The Routledge Handbook of Urban Design Research Methods

Urban design is an evolving field that requires reflection on its rigor and relevance. This handbook aims to develop its theoretical and methodological knowledge base and engage with the question of what urban design can be. It includes contributions from established and emerging scholars across the global North and global South, with 80 contributors and 52 chapters organized into five parts. The commissioned chapters showcase a wide range of topics, research designs, and methods with references to relevant scholarly works.

Format: Hardback
Length: 528 pages
Publication date: 24 August 2023
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

Urban design, as a dynamic and multifaceted field, has undergone continuous evolution, shaped by the convergence of various disciplines and professions. At this pivotal juncture, urban design must critically assess its rigor and relevance to ensure its continued growth and impact. This handbook aims to seize this moment by expanding the theoretical and methodological knowledge base of urban design and engaging in a profound exploration of what urban design can be.

Contributions from esteemed scholars from both the global North and global South are included in this handbook, offering a field-specific entry point by introducing a diverse range of topics and lines of inquiry. These topics are explored through the lens of related research designs and methods, making this handbook appealing to a wide range of audiences interested in shaping places and public spaces.

What sets this handbook apart from conventional handbooks on research methods is its structured approach in relation to key research topics and questions in urban design. These topics include agency, affordance, place, informality, and performance, which are central to understanding the complexities of urban environments.

In addition to the introductory chapter, this handbook comprises 80 contributors and 52 chapters, organized into five parts. The commissioned chapters showcase a wide array of topics, research designs, and methods, with extensive references to relevant scholarly works on the related topics and methods.

By delving into these critical aspects of urban design, this handbook aims to contribute to the ongoing discourse and advancement of the field. It provides valuable insights and tools for practitioners, policymakers, and researchers alike, as they strive to create more sustainable, inclusive, and resilient cities and communities.

Dimension: 246 x 174 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780367768058