sense of place
Convenience
Safety, and
Beauty
Also, the concept of urban block can ensure creation of good urban spaces, especially vibrant livable street spaces. In addition to that, urban blocks can become good tools for minimizing on-street parking and maximizing walkability, through locating car parking areas underneath them.
Furthermore, if urban blocks are a system of continuous linked urban solids, hence completely enclosed, then if they are coupled with openings at appropriate places on their urban solid mass, in the form of, e.g, covered alleys and side balconies; as well as massive vegetation in their inner courtyards, such urban blocks can be cooled naturally through air circulation, hence reduction in the levels of energy consumption.
Urban blocks, whether fully enclosed by urban solids or not, have the semi-private or semi-public courtyard as a basic feature. Courtyards are, however, ill defined in urban blocks that are partially enclosed by urban solids. In such cases, appropriate physical separations to the open areas, that provide physical boundaries with adjacent land uses, may be necessary to enhance the spatial identity of the courtyards.
The video above consists of abstract illustrative drawings or models about different ways urban blocks can be planned and designed, as well as urban block typologies. The abstractions are followed by photos of examples of some existing urban blocks in Sollentuna, Upplands Väsby, and Barkarby in Stockholm, Sweden. For the existing urban blocks, the video begins with overall form of their urban solid masses, followed by detailed features of their central courtyards. All photos of the Swedish examples were taken by Jacob Kimaryo Consultancy in 2017.
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If you would like Jacob Kimaryo Consultancy to: provide some professional consultations and advice about how the concept of urban block can be applied; or plan and design some urban blocks in your city, please contact us at: kimaryoconsult@gmail.com
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