The aim of this thesis is to clarify which potential a bridging structure has for handling the consequences created by a physical barrier. The following questions are posed: -Is bridging a suitable strategy for handling a physical barrier? -In what aspects do barriers counteract the development of a qualitative urban environment? -What potential does bridging have as a strategy for addressing these aspects? By studying literature, reference projects and the project site, a framework is set up for handling barriers in general and for the requirements of the specific project site. A design suggestion is made with the objective to address these needs. It uses a combination of the strategies presented in order to adress the consequences of the barrier: decreased intensity, connectivity and lack of pedestrian invitation. The thesis does not recommend bridging as a general solution, as it is complex and requires thorough analyses. However, the thesis argues that the strategy of bridging should not be rejected immidiately, since it has a potential of place-making. The strategy can provide for qualitative public space while offering a direct passage across a barrier. / Denna avhandling avser att klargöra potentialen hos fysisk överbryggning som strategi för att hantera konsekvenserna av barriärer i stadsmiljö. Frågeställningarna är följande: -Är överbryggning en lämplig strategi vid hantering av fysiska barriärer? -Ur vilka aspekter motverkar barriärer utvecklingen av en kvalitetsmässigt god stadsmiljö? -Vilket potential har överbryggning som strategi för att adressera dessa aspekter? Genom att studera litteratur, referensprojekt och ett utvalt projektområde (Bodenvägen, Luleå) beskrivs ett ramverk för hur barriärer i allmänhet bör hanteras, samt vilka förändringar det specifika projektområdet behöver. Ett designförslag tas fram för att möta dessa behov. Det använder en kombination av strategier för att adressera konsekvenserna av barriären: minskad intensitet, minskad tillgänglighet samt brister i miljön för fotgängare. Överbryggning rekommenderas inte som ensam generell lösning, eftersom den är komplex och kräver mer utförlig konsekvensanalys. Strategin bör inte förkastas, utan kan tillämpas i utvalda situationer. Överbryggning har potentialen att skapa unika platser. Samtidigt som barriären kan korsas obehindrat, kan offentliga rum av god kvalitet skapas.

This study sets out to explore the process of city planning through the design of an urban area in relation to a cultural world heritage. The purpose of this study is to get a deeper knowledge of the design process that planners and architects go through when developing urban areas in the city. As an architect student, I want to put the knowledge that I have gained during my education to the test and work with a project that is similar to what one will work with in the future. In my thesis I have worked with different approaches on the subjects of urban planning, city planning, landscape architecture and environmental behavior. The material used in this study is based on data from observations, interviews, literature studies and feedback from a reference group of architects. I have chosen to use my methods interdisciplinary to create a wider perspective when analyzing and designing an urban space.The result of my studies have culminated in a design proposal focused on creating sustainable social spaces with a connection to history, culture and art. / I det här kandidatarbetet utforskas processen för stadsplanering genom att utforma ett stadsområde i relation till ett kulturellt världsarv - Visby med dess ringmur. Syftet med denna studie är att få en djupare kunskap om den designprocess som planerare och arkitekter går igenom när de utvecklar tätorter i staden. Som arkitektstudent vill jag sätta de kunskaper, som jag fått under den här utbildningen, på prov. I mitt examensarbete har jag arbetat med olika tillvägagångssätt som Grounded Theory och Inquiry by Design, inom ämnena samhällsplanering, stadsplanering, landskapsarkitektur och miljöbeteende. Materialet som används i studien är baserat på data från observationer, intervjuer, litteraturstudier och handledning från en referensgrupp av arkitekter. Jag har valt att använda mina metoder tvärvetenskapligt för att få ett brett perspektiv när jag analyserar och utformar ett stadsrum. Resultatet av mina studier har utmynnat i ett designförslag med fokus på att skapa hållbara sociala rum med koppling till historia, kultur och konst.

This thesis investigates the implementation of new urban water management and planningapproaches in Denmark, with a specific focus on integrating solutions for extreme rainfallevents and enhancing livability. The study explores the Principles of Water Wise Cities as aframework for incorporating these aspects through Water Sensitive Urban Designs (WSUD).The aim is to provide a clearer understanding of the implementation of Water Wise Cities andthe role of livability in the context of urban water. In order to investigate the aim, the research employs a document analysis of two planningdocuments for Marienlyst, an urban development project in Aarhus Municipality, Denmark.The findings highlight the prevalence of Water Wise Cities through WSUD in Danish urbanwater management. However, the analysis of Marienlyst reveals fragmented integration ofWSUD solutions, lacking the multifunctionality observed in other examples, calling for aholistic and systematic approach to planning that better integrates urban water managementsolutions.  The thesis emphasizes the need to expand the understanding of livability beyond recreation inMarienlyst, to encompass broader implications of enhancing livability through water. It arguesfor comprehensive integration of livability in planning processes to foster resilient and inclusiveurban and community development. The limitations of a top-down approach in conceptualizinglivability are underscored, emphasizing the importance of participatory processes thatincorporate local knowledge. The thesis also addresses the vague nature of the livabilityconcept, advocating for critical engagement and robust integration into planning processes tocreate sustainable and equitable urban environments. In conclusion, this thesis highlights the necessity of a holistic and participatory approach inurban water management, integrating innovative solutions for extreme rainfall events andenhancing livability. The findings contribute to the existing knowledge on urban watermanagement and underscore the ongoing importance of research and development for thecreation of resilient and livable cities. / Denna avhandling undersöker implementeringen av nya metoder för hantering och planeringav vatten i urbana områden i Danmark, med särskilt fokus på att integrera lösningar för extremaregnfall och skapa en bättre förståelse för konceptet ”liveability”. Studien utforskar principernaför Water Wise Cities som en ram för att inkorporera dessa aspekter genom Water SensetiveUrban Design (WSUD). Syftet är att ge en tydligare förståelse för implementeringen av WaterWise Cities och undersöka vilken roll ”liveability” erhåller inom dansk samhällsplanering. För att undersöka syftet använder forskningen en dokumentanalys av två planeringsdokumentför Marienlyst, ett stadsutvecklingsprojekt i Aarhus kommun, Danmark. Resultaten belyserförekomsten av Water Wise Cities genom diverse förslag som främjar implementeringen avWSUD i Marienlyst. Men analysen av Marienlyst avslöjar en fragmenterad integration avWSUD-lösningar som saknar den multifunktionalitet som observeras i andra exempel, vilketkräver ett holistiskt och systematiskt tillvägagångssätt för planering som bättre integrerarlösningar för stadsförvaltning av vatten. Avhandlingen betonar behovet av att utvidga förståelsen för liveability bortom rekreation iMarienlyst, för att omfatta bredare implikationer av att förbättra boendemiljön genom vatten.Den argumenterar för en omfattande integration av boendemiljön i planeringsprocesser för attfrämja en hållbar och inklusiv samhällsutveckling. Vidare problematiseras även debegränsningarna som tydliggörs med ett toppstyrt tillvägagångssätt vid främjandet avliveability konceptet, där större fokus på medborgardialog som inkorporerar lokal befolkningoch dess kunskap i processen rekommenderas. Avhandlingen problematiserar även den vagadefinitionen av liveability som begrepp och förespråkar därmed ett behov för ett kritisktperspektiv på hur vi tolkar begreppet i planeringsprocesser för att möjliggöra rättvisare urbanamiljöer. Slutligen belyser denna avhandling nödvändigheten av ett holistiskt och deltagandetillvägagångssätt inom hanteringen av vatten, genom att integrera innovativa lösningar förextrema regnfall och förbättra boendemiljön. Resultaten bidrar till den befintliga kunskapen omhanteringen av vatten och understryker den pågående betydelsen av forskning och utvecklingför skapandet av trivsamma och hållbara städer.

Projektet syftar till att undersöka flervånings parkeringshus potential i omformning till offentliga utrymmen. Projektet grundar sig i ett alternativt framtidsscenario, där antalet bilar minskar i våra innerstadsområden i relation till ett mobilitetskifte kopplat till ny teknik och förändrade vanor i relaterat till mobilitet. Detta scenario kommer att generera en spatial konsekvens i en stadsmässig skala där ett flertal flervånings parkeringshus kommer bli tillgängliga för omformning i nya typer av användning samt funktioner. Detta projekt undersöker både potentialer och utmaningar i relation till omformningen av flervånings parkeringshus utifrån samtida praktik, tidigare forskning, innovativa projekt och en fältstudie av P-hus Godsmagasinet i Malmö, Sverige. Projektet resulterar i en undersökande designprocess i hur P-hus Godsmagasinet kan omformas till en offentlig plats utifrån en strategisk design utgångspunkt. Där design-metodiken är uppdelad i olika faser, för att samla och använda information samtidigt inom den pågående processen. Genom detta projekt, vill jag bidra till nya reflektioner och kunskap till de professioner som arbetar med urban utveckling, och framför allt lyfta fram flervånings parkeringshus potential, där jag anser att urban design besitter en viktig roll. Omformandet av flervånings parkeringshus är relaterat till hållbar stadsutveckling och är relevant till professioner som arbetar med samtidens och framtidens stadsmiljös problematik, där jag anser att detta projekt inte enbart illustrerar mitt eget intresse utan är relevant för ett flertal som arbetar med stadsmässiga miljöer. / The purpose of the project is to investigate the multi-story parking structures potential in relation to retrofit into public spaces. The project built on an alternative future scenario, there the amount of automobiles decreasing in our inner-city areas out from a mobility shift, linked to new technology and change of habits. This scenario will generate a spatial consequence on a city scale there several multi-story parking structures will become available for retrofitting into new types of uses and functions. This project investigates the potential and challenges of the retrofitting of multi-story parking structures out from contemporary practice, previous research, innovative projects and an actual case study of P-house Godsmagasinet in Malmö, Sweden. The work results in an exploratory design process in how P-house Godsmagasinet can be retrofitted into a public space out from a strategic design approach. There the design methodology is divided into different phases, to collect and use information simultaneously within the ongoing process. Through this project, I want to contribute with extended reflections and knowledge to the professions working with urban developments, and above all highlight the potential of the multi-story parking structure. The retrofitting of multi-story parking structures is related to sustainable urban development and is relevant in the professions dealing with contemporary and future urban environment issues, where I believe that this not only illustrates my own interest but is relevant to everyone who working with the urban environment.

Master of Landscape Architecture / Department of Landscape Architecture/Regional and Community Planning / Jessica Canfield / Interactive technology is rapidly affecting our society, extending opportunities for convenience, communication, function, and pleasure. Defined as electronic or computation-based entities that reciprocate human use or action, interactive technology allows people the opportunity to personalize how something looks, how it feels, what it does, and how it is perceived. Many physical objects, such as a home thermostat system or a motion-activated sculpture, are embedded with computation that allows them to detect certain environmental influences, and respond with a purposeful action. As suggested by Malcolm McCullough, interactive technologies will be implemented into the urban environment, grounding them to a specific place and reflecting the character and context. Interactive technology will be combined with traditional urban design practices to generate an interactive urban environment. The Civic Room in Downtown St. Louis is prime for renewal. Underutilized and monotonous, the park space is seen as a tear in the urban fabric and lacks diverse program opportunities. The Civic Room will be used as a testing ground for an interactive urban environment, utilizing three dimensions of interactive technology, including information exchange, creative expression, and kinetics, as well as the specific elements of an effective urban open space (Whyte, 1980). Then, the existing site and resulting interactive urban environment will be evaluated on its potential to improve certain dimensions of performance (Lynch, 1981), and its impact on the identity and use of the space. Engaging an interactive urban environment in the St. Louis Civic Room will promote an understanding of the effects that interactive technology can begin to have in a larger context. It will activate the space, promote social collaboration, and establish a dynamic atmosphere that reflects more closely the desired intent of all users. In turn, it can propel the opportunity to approach interactive urban environments as an alternative method of urban space design.

Master of Landscape Architecture / Department of Landscape Architecture/Regional and Community Planning / Blake Belanger / As the world continues to grow and cities continue to change, landscapes architects are constantly challenged with identifying design solutions that address the endless change of urban environments. In 1973, C.S. Holling developed the term “resilience theory,” which identified how social and ecological systems communicate across different landscape scales (Holling, C.S. 1973). In 2013, Kansas State Graduate Kevin Cunningham tested the validity of Holling’s resilience theory as a theoretical basis for urban design. This report attempts to further test the validity of resilience theory as a theoretical basis for social systems within urban design. Methodology utilized includes literature review with specific attention to current social resilience frameworks and guidelines, case study analyses, and an application of the author’s social resilience goals and strategies through a projective design of Washington Square Park, Kansas City, Missouri. Social resilience goals and strategies were developed to respond to social objectives identified within Washington Square Park RFQ/P, GDAP, Main Street Streetcar, Making Grand “Grand” and KCDC’s plan for the park. Objectives were derived based upon their relationship to resilience theory. The created social resilient goals, objectives and strategies will be specific for the revitalization of Washington Square Park. However, the process of identified social resilience goals, objectives and strategies can be utilized as a tool for designs of other urban, civic spaces. The process of identifying social resilience goals, objectives and strategies utilized within this report has the potential to continually promote landscape architects as the primary leaders in urban design practice.

Master of Landscape Architecture / Department of Landscape Architecture/Regional and Community Planning / Melanie F. Klein / Cities and nature are often popularly viewed as polar opposites. Many American cities are seen as “destructive of nature, gray and natureless, distinct and separate from natural systems” (Beatley 2008, 189). Cities lacking in ecological functions can benefit from the application of Green Urbanism theory. Green Urbanism incorporates ecological features as central design elements, cities, and to restore, nurture, and celebrate urban ecology. Unique ecological features can affect a place in positive ways while adding and establishing an identity for the city. One city that has been stuck in a gray and natureless state is St. Louis, Missouri, in particular, the Central business district. In order to transform St. Louis into a more ecologically rich city, an eco-boulevard will be implemented. An eco-boulevard is a green ribbon that collects stormwater runoff and connects people to surrounding local amenities. In addition to stormwater benefits, the eco-boulevard will serve as a visual and physical connector for pedestrians to public destinations, and connect pedestrians with other pedestrians by serving as its own destination. The eco-boulevard can also provide multiple ecological and social benefits to promote healthy places with a high quality of life. In order to achieve the implementation of an eco-boulevard, a thorough analysis of watersheds, key low points, transportation hubs, public destinations, and established pedestrian traffic routes were considered. The design of the eco-boulevard is concentrated in areas where low points in elevation, transportation hubs, public destinations, and highly traveled pedestrian traffic routes converge. At the intersection of these elements, unique features capture and store stormwater runoff. As a whole, the entire eco-boulevard improves urban ecology through the use of vegetation, street trees, and the recycling of water.

Master of Science / Department of Architecture / David R. Seamon / This thesis presents a redesign of Kansas City’s downtown Government District, making use of the conceptual approach provided by Responsive Environments (1985), a manual for urban design written by architects Ian Bentley and Alan Alcock, urban designers Sue McGlynn and Graham Smith, and landscape architect Paul Murrain. “Responsive environments” are those urban places, the physical settings of which maximize usability and social value by offering a wide range of day-to-day user choices within close proximity. The authors of Responsive Environments identify seven hierarchical qualities—permeability, variety, legibility, robustness, visual appropriateness, richness, and personalization—that are said to be vital in creating responsive environments within the city. Through a literature review and critique, chapters 1 and 2 of the thesis overview Responsive Environments in terms of several major theorists of urban place making, including urban theorist Bill Hillier (1984), urban critic Jane Jacobs (1961), and urban designer William Whyte (1980). In turn, chapters 3, 4, 5, and 6 investigate the practicability of Responsive Environments as an urban design approach by applying its three larger-scale qualities of permeability, variety, and legibility to the Government District, an existing urban area in downtown Kansas City, Missouri, presently underdeveloped in terms of environmental responsiveness and a strong sense of urban place. As a means to identify strengths and weaknesses of Responsive Environments, the last chapter of the thesis critiques the resulting Government District design. The thesis concludes that Responsive Environments is a valuable design approach that offers much for strengthening the quality of urban life and urban sustainability.

Crowded places have been the target of terrorist attacks for many years. Their inherent nature has resulted in a vulnerability to a range of attacks, most notably the threat of vehicle-borne improvised explosive devices (VBIEDs). Government agendas have been seeking to reduce the extent of this vulnerability, by encouraging those who are responsible for the design, construction and operation of such places to incorporate counter-terrorism measures (CTMs) into their designs, and where necessary, retro-fit them into existing places. However, little is known about what measures can be used, as well as their performance and consequences. The aim of the research is therefore to identify the aforementioned range of measures through the development of a typology that also examines their relative performance and consequences for a range of scenarios, in order to inform key decision makers who are responsible for the protection of crowded places. Through the use of a qualitative research strategy and respective research methods, interviews, site visits and document analysis were carried out in both the UK and in the USA. A total of 47 participants were recruited for the research, with the collection of data spanning 16 months. A preliminary study was undertaken that determined a range of influences on whether crowded places are protected, as well as influences on the value of CTMs themselves. A theoretical framework was developed to capture and understand those influences. Conventional data analysis methods and internal validation techniques were used to subject the data to methodological rigour, ensuring the validity and reliability of the research. While the negative consequences of incorporating CTMs can be profound, every CTM that can be used has additional benefits; measures can be incorporated at no cost and can even generate revenue; and designing-in CTMs has a number of advantages over retro-fitting them. This research s contribution to knowledge in relation to methodology, empiricism, theory, industry, and policy has resulted in the creation of a significant amount of guidance for key decision makers who are responsible for the design, construction and operation of crowded places, as well as providing data on the benefits that can be gained from incorporating mitigative measures that is of interest to those who have a role to play in the design, construction and operation of the built environment more broadly. Recommendations for further research posit that greater understanding is needed in relation to the specific monetary costs of CTMs themselves, the experience of users of protected places, the implications of invisible CTMs, and the need for research into the assessment and incorporation of proportionality into the built environment. Practical recommendations put forward the need for clarification of legislation in relation to duties of care, the dissemination of the incentives to protect, and benefits of protecting, crowded places, the need for further debate and transparency regarding proportionality and what constitutes proportionate design, and the need to encourage greater engagement between stakeholders and the means through which this can occur. The research posits that legislative requirements encompassing the mitigation of terrorist attacks are apparent, and that therefore, organisations should incorporate CTMs into vulnerable places, yet as previously indicated, such CTMs do not have to cost anything.

published_or_final_version / abstract / Urban Design / Master / Master of Urban Design