Geodesign: Applications towards Smarter Planning and Urban Design Solutions

Abstract

Geodesign: Applications towards Smarter Planning and Urban Design Solutions Dr. Nadia Amoroso, Adele Pierre, Dr. Leif Olson, Grant Pearsell, Devin Lavigne Abstract As world population becomes increasingly urban (World Health Organization, 2017), the need for smart city planning becomes crucial. Cities continue to increase in size and density, and with the accompanying infrastructure of buildings, roads, transportation tunnels and subways, the amount of permeable surface that is able to absorb storm water decreases (Hunt & Watkiss, 2011). As urban densification combines with increases in storm frequency and intensity, municipalities need to find new ways of managing storm water. Solutions require collaboration across planning disciplines and input from an informed public. Geodesign approaches and technologies can assist in making wiser design decisions. Geodesign refers to geographic design or using geographic data to aid design. This design approach supports the rapid iteration and application of new planning strategies and urban design ideas by integrating the site‟s data with computer software such as a GIS (Geographic Information System). The formalization of geodesign was developed and fostered by Jack Dangermond, founder and president of the Environmental Systems Research Institute (ESRI). ESRI is a leading global provider of GIS software technology, offering new geode sign technologies to help achieve better planning outcomes. This paper defines the concept of geode sign and demonstrates its application for achieving sustainable landscapes and cities. The paper focuses on two key projects that serve to show planners and urban designers how to make wiser design decisions based on geo-data. It reviews the project goals, methods and results to achieve data-driven design solutions using a geodesign process and technology. Full Text: PDF DOI: 10.15640/jaes.v8n2a2