Republic of the Philippines

ISABELA STATE UNIVERSITY

City of Ilagan, Isabela

ARCH 221
ARCHITECTURAL DESIGN 4

“A proposed
urban parks”
RESEARCH WORK #7
JOSAN BRYLE U. LORENZO 3C AR.ADRIAN LAGUA
STUDENT INSTRUCTOR
 INTRODUCTION

Parks are recognized as powerful tools for urban

communities and local economies. Benefits of Urban Parks City
parks provide access to recreational opportunities, increase
property values, spur local economies, combat crime, and
protect cities from environmental impact. City parks encourage
active lifestyles and reduce health costs.
Urban parks are beneficial and even critical parts of cities and
communities. They provide residents and visitors a place to relax,
exercise and have social interaction with neighbors, friends and
family. They’re a great place to escape the stress and noise of the
city. How can you design an urban park that makes the most of the
space it has? Many factors go into an effective urban park design.

Benefits of Urban Parks

Community parks are open areas that provide space for
relaxation, exercise and social gatherings. They often include
playgrounds, picnic tables and walking paths. An inner-city park is
the heart of its community. These urban parks are located in the
center of busy streets and are surrounded by towering buildings.
They’re sometimes the only open and green area for blocks or
miles. Parks provide many important benefits, but they can be even
more important in urban areas.

An urban park:

 Provides a place for rest and relaxation.

 Encourages spontaneous social interaction and social
gatherings.
 Gives community members access to nature.
 Promotes physical exercise.
 Can reduce neighborhood crime.
  Improves air quality.
 Supports biodiversity.
 Helps control temperatures and humidity.

What Makes an Effective Urban Park

As communities begin to realize the important benefits of

parks, more and more urban parks are being designed. However,
there are many factors that park planners should consider so that
they end up with an effective and maximally beneficial urban park.
They need to be at the center of the neighborhood so that they are
accessible by most residents with just a five-minute walk.
Urban parks need to look inviting and open. They should be
surrounded by sidewalks and public areas, and not be too close to
residential areas. A park backed up against houses can cause
confusion between the private and public spaces. A public transit
stop should be nearby, as should some shops and public buildings.
Parks should retain the natural curves and hills of the land. In
urban areas, it’s impossible to see what the land looked like before
being built over. If it’s possible, parks should maintain the natural
contour of the land that was there before.
Good urban parks are more than just open areas of grass.
They’re a calming common space where people feel comfortable
gathering. They have functional and attractive amenities, but the
park doesn’t feel overdesigned and cramped. People should be able
to see through the park and be able to walk through it easily. This is
important for safety and also keeps the park from being
overdesigned. Parks should also have adequate lighting so that
people can enjoy the park for more hours.

How to Design an Urban Park

Designing an urban park is an important task that requires

careful planning. Urban parks are typically smaller than their
suburban counterparts, so it’s critical to maintain a balance between
open space and designed elements. You have to consider location,
audience, design specifications, noise levels, land development,
playground equipment, lighting and site amenities.

Choose a Location

First, you need to choose a location for the new park. If you’re
developing in an urban area, you likely don’t have many options.
However, the park should be centrally located. Urban parks are the
most effective when they are within a five-minute walk of most
residents. The easier it is to get to, the more use it will get. Is it
easily accessible by walking, biking or taking a car or public
transportation? Consider the location of nearby transit stops, stores,
public buildings and parking lots.
Determine the Target Audience

Once you determine a location, you’ll be able to learn more

about the needs of the community there. Find out about the
demographics of the area. Are there a lot of children, elderly people
or working adults? Learning more about the people who will be
using the park can help you prioritize what the park needs. Different
people would benefit more from different elements, but you’ll only
be able to include a few things to fit in your available space.

Design Your Park

Now that you have an idea about the space you’ll have and
the market you need to serve, you can start designing your park.
Make a list of the elements you absolutely need to include. Most
urban parks will have a playground, a walking path and seating
areas. If you have a smaller area of land you can use, this may be
all you can include.

Reduce Noise Levels

Urban parks are surrounded by bustling city life and traffic

noise. Effective urban parks are able to block out some of this noise.
Including plenty of vegetation, trees and bushes can help reduce
the noise pollution of the area. Vegetation helps reduce noise
through sound attenuation.

Prepare the Land

Preparing the land can involve a number of different steps

depending on what you’re starting with. You’ll want to maintain the
natural contours of the land and leave greenery and trees. It should
still feel like being in nature no matter how small the park is.
Determine where the walkways will be. A loop that goes around part
of the perimeter but also goes through the trees and quieter, middle
part of the park is the best way to incorporate a walking path.
If you’ll be including a playground, you will need to flatten that area.
The pit will have to be dug out and then filled with the appropriate
amount of surfacing material. This could be unitary surfacing or
loose-fill surfacing, such as rubber mulch. The depth of surfacing
that is required depends on the height of the equipment you choose
to add.

Add Equipment

Playground equipment is often the staple of community parks.

Children can develop essential social, physical, cognitive and
emotional skills while playing on park playgrounds. The best
playgrounds have a variety of types of equipment. Include the
classic elements like swings, slides, climbers and tunnels. Try to
include unique elements as well, like custom play sculptures or
themed playsets.
Don’t Forget Lighting

Lighting helps highlight your landscape, extends the park’s

usable hours and increases safety. Your urban park will require
three levels of lighting. First, you will need full, bright lighting in the
highly used areas of your park. This typically includes playgrounds
and walkways. Next, you’ll need accent lighting. Use accent lighting
to highlight the attractive features of your park, such as water
elements, trees, landmarks or artwork. Last, you’ll need safety
lighting. This consists of lowly-lit places that would normally seem
unsafe at night.

Include Site Amenities

No park is complete without site furnishings and amenities.

These elements are critical in making your park comfortable and
functional.

Benches

Benches are a critical part of designing an urban park. You’ll

need to have benches spread out over the whole area. They should
be placed along walking paths to give people a place to rest and
relax. You’ll also need benches facing playgrounds and dog parks so
that parents can comfortably supervise their kids or dog. Place
some benches in the shade and others in the sun so that people can
maintain whatever temperature is comfortable for them.

Picnic Tables

Picnic tables give people a place to sit, eat and socialize while
enjoying your park. Picnic tables can be grouped together or spread
out over the park. It’s up to you. When picnic tables are all together,
people will gather to eat or hang out in groups. Spread-out tables
allow families or friends to gather away from other visitors.
Choose picnic tables that match or complement the style of your
benches. This helps create a cohesive look that makes your park
stand out from other areas. Read our tips for choosing the best
picnic table.

Trash Receptacles

Trash receptacles help keep your park clean and attractive.

Regularly spaced and highly visible waste receptacles will
encourage people to throw away their trash and keep the park
clean. Learn more about choosing trash receptacles for your park.
Shade Structures

Shade helps protect your visitors. Sunburn is often a concern

of park users, but people may not pack sunscreen for a short park
trip. To help keep park visitors comfortable and more protected
from sunburns, your park should contain multiple shade elements.
This can include trees, but it also can include shade structures and
commercial umbrellas.

Install Public Artwork

Public artwork makes your park more unique and interesting

while also connecting the site to people of the community. You can
choose to install a large, site-defining piece of art, or have multiple
temporary art installations. Regardless of what you choose, it should
be connected to the community or the site itself.

Host Events

A great way to attract people to your park is to host events

that appeal to a wide variety of interests. You can host events and
allow visitors to host their own. Some events that you could host
include:

 Yoga classes.
 Flower/tree planting events.
 Concerts and performances.
 Ecology walks.
 Movie nights.
Eco-Parks

With a growing emphasis on sustainability, eco-parks prioritize

ecological conservation and biodiversity. These parks integrate
native flora and fauna, employ eco-friendly design principles, and
serve as educational hubs for environmental awareness.

The Role of Urban Parks in Urban Design

Social Cohesion

Urban parks act as catalysts for social interaction, bringing

communities together. Whether through organized events or casual
gatherings, these spaces foster a sense of belonging and unity
among residents.

Health and Wellbeing

The integration of green spaces into urban design contributes to the

physical and mental well-being of city dwellers. Urban parks provide
opportunities for exercise, relaxation, and stress relief, promoting a
healthier urban lifestyle.

Environmental Sustainability

Beyond their aesthetic appeal, urban parks play a crucial role in

environmental sustainability. They contribute to carbon
sequestration, air purification, and temperature regulation,
mitigating the adverse effects of urbanization on the environment.
Design Considerations for Urban Parks
Accessibility

Creating inclusive spaces requires careful consideration of

accessibility. Urban parks should be easily accessible to people of all
ages and abilities, ensuring that everyone can enjoy the benefits of
these green havens.

Flexibility

The dynamic nature of urban life necessitates flexible park design.

Spaces that can adapt to various activities and events enhance the
park’s versatility and appeal to a diverse range of users.

Sustainable Materials and Practices

Incorporating sustainable materials and practices in park design

aligns with contemporary environmental consciousness. From
recycled materials to water-efficient landscaping, these elements
contribute to the overall sustainability of urban parks.

The Future of Urban Parks: Opportunities for Innovation

As cities continue to evolve, the future of urban parks holds exciting

possibilities for innovation. Incorporating technology, such as smart
lighting and interactive installations, can enhance the visitor
experience while maintaining the essence of these green retreats.

Conclusion
In conclusion, urban parks are integral components of the urban
landscape, embodying a rich tapestry of design typologies. From the
formality of structured layouts to the adaptability of eco-parks, each
typology contributes uniquely to the urban fabric. As students of
architecture explore this topic for their theses, they are presented
with a vast canvas of possibilities to shape the future of urban
design. Embracing the principles of inclusivity, sustainability, and
innovation, the architects of tomorrow have the opportunity to
redefine the urban landscape through the lens of urban parks.