Abstract
This paper describes an urban analysis method for the evaluation of the diversity of open spaces. Diversity is understood as the variety of options that a public space offers to the users, giving them the opportunity to choose the area which best suits their needs, activities, and personal preferences. The method facilitates an environmental quality assessment and comparative evaluation between spaces. Decision support tools based on data analysis are developed to facilitate technical urban design decisions. The methodology is based on a multi-criteria analysis of a public square in Madrid, Spain. Field measurements of climatic data and thermal properties of materials, the activities carried out by people and their location, as well as factors related to urban design are collated in the analysis. Data are complimented with bioclimatic and simulation tools. The analysis identifies differentiated thermal profiles, as well as patterns of use of the space. This enables the identification of specific locations currently favored by citizens and the microclimatic and spatial variety of the square.
Highlights
AND BACKGROUNDAfter decades of decay and relegation to secondary importance behind the demands on space made by wheeled transport and parking (Brandis 1978), making open spaces more livable, hospitable and attractive and ensuring that they are fully enjoyed, has once again become one of the objectives of urban design and planning (Carr et al, 1993; Marcus and Francis 1998; Gehl and Gemzoe 2004; Maruani and Amit-Cohen 2007)
The methodology is based on a multi-criteria analysis of a public square in Madrid, space in Madrid (Spain)
The use of public space can be intensified, and its hours of effective usage can be extended if environmental variables are taken into account for the creation of microclimates adapted to the local climate across different seasons (Culjat and Erskine, 1988)
Summary
AND BACKGROUNDAfter decades of decay and relegation to secondary importance behind the demands on space made by wheeled transport and parking (Brandis 1978), making open spaces more livable, hospitable and attractive and ensuring that they are fully enjoyed, has once again become one of the objectives of urban design and planning (Carr et al, 1993; Marcus and Francis 1998; Gehl and Gemzoe 2004; Maruani and Amit-Cohen 2007). Stathopoulos, and Wu (2001) evaluated by means of regressions and analysis of variance the relationship between microclimates and the level of use of space in plazas in Montreal. They determined that 12% of variations in use could be attributed to microclimate. Eliasson et al (2007), in contrast with many other investigations, did not find a close relationship between microclimatic conditions and the use of space but instead suggested that use was culturally conditioned. They highlighted the importance of considering existing uses of public space and the importance of climate sensitive planning
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