This study describes a new approach to explore the design of public open spaces based on a multidimensional analysis useful to inform decision-making and foster the development of evidence-based architectural solutions. It presents an overview of the most relevant design variables and their constraints, providing, in this way, valuable information for the elaboration of a more sustainable urban design, considerate of the local socio-cultural values. This research aims at providing holistic guidance for the development of better design proposals in contemporary urban environments. More specifically, it seeks to synchronously characterize urban spaces at a multi-scale and multidimensional level, both quantitatively and qualitatively, by collecting contributions from Space Syntax Theory, Public Life Studies, Building Science and Environmental/Comfort Analysis in public open spaces. Many advanced digital tools are used for data management purposes and to generate and test iteratively different design proposals. The proposed methodology is based on a range of tests and analyses performed in the process of developing a new experimental project for Largo da Graça, an urban square located in Lisbon's historic centre, which allowed the testing of different design solutions. This experiment generated a digital workflow for the design of the urban square, in which are registered all the steps undertaken to solve the many design problems identified by considering the efficiency targets (centrality, connectivity, enclosure, thermal comfort, security, social equity and interaction). The process comprises a sequence of comparative design reviews and records the choices made when dealing with latent information underlying changing conditions in the use of public space and the programmatic malleability of the Portuguese plaza. The description of the adopted design strategy and the examples extracted from the workflow are used to illustrate the practical approach of the proposed methodology. Ultimately, this study seeks to show how tightening the link between applied research and sustainable urban design can effectively support the design and planning of better public open spaces.KEYWORDS: Design Methods; Public Space Design; Parametric Architecture; Multidimensional Analysis; Space Syntax.RESUMO: Este artigo descreve uma nova abordagem ao desenho do espaço público aberto, baseada numa análise multidimensional orientada para a tomada de decisão e para o desenvolvimento de soluções arquitetônicas assentes em evidências. Apresenta uma visão geral das variáveis mais relevantes de projeto e suas restrições, fornecendo assim informações úteis para o desenvolvimento de um desenho urbano mais sustentável, que considera os valores sociais e culturais locais. Este trabalho propõe fornecer uma ferramenta de orientação holística para o desenvolvimento de melhores propostas de projeto em ambientes urbanos contemporâneos; mais especificamente, visa caracterizar de forma síncrona os espaços urbanos através de análises multiescala e m...

This paper explores the visual dynamics of the morphology of public open spaces.Resorting to space syntax concepts, visual graph analysis (VGA), and the innovative use of its standard tool Depthmap, a set of case studies is analysed under the perspective of visual opportunity fields and building upon the established concept and metrics of Revelation. A series of related novel measures and visualizations are developed, which are only possible, in Depthmap environment, by the advanced use of its scripting language: SalaScript. Despite Depthmap being the standard tool among the space syntax community, there is a lack of references to the explicit use of SalaScript. One major objective of this paper is to illustrate, and document, its possibilities to a broad audience by extending, customizing and introducing a more interactive approach in handling VGA maps. We present SalaScript functionalities and its use in the development of visual analysis scripts that allow the study of revelation, which we then apply to a set of real public open spaces case studies.

Presently there is a progressive tendency to incorporate parametric design strategies in urban planning and design. Although the computational technologies that allow it are recent, fundamental theories and thinking processes behind it can be traced back to the work conducted at the Institute for Lightweight Structures (IL) in Stuttgart, between the 1960's and 1980's. This paper describes an experimental urban research work based on Frei Otto and Eda Schaur's thoughts on unplanned settlements, and on the form-finding experiences carried out at IL. By exploring the digital development of parametric and algorithmic interactive models, two urban design proposals were developed for a site in Porto city. Out of this experience, this paper suggests that today the act of design can benefit from a deeper understanding of the natural processes of occupation and connection.

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This work proposes and tests, through the application to a Portuguese case study (Largo da Graça in Lisbon historic center), an original method of analysis specifically oriented to the study of public squares. Collecting contributions from the disciplines of urban morphology, social studies, environmental and site analysis, the presented methodology aims to synchronously and multi-dimensionally characterize and classify urban spaces at a multi-scale scale level, by coordinating multiple tools and advanced analysis techniques, in a process whose ultimate goal is to understand and improve the quality of public open spaces and to encourage its appropriation and enjoyment by the local community and the visitors.