Joy Ann P. Ginete

PLANNING 3 URBAN PLANNING STRATEGIES LOUISE NICOLE ASUNCION, JANINE BARQUILLA, JOY ANN GINETE BS ARCHITECTURE 4E ACTIVITY 2 Amsterdam, Netherlands Canal Ring Structure IN-WATER TRANSPORTATION The whole city was developed along the canals made by careful city planning decisions. The water management in Amsterdam has a very long history. Beyond the water managing function, even before the 16th century, the canals were first used as a defensive moat. They gradually became used for commercial and residential uses, as well as for transporting merchandise, as it says in “Time Out Amsterdam”. The Romans, led by Julius Caesar, and some Germanic tribes were the first invaders in this country to seek more lands for dwelling and development, starting before 60 B.C. Then according to iamsterdam.com, at the end of 15th century, many Jewish people fled to Amsterdam after the Spaniards conquered Antwerp; the large flow of immigration brought the opportunity to develop, which called for the expansion of canals. The initial plan of the canals was started in the 17th century, its golden age, where the canal belt was fully-fledged. Each canal in this ring has a different function. Prinsengracht (Prince’s Canal), Herengracht (Patrician’s Canal), and Keizersgracht (Emperor’s Canal) are mostly for residential development; Singelgracht is for purposes of defense and water management, according to “The Bridge and the City” by Daniel Biau. In 2010, UNESCO added the “Seventeenth-Century Canal Ring Area of Amsterdam inside the Singelgracht” to its World Heritage List. Now, in Amsterdam, there are 165 canals in total with more than 1,200 bridges over them, creating this fantastic crisscrossing and unique cityscape. This water-based transportation system is not only beneficial for local people’s uses but also generates commercial and recreational opportunities by attracting visitors. Often times, you can see tourists sitting in the canal boats and taking photos of the beautiful landscape and waterscape of Amsterdam. A different view of Amsterdam Canal Ring is shown in front of you when looking up from the canal boat. Recently, the noise of canal boats in Amsterdam’s waterways was reduced by introducing electric boats, as written in “Amsterdam in 2020” by the city of Amsterdam. The extra costs for using battery-powered boats are financially supported by the city government to move this pilot project forward. Using the electricity power for cars is also largely encouraged by the government by providing cheaper parking spots for electric cars. 1 WINDMILL – WIND POWER Besides the water and electricity power usage, as is known, wind power technology is another advantage for the Dutch. According to iamsterdam.com, the Netherlands used to have 10,000 operational windmills for industrial purposes, and now there are 8 in Amsterdam. In fact, the windmills can not only be used to make flour from grain but also function to drain the lowlands of excess water to reclaim polders, press oil out of seeds, and saw wood. Nevertheless, the Dutch are obviously more enterprising in the new decade. Starting from January 1st, 2017, all electric trains are now powered by wind in the Netherlands, says Ton Boon, the spokesman for national railway company, NS. ON-LAND TRANSPORTATION Walking in the city, you can always observe people riding bicycles as they flash by. According to the City of Amsterdam, in the period from 2005 to 2007, residents used their bicycle an average of 0.87 times a day and their car 0.84 times. That being said, the passion towards bicycles has surpassed that of the cars. In addition to the bikes, the public transportation is also so well-developed that it enables people living in Amsterdam to avoid using private transportation tools. With the transportation card, called OV-chipkaart, you can conveniently get on any kind of public transportation vehicles, POLICY: URBAN DEVELOPMENT The council adopted the Comprehensive Vision Amsterdam 2050: a humane metropolis on 8 July 2021. This vision replaces the Stuctuurvisie Amsterdam 2040. With the exception of the subjects main green structure and high-rise buildings. The vision describes the desired development based on 5 strategic choices: polycentric development; growth within limits; sustainable and healthy mobility; rigorous greening; and making the city together. Polycentric Development From rolling out from the city centre towards a multi-centred, more diverse urban model Regional distribution of city services and job opportunities. The distinctive development of Nieuw-West, Zuidoost and Noord. Two fixed links between the banks of the IJ and a regional network of cycle routes. The expansion of high-quality public transport and the metro network, and the development of station districts. Growth within Limits Increased urban density through comprehensive, sustainable district development Space for 150,000 new dwellings in complete neighbourhoods. The improved sustainability of existing neighbourhoods and dwellings. Space for clean energy and sustainable initiatives. Sustainability development of the Port of Amsterdam. including metro, tram, bus and ferry operated by GVB (the public transportation system in Amsterdam), not only in the Amsterdam Canal Ring but the in whole of the Netherlands. The transportation system is nationally well-connected with this small card to make life in the Netherlands sustainable and enjoyable. The largest city in Netherlands has always been promoting their bicycling traditions. 2 Sustainable and healthy mobility The whole of Amsterdam as a walking and cycling city Public space that invites encounters and exercise. More room for cyclists and pedestrians. Cars are guests. Busy traffic routes (Gooiseweg, Lelylaan, Burg. Roëllstraat) become green avenues lined with buildings. Putrajaya, Malaysia Comprehensive Master Plan Putrajaya’s urban planning revolves around a comprehensive master plan that envisions a sustainable, functional, and aesthetically pleasing city. The plan incorporates green spaces, water features, and architectural landmarks, ensuring a harmonious blend of nature and infrastructure. Rigorous Greening A healthy, climate-resilient living environment for people and animals Public space is made as green as possible. Park development (Oeverlanden, Hondsrugpark, Gaasperdakpark, Zuidasdokpark and NDSM-Oost). Green routes and ecological corridors. Investment in landscape: nature development, circular agriculture, and space for sports and exercise. Zoning and Infrastructure The city is meticulously zoned, with designated areas for government offices, residential spaces, commercial districts, and recreational zones. This zoning strategy not only streamlines daily life but also contributes to the overall efficiency of the city. The infrastructure in Putrajaya is worldclass, featuring well-planned road networks, efficient public transportation, and modern amenities. Sustainable Practices Making the City Together Give general direction and make space for initiatives Equal (digital) access to information during planning. Neighbourhood benefit agreements and local visions. A larger role for Amsterdammers in management and development. More scope for residential cooperatives: towards 10% of housing stock in 2040. Free space as a fixed planning component. Putrajaya embraces sustainable practices in its urban planning, with a focus on energy efficiency, waste management, and green building initiatives. The city’s commitment to sustainability is evident in its use of renewable energy sources, waste reduction programs, and the integration of green spaces throughout the urban landscape. Architectural Marvels One of the most iconic structures in Putrajaya is the Putra Mosque. Designed by the renowned architect Nik Mohammed, this pinkdomed mosque is a stunning example of Islamic architecture. The mosque’s design incorporates traditional Islamic elements with modern aesthetics, creating a serene and awe-inspiring place of worship. Putra Mosque 3 SINGAPORE The Concept Plan, now known as the LongTerm Plan, is a strategic land use and transportation plan that provides broad directions to guide Singapore’s physical development over the next 40–50 years. From 1971 to 2021, there have been five such plans. Perdana Putra Perdana Putra, the Prime Minister’s office complex, is another architectural gem in Putrajaya. Designed by the acclaimed architect Leong Chee Yeng, the building features a blend of Islamic and modern architectural styles. Its commanding presence on Putrajaya’s skyline symbolizes the city’s administrative prowess. Singapore’s development by setting out broad principles to develop new housing towns, industrial estates, transport infrastructure and recreational spaces. Seri Wawasan Bridge The Seri Wawasan Bridge is not just a means of connectivity but also a work of art. Designed by the visionary architect Kisho Kurokawa, the bridge’s unique asymmetric cable-stayed design adds a touch of modernity to the city’s landscape. Lit up at night, it becomes a visual spectacle that reflects on the surrounding waters. Urban Design Philosophy Integration of Nature Putrajaya’s urban design is characterized by the seamless integration of nature into the cityscape. The city boasts numerous parks, lakes, and botanical gardens, creating a refreshing environment that enhances the quality of life for its residents. The carefully planned green spaces also serve as recreational areas for residents and visitors alike. Plan focused on economic growth and quality of life. This included building commercial centres outside the city centre to bring jobs closer to homes, building technological corridors to facilitate the growth of high-tech industries, and developing a petrochemical industry. Accessibility and Connectivity Urban design in Putrajaya prioritizes accessibility and connectivity. Pedestrian-friendly pathways, cycling lanes, and efficient public transportation systems contribute to the city’s accessibility. The design ensures that residents can easily navigate the city while reducing reliance on private vehicles, promoting a sustainable and healthy lifestyle. Cultural Identity Despite its modernity, Putrajaya takes pride in preserving its cultural identity. The incorporation of traditional Malaysian design elements in modern architecture and public spaces reflects a commitment to maintaining a connection with the country’s rich heritage. This blend of old and new creates a unique urban experience. The plan envisioned Singapore as a world-class city and global financial hub. It aimed to provide a wider range of housing options, set aside land for the financial and services sectors, and create more parks, reservoirs and nature areas. 4 The HDB estates are designed with a mix of residential, commercial, and recreational facilities, ensuring residents have access to amenities within walking distance. This concept, known as the “Live, Work, Play” model, reduces the need for long commutes and enhances the quality of life. Pedestrian-Friendly Streets Make Singapore a place to live, work and play, including more integrated spaces with nature, paths for walking and cycling, homes and sustainable towns, and inclusive spaces. Long-Term Plan 2021: The plan built on the vision of the previous Concept Plan. Other than housing, leisure and recreation spaces, the Long-Term Plan also addressed heritage places and nature spaces and conceptualised redevelopments. The Master Plan is a statutory land-use plan that guides the physical development of Singapore for 10–15 years. The Master Plan in 2019 focused on creating inclusive, sustainable and green neighbourhoods, developing district-level underground plans and revitalising the central area of Singapore to maximise land use. URBAN PLANNING IN SINGAPORE HDB Towns (Public Housing) Singapore’s public housing, organized into Housing and Development Board (HDB) towns, stands as a model for effective urban planning. With meticulously planned neighborhoods, green spaces, and amenities, these towns cater to the diverse needs of residents. Singapore’s urban design prioritizes pedestrian-friendly streets, promoting a sense of community and encouraging social interaction. Orchard Road, lined with shops and green spaces, exemplifies this commitment to creating vibrant public spaces that cater to both residents and visitors alike. Green Spaces Despite its dense urban environment, Singapore is renowned for its lush greenery and abundant parks. This is not just about aesthetics; it is a deliberate strategy to enhance the urban environment and promote sustainable living. The concept of a “City in a Garden” has been a guiding principle of Singapore’s urban planning. The URA and the National Parks Board (NParks) have collaborated to integrate green spaces into the urban fabric, creating corridors of greenery that connect parks and natural areas. Transportation The city’s transportation network is designed to be seamless, efficient, and accessible, ensuring that residents and visitors can move around the city with ease. The Mass Rapid Transit (MRT) system forms the backbone of public transportation in Singapore. 5 Complemented by a comprehensive bus network, the MRT ensures that no part of the city is inaccessible. The government’s investment in transportation infrastructure is aimed at reducing reliance on private vehicles, thereby alleviating traffic congestion and minimizing environmental impact. Integration of Technology Copenhagenization / BicycleFriendly Infrastructure Cycling in Copenhagen has become an essential means of transportation and a dominating feature of the urban cityscape, often a powerful visual attribute with cycling popularity leading to congested bike paths throughout the day. The capital city - a city with more bicycles than people has earned a reputation as one of the most (possibly the most) bicycle-friendly cities in the world. Copenhagen has continued to support urban programs that will only help expand the city's sustainable transportation trend. Programs such as an urban bicyclesharing initiative, a system of 1,000 publically-accessible bicycles Simple Infrastructure Singapore’s Smart Nation initiative embraces technology to enhance urban living. From smart traffic management to intelligent energy usage, the city-state is at the forefront of employing technology for the well-being of its residents. Technology plays a pivotal role in shaping the future of urban planning in Singapore. The city-state is leveraging smart technologies to enhance urban living and improve the efficiency of urban services. Rather than reserving a dedicated lane separating bicycle riders from cars, the two modes share the roadway. This, however, hinges on the requirement that cars drive no faster than 20 kilometres per hour. To simply rely on signage stating the speed limit is naïve. To ensure that car drivers actually drive at a safe speed, you’ll notice how residential streets in Copenhagen have been treated with a variety of traffic calming measures. In conclusion, Singapore stands as a beacon of architectural excellence and urban innovation. The city-state’s commitment to pushing boundaries, embracing technology, and prioritizing the well-being of its residents sets it apart on the global stage. Copenhagen, Denmark In 1947, Copenhagen established the Five Finger Plan. The plan for the city’s growth designated five corridors of urban development, which were along railway lines to provide convenient transportation to Copenhagen’s business district in the central part of the city. Planned suburbs were to be built along these corridors and linked together like beads on a string. The 170 km s-tog lines of the Five Finger Plan, along with an extensive bus system, four lines of waterbuses and a small but efficient metro -), make up Copenhagen’s city public transportation system. By narrowing lane widths, tightening corner radii, and using textured surfaces, motorists drive slowly, by design. It is only then that car drivers and bicycle riders of all ages and abilities can ‘share the lane’ comfortably. Along busier neighborhood streets, you’ll notice bike lanes separated by a simple painted line. In certain situations, the painted bike lane can be an effective way to provide bicycle riders a dedicated space. The cornerstone of this network is the curb separated cycle track. Separated from both car traffic and pedestrians with a simple curb, the cycle track provides all street users a simple and intuitive experience. A quick glance at a typical main street, each user knows exactly where they belong. Pedestrians on the sidewalk, bikes on the cycle track, and cars and buses on the roadway. You’ll also notice the symmetry of the street, with a one-way cycle track on either side of the street. No confusing weaving of bike lanes from roadway to sidewalk only to disappear for two blocks before reappearing again in a completely different form. Just straight and simple cycle tracks. 6 Architectural Marvels of Chandigarh Another bicycle infrastructure you’ll see in Copenhagen is the off-street path. Running through parks or along waterfronts, railway lines, and highways, these off street paths provide recreational routes and help stitch together the network of on street bike lanes. The design of these off street greenways still maintains a separation between pedestrians and bicycle riders through different surface colours. By sticking to these four simple typologies, everyday cycling in Copenhagen quickly becomes something that is intuitive and reliable. Capitol Complex Designed by Le Corbusier, it houses the Secretariat, the Legislative Assembly, and the High Court. The structures boast a modernist architectural style, characterized by clean lines, functional design, and the use of raw concrete. The Open Hand Monument in the complex symbolizes the city’s openness to give and receive. Safe Infrastructure Intersections are designed to prioritize the more vulnerable road users, pedestrians and cyclists, over cars and trucks. By continuing sidewalks and cycle tracks at a consistent level, the design requires cars to slow down before entering the intersection, rather than having pedestrians look both ways, yield, and step down into the street at every block. And in doing so these intersections act almost as a line of defence for residential neighbourhoods, forcing cars to slow. Chandigarh, India Sukhna Lake Sukhna Lake, an artificial reservoir at the foothills of the Himalayas, is not only a scenic attraction but also a marvel in urban planning. The lake was created to serve as a water reservoir while providing a serene recreational space. The juxtaposition of the lake against the backdrop of the Shivalik Range adds a picturesque dimension to the city. A Triumph of Architecture, Urban Planning, and Urban Design Nestled in the northern part of India, Chandigarh stands as a testament to the harmonious blend of architecture, urban planning, and urban design. Designed by the legendary architect Le Corbusier, the city is a remarkable showcase of meticulous planning and thoughtful design principles. Rock Garden Nek Chand’s Rock Garden is a unique architectural creation, showcasing sculptures made from industrial and home waste. This unconventional garden is a testament to creativity, resourcefulness, and sustainable design. The use of discarded materials not only contributes to environmental conservation but also reflects Chandigarh’s commitment to innovation. 7 Urban Planning in Chandigarh Urban Design Principles Sectoral Division Grid Layout Chandigarh’s urban planning is characterized by a systematic sectoral division. The city is divided into well-planned sectors, each with its own designated functions, including residential, commercial, and industrial areas. This segregation minimizes congestion and enhances the overall functionality of the city. The grid layout of Chandigarh’s sectors is a key urban design principle. This layout not only facilitates easy navigation but also contributes to the aesthetic appeal of the city. The organized and structured layout reflects Le Corbusier’s vision of a city that is both functional and visually pleasing. Green Spaces Modernist Architecture One of the key aspects of Chandigarh’s urban planning is the emphasis on green spaces. The city boasts numerous parks and gardens, contributing to a healthier and more sustainable living environment. The Rock Garden, Sukhna Lake promenade, and Zakir Hussain Rose Garden are prime examples of Chandigarh’s commitment to integrating nature into urban spaces. Chandigarh’s urban design is heavily influenced by modernist architecture. The use of raw concrete, geometric shapes, and open spaces creates a distinctive visual identity for the city. The modernist approach prioritizes functionality, simplicity, and a connection with the surrounding landscape. Cultural Integration Efficient Transportation Chandigarh’s urban planning prioritizes efficient transportation systems. The city is equipped with a well-connected network of roads, cycle paths, and pedestrian walkways. This foresight promotes eco-friendly modes of transportation, reduces traffic congestion, and enhances the overall quality of life for residents. Urban design in Chandigarh seamlessly integrates the city’s rich cultural heritage. The architecture incorporates elements inspired by local traditions and customs, creating a sense of belonging for the residents. This cultural integration is evident in the design of public spaces, religious structures, and community facilities. 8