Urban Environment, Senses & Well-being
Coordinators:
Antonella Radicchi (Technical University of Berlin - Germany)
Jieling Xiao (Birmingham City University - UK)
Francesco Aletta (UCL, The Bartlett - UK)
Abstract
This thematic node focuses on the relationship between people and the environment, specifically looking at how sensorial and environmental dimensions of the urban realm affect human experience and how this knowledge can be used to inform urban design and planning for healthier and more sustainable cities.
Humanistic theory constitutes the theoretical framework and, methodologically, senses are used as research and design tools operating within the context of the everyday where situated practices unfold.
On these premises the research group aims at generating knowledge by:
- Doing historical research on the origin of the humanistic approach to urban design and the links to cognate artistic disciplines;
- Experimenting with creative and participatory research methods of analysis and design, with a focus on sounds, smells, and light
- Addressing the interface between police and practice, specifically looking at how environmental sustainability policies - related to the Sustainable Goals no. 3 Good Health and Well-Being, no. 11 Sustainable Cities and Communities and no. 15 Life on Land - are implemented through urban design projects at the local scale in European cities.
The research subject is developed on the basis of:
- online seminars
- publications (e.g. articles in scholarly journals, special issues).