Strategic Urban Design for the Just City [predavanje po pozivu]

Abstract

Planning professionals are becoming increasingly vocal in calling for the development of cities and urban environments distinguished by fairness, equity, and social justice for all. Complex challenges and growing inequality in urban areas, compounded by issues of resilience and energy dependence, emphasise the need to ensure equal opportunities, access to resources, and quality of life for all residents, regardless of their social and economic status, race, gender, or other characteristics. It is therefore clear that the impact and longevity of interventions by architects require a cross-cutting approach and a structured process whereby a balance must be struck between space and form, on the one hand, and social, environmental, and economic issues, on the other. As such, planners’ responses must seek to integrate knowledge from strategic thinking on equitable development, spatial planning, and urban design. Strategic urban design has been applied continuously for the past 18 years as an approach to shaping space in the Urban Design Studio offered as part of undergraduate architecture studies at the University of Belgrade. This method was developed over the years through the various formats of the Studio in co-operation with many members of the Urbanism Department, student demonstrators, and visiting academics and professionals. The results of work done in the Studio were collected and presented in numerous publications and national and international exhibitions. In addition to using this particular methodology, the Studio approach was oriented towards themes and issues relevant to the local community and sought to find modes of improving local quality of life. It was rooted in an understanding of urban design as an activity of especial importance for the quality and way of life in cities and effecting positive change in society. The method emphasised the creative role of design, combining it with a more socially conscious and politically responsible approach to develop effective techniques for facing complex urban issues. This paper presents a comprehensive overview of work done in the Urban Design Studio and showcases extracts from its methodological approach to learning.