Week 2: Reflection on Readings

In summary of the reading titled “Urban Form and Locality,” Barton discusses the ramifications that relates to sustainable spatial strategies and urban form, which has become a very important notion in planning debates. The four key spatial issues were identified; dispersal vs concentration; high vs low density; segregated vs integrated land use patterns and nucleated vs linear form. After drawing the discussions together there is a clear but complex resolution that provides a strategic framework for neighbourhood planning. Each spatial strategy consisted of pros and cons, highlighting important factors reflecting upon new ideas, in an approach to create and give shape to an eco-neighbourhood. 

This reading is a stepping stone towards some ideas and strategies that adheres to a self-sufficient neighbourhood, giving way for further possibilities and good ecological, urban prospects. In general, the linear development is seen as the most successful, focussing in networks of water, sufficient public transport, maximising transport accessibility and enhancing green parkways. As Patrick Geddes advocated “a star-like urban form, with wedges of open space, as a means of bringing nature back into the city”(Barton 2000, 119). From here, I have learned that the idea of this strategy is to form good access into open space for the potential of an effective local food production and recycling organic waste. In addition, there is the emergent of the “twin-track” approach which ideally uses a strategic network of a formed loop, consisting of residential access by tramways, bike routes and roads with nearby water-based open space. “In other places it would be possible over a long time scale to reinforce existing divergent densities within the city to create the two networks”(Barton 2000, 121). Overall, in principle I’ve learnt the linear band option can be applied in a number of methods that encompasses an effective collaboration and political reform in order for it to actually succeed. At this point, without having a scenario in mind, I want to further explore spatial strategies and evolve from these existing approaches and policies. Captivatingly, this opens the opportunity to innovatively, redesign towards the evolution of a well-formed sustainable urban system.

In reference to the other two readings; Tsunami Warnings Written in Stone and A History in Greenwashing: How Dirty Towels Impacted the Green Movement focusses on two differentiated aspects. Tsunami Warning Written in Stone gives a historical outlook. Visual warnings written in stone (by Japan’s ancestors) protect future citizens from such calamities replicated in the past; emphasising a call for a new idea or modern technology that will serve as permanent reminders and better inform the future of Japan. In the reading titled “A History in Greenwashing: How Dirty Towels Impacted the Green Movement” highlights the term “green” which has continually utilised in improper context by deceitful corporates in spite of their growing financial needs. From here I have learned how history has become a predominant starting point in terms of redesigning our prolonged future needs and how easily the term “green” can be misused. As a designer, it is strongly important not to wrongfully exploit the term “green” for financial benefit in one’s design. “A true designer is true to oneself”.