Studies & Degrees in Urban Architecture & Design
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What differentiates one country from another? Most will say it’s the economic stance. Sure, but these rich countries’ money is not something made available for viewing to just about anybody who steps in their territory. What about how the place is generally designed - the elegance of their buildings and infrastructure; the friendliness of their transportation; communication, water supply, and electric systems; the availability of must-have institutions (e.g., hospital, good schools, church, market, police stations, drugstore, restaurants, hotels, shopping malls, movie houses, fire department, etc.); proper drainage system; and availability of companies to work for? All these are factors being considered in Urban Architecture and Design. Along with all these factors, it is as important to consider the budget in building a city. It is never simple; neither is it easy. Urban Architecture and Design is typically an output of years of planning by group of experts in the field. Efficiency of design can actually dictate the economic progress of the place.
Urban Architecture and Design is basically the molding of a place into an urban community. This is one degree program offered in some major universities. Typically, this degree program considers and tackles the following aspects: (1) designing and developing a place into cities, (2) environmental planning; and (3) housing, community, and economic development. Students are taught of macro and micro planning methodologies. Macro planning acumen is vital as a successful urban architecture and design considers the long-term effect and sustainability of the plan once executed. Can you imagine how cumbersome it is to correct an erroneously-designed road? The output of this planning and architectural activity will be used by people in the community and by tourists who will come to visit the place for a reason or so. Tourists’ and investors’ overall impression of a place has a lot to do with how it is designed. No wonder government offices devote great deal of money and time planning a community that could open a door for greater economy, and for more comfortable, secured, and convenient living for its citizens.
The unrelenting thrust towards urbanization in many developing countries during the last decades has dramatically increased the demand for skilled individuals specializing in Urban Architecture & Design. Because of this, more and more schools now offer courses on architecture with the urban setting in mind. Contemporary architecture has evolved somehow due to urbanization and the skyrocketing prices of prime real estate in many countries and emerging economies. Modern-day architects are not only faced with the challenges of designing visually appealing structures but should likewise be functional, space-efficient, cost-efficient, and resistant to rage of nature (i.e., typhoon, earthquake, hurricane, etc.). Today, urban architecture and design is perfectly exemplified in world famous buildings, such as The Petronas Twin Towers in Malaysia (considered to be the tallest twin towers in the world); the Taipei 101 in Taiwan (standing at 1,671 ft., presently the highest building on earth); but soon to be overtaken in height by the Burj Dubai that would stand at 2,684 ft upon its completion by the end of 2009.
Whenever you hear people pouring praises on how wonderful and efficient a city is, would it not feel so good knowing you have been a part of how it was done? This is how the planner and architect of greatly-designed cities and urban communities feel. Big deal, isn’t it?