For Better Urban Form: From Macroscopic Control to Microscopic Development

Abstract

This chapter explains how urban transport systems can contribute to better urban form using several best practice cases in Asia. First, policies for controlling urban sprawl through implementation of Restricted Development Zones (RDZ) and Transit Oriented Development (TOD) are introduced. The RDZ's were introduced in major Korean cities from the early 1970's in order to contain urban sprawl. However, RDZ's have been adjusted since the early 2000's reflecting changed priorities and public perception towards RDZ's. Tokyo is a typical railway oriented city and Tokyo offers an outstanding benchmark case for TOD through private sector participation in rail-related infrastructure developments. A historic review of Seoul's tram, bus and subway-oriented development cases are also offered. Second, some typical trials on making urban centers more attractive are introduced. The Cheonggyecheon Stream restoration in downtown Seoul is one of the most salient success stories of urban revitalization in recent years. Japan's Kamakura case for pedestrian oriented policy is also introduced. Experimental measures for making Kamakura more walkable are discussed, including park-and-ride implementation, environmentally friendly passes, and pedestrian only paths. Hanoi's efforts for cultural preservation by maintaining traditional villages are discussed. A comparative analysis of Manila and Edo is also offered for spatial and historical comparison in planning, design and management of street spaces between the two cities. Third, the roles and importance of tram systems in mid-sized cities are explained. The positive roles of trams in the Japanese city of Hiroshima and the Chinese city of Dalian are introduced; their relative importance in each city's urban transportation is compared. Finally, comparison of Traffic Impact Assessment (TIA) policy in several countries is conducted. TIAs are required for new building construction and area developments over a certain size in all regions of Korea. It is concluded that TIAs in Korea have contributed significantly to improvements of transportation infrastructure. Japan's TIA is aimed at alleviating traffic congestion and guiding the city to environmentally sustainable development through prior forecasting and implementing relevant countermeasures. In China, the TIA is applicable in big metropolises such as Beijing, Shanghai and Chongqing. Relatively larger-sized residential and commercial developments in metropolitan areas are currently regulated in China.