Urban Design Made by Humans: A Handbook of Design Ideas

The book "Designing with Meaning" is a valuable resource for design students and professionals, providing clarity, currency, persistence, and integration of complex ideas into design processes. It addresses the cultural shift in education towards understanding cognitive processes connected to shape-making and offers foundational knowledge that sits at the base of all educational instruction in formal design. The book emphasizes the same skills that humans use to understand the environment and integrates meaning and interpretation into the design process.

Format: Hardback
Length: 216 pages
Publication date: 29 September 2022
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

Clarity:
The book effortlessly breaks down complex architectural design concepts and urban design principles, making them accessible to first-year university students embarking on their design journey. These fundamental ideas, often overlooked or neglected in traditional design education, form the very essence of all design processes and play a crucial role in shaping the built environment.

Currency:
The book aligns with a significant cultural shift in education, emphasizing the understanding of cognitive processes related to shape-making rather than solely focusing on the formal creation of objects. It addresses the root causes of design problems rather than merely treating their symptoms, providing a more comprehensive and transformative approach.

Persistence:
What sets this book apart is its timeless relevance. The information it contains is not subject to expiration dates, as it forms the foundation of all formal design education. This enduring knowledge is invaluable, providing students with a solid understanding that will remain with them throughout their careers.

Integration:
The book seamlessly blends the realms of meaning and interpretation, recognizing that the same skills used by humans to comprehend their environment are equally essential in designing the environment. It introduces persistent ways in which humans interpret and interact with their surroundings, offering valuable insights for architects and urban designers.

In conclusion, "Designing with Meaning" is a groundbreaking book that revolutionizes the way design is taught and practiced. By providing a clear, concise, and comprehensive exploration of fundamental design principles, it empowers students to approach design with a deeper understanding and a more holistic perspective. Its currency, persistence, and integration make it an invaluable resource for architects, urban designers, and anyone interested in shaping the built environment.

Weight: 570g
Dimension: 198 x 129 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781032185170