Design in the Streets: The Impact of Urban Design on Our Daily Lives

Urban design is one of the cornerstones of modern city planning. However, it often exerts an influence we may not always be consciously aware of but feel with every step we take. The sidewalks you walk on, the benches you sit on, the trees you seek shade under, or the squares you spend time in – none of these are accidental. All these details are planned and implemented in accordance with urban design principles.

In this article, we will delve into the impact of urban design on our daily lives. Additionally, we will showcase examples from around the world to demonstrate how these effects contribute to creating livable cities.

Public Spaces: Social Spaces that Enhance Quality of Life

Public spaces are not just voids; they are an active part of social life. A well-designed park is not only a place for rest but also a space for interaction, relaxation, and engagement. Urban design plays a decisive role in shaping these spaces. In particular, the planning of public spaces strengthens the relationship individuals have with the city.

For instance, the openness and inviting nature of a park’s entrance can significantly increase visitation rates. The orientation of benches, landscape design, lighting elements, and user-friendly details determine the usability of these spaces. A well-designed square might serve as a stage for street performers, while a poorly lit, hard-to-reach park can become a space that people avoid.

Copenhagen - Strøget Pedestrian Street

Strøget Pedestrian Street

One of the key factors behind the success of Strøget is its urban design approach, which centers on human behavior. Under the leadership of Danish architect Jan Gehl, observations were made about how people need spaces in the city to sit, walk, encounter, and interact. Based on these insights, the physical structure of the street was redesigned not only aesthetically but also to serve social functions. The direction of seating, the openness of streets, and the reduction of blank facades were carefully planned to ensure people spent more time in the area.

Initially, the closure of the street to vehicle traffic seemed like a significant economic risk, but in the long run, it brought positive results for local businesses and the community. With pedestrians spending more time in the space, shopping and social interaction levels increased. Over time, the surrounding streets also became more pedestrian-friendly, and this transformation spread throughout the city center like a domino effect. This process demonstrated how not only transportation policies but also urban economies and social dynamics could be transformed through design.

Moreover, Strøget became a symbol of the democratization of public spaces. Street performances, temporary art installations, and cultural events held on the street turned it into not just a thoroughfare but a space for public expression. The area became a place where people of all ages and backgrounds could spend time safely, sit, and watch. In this regard, Strøget has become a pioneering example in literature of successful urban design, embodying principles like accessibility, inclusivity, and human-centered design.

Mobility: Sidewalk Width, Bicycle Lanes, and Accessibility

How we move through the city is a direct result of urban design decisions. Details like the width of sidewalks, the continuity of bicycle lanes, and the location and lighting of transportation stops directly affect an individual's comfort and safety within the urban space. Pedestrian-focused urbanism has become a prominent approach in many cities in recent years. Encouraging pedestrian and bicycle mobility not only supports environmental sustainability but also improves the quality of life in cities.

Urban design here does not just provide physical infrastructure; it encourages mobility, increases accessibility, and facilitates social participation. If streets are not safe, people will distance themselves from non-motorized transportation options. This makes achieving sustainable transportation goals more challenging.

Melbourne - City Center Transformation

Aerial of Melbourne CBD, 1970s, Herald Sun Image Library

Melbourne’s city center transformation began in 1994 with the "Postcode 3000" strategy. This strategy aimed to increase the number of residences in the city center and make life sustainable during the evenings and weekends. At that time, Melbourne’s Central Business District (CBD) was essentially an office area that was abandoned after work hours. The city council encouraged the conversion of old office buildings into residential spaces, successfully bringing people back to the city center. These decisions laid the foundation for the vision of a "24-hour city center".

Sidewalks were widened, traffic-free streets were increased, and new public spaces were created. Particularly, the narrow alleys known as “laneways” transformed from service roads into cultural and commercial hubs of Melbourne. The street art, small cafes, and boutiques in these alleys made the city’s identity unique. At the same time, the pedestrian-friendly street design made the city center a safer, more welcoming, and livable space for both locals and tourists.

During this transformation, Melbourne also prioritized climate sensitivity and sustainability. Tree-planting policies helped reduce the urban heat island effect, and green infrastructure was incorporated into new public spaces. Outdoor events, temporary street furniture, and experimental street uses encouraged local participation. Melbourne’s urban design policies not only transformed the physical environment but also strengthened community belonging and the emotional connection people had with the city. As a result, Melbourne became an example not only in terms of aesthetics but also in terms of social sustainability.

Social Interaction: How Design Brings People Together

How social is a city? The answer to this question is often determined by the quality of urban design. Well-planned cities bring people together not only physically but also emotionally. Design elements that encourage social interaction, such as the placement of benches facing each other, the creation of shaded areas, spaces for cultural events, and the consideration of accessibility principles, make this possible.

Even in the digital age, physical encounters, face-to-face communication, and time spent together still hold value. Inclusive urban spaces designed for young people, children, and the elderly ensure that there is a place for everyone in the city. This, in turn, enhances a sense of belonging.

Poorly designed, cold, and unfunctional spaces, on the other hand, isolate people and transform streets into mere corridors. Therefore, in urban regeneration projects, it is crucial not only to renew buildings but also to rebuild social life.

Recognizing the City, a Necessity for a Better Future

Urban design and land use not only define the physical form of cities but also their social structure and psychological impacts. Therefore, when designing a city, placing humans at the center of the process makes it more livable, safer, and more inclusive.

After reading this article, we encourage you to pay closer attention to a streetlight, the entrance of a park, or the trees that surround a sidewalk. Because, ultimately, the city is an experience designed for us.