Understanding Urbanism: Harmony, Justice, and Poetry in Cities

ArchDaily Articles Understanding Urbanism: Harmony, Justice, and Poetry in Cities Understanding Urbanism: Harmony, Justice, and Poetry in CitiesSaveSaveUnderstan ArchDaily Articles Understanding Urbanism: Harmony, Justice, and Poetry in Cities Understanding Urbanism: Harmony, Justice, and Poetry in CitiesSaveSaveUnderstanding Urbanism: Harmony, Justice, and Poetry in CitiesPresented by:{:saint_gobain_disclaimer=>"Saint-Gobain is not responsible for, and expressly disclaims liability for, damages of any kind arising out of use, reference to or reliance on any information contained on this site. No guarantee is given by Saint-Gobain that the information is correct, complete or up-to-date or will not infringe any copyright or other intellectual property right and Saint-Gobain does not endorse any of the information contained on this site. Although the ArchDaily website may provide links to other internet resources, including web sites, Saint-Gobain is not responsible for the accuracy or content of information in these sites. Links from the ArchDaily website to third-party sites do not constitute an endorsement by Saint-Gobain of the parties of their products or services."}document.getElementById('single-content').setAttribute('data-io-article-url', window.location.href);Save this picture!Staircase on the Stationsplein, Rotterdam, by MVRDV. Image © Laurian GhinitoiuWritten by Ankitha GattupalliPublished on January 03, 2024ShareShareFacebookTwitterMailPinterestWhatsappOrhttps://www.archdaily.com/1011604/understanding-urbanism-harmony-justice-and-poetry-in-citiesClipboard"COPY"CopyCities are vibrant systems that hold meaning and move with the rhythm of the human life that powers it. In the fabric of urban landscapes, architects and urban designers collaborate to create spatial harmonies that extend beyond aesthetics and towards social justice and poetic expression. Citizens engage, becoming active participants in the ongoing narrative of the city - the metropolitan melody. In 2023, ArchDaily wrote about the poetics of urbanism, exploring a future where cities meet its people’s social and emotional needs: + 2 Letter From Ljubljana, Slovenia: The Human-Centered Urbanism of Jože Plečnik Related Article Building Resilience: A Closer Look at 2023's Response to Disaster Challenges Save this picture!© Michael J. CrosbieAt the heart of a city’s symphony lies the concept of human-centered urbanism, a concept exemplified by architects such as Jože Plečnik, who transformed Ljubljana, Slovenia, into a testament to thoughtful design and community engagement. Plečnik’s work as an architect prioritizes every detail of the human experience in a city, especially seen in Ljubljana’s promenade along the river, its bridges and plazas, its balconies and balustrades, its little kiosks and even its streetlight. His urban interventions reflect a harmonious integration of the built environment with the natural and social contexts, creating spaces that resonate with the daily rhythms of city life.Creating Harmony with the Place: In Conversation with Kengo KumaSave this picture!Museum Research Center / Kengo Kuma & Associates. Image © Daici AnoJapanese architect Kengo Kuma’s conversation with ArchDaily amplifies the importance of designing the built environment to harmonize with cultural and geographical context. His approach transcends traditional boundaries and emphasizes a symbiotic relationship between architecture and nature. Kuma’s work creates a melody that respects the planet’s resources to provide functional and aesthetic spaces that coexist with the natural environment.Flowing Through Time: The Nile River Shaping Cairo's Architecture and Urban LandscapeSave this picture!Cairo, Egypt. Image © Dina ZeneinyThe Nile River, whose flow through time has shaped Cairo's architecture and urban landscape, serves not only as a physical lifeline but also as a metaphorical current that influences the evolution of the city's identity. The river holds profound cultural importance, inspiring artistic expressions in various forms, and is woven into the fabric of Cairo's urban and emotional landscape. Preserving this intertwined relationship is critical to maintaining Cairo's unique charm and honoring the age-old story of the Nile's romantic connection with the city's urbanism. Understanding and respecting such historical flows is essential in crafting cities that resonate with a sense of continuity and purpose.Buildings, Communities, Cities: Things Fall ApartSave this picture!via Dallas Morning NewsAmidst these harmonious narratives, there are instances where the threads of urban fabric seem to unravel. "Things Fall Apart" when the delicate balance between buildings, communities, and cities is disrupted. In the context of modern America, the article prompts a reflection on contrasts between private ownership and the concept of “commoning”. It explores the interconnectedness of various elements within the urban landscape and the need for creating communities that are equitable, welcoming, and supportive.Urban Staircases: Vertical Poetry in CitiesSave this picture!Staircase on the Stationsplein, Rotterdam, by MVRDV. Image © Laurian GhinitoiuStaircases play a crucial role in urban landscapes, serving as connectors, witnesses to history, and dynamic stages for movement and social interaction. They become symbolic representations of ascension, progression, and the interconnected layers of urban life. As inhabitants ascend and descend these stairways, they become active participants in dynamism of urban environments. The article explores the multifaceted roles of staircases in urban life, emphasizing their significance beyond mere functionality.Socially Just Public Spaces Are Crucial to Flourishing SocietiesSave this picture!In Paris, the ecologically sensitive Jardins d’Eole emerged from a brownfield site due to the activism of the surrounding West African and Maghrebi neighbors. Image © Paris GovernmentTrue harmony in cities is an extension of people’s sense of freedom and happiness in them. Beyond architectural aesthetics, the ream of social justice informs the vitality of a city and its ability to be inclusive towards the needs of all its inhabitants. Cities that prioritize inclusivity and diversity in their design and policies create a harmonious environment.This article is part of the ArchDaily Topics: Year in Review, presented by Randers Tegl."When creating unique architecture, visionary ideas aren’t always enough. A unique look demands character, courage, and distinctive materials. And a format to achieve the extraordinary. At Randers Tegl, we aim to add a unique touch to exceptional brickworks by bringing premium bricks to life and into the world of architecture. Making the impossible possible. We are proud to be a part of unique architecture worldwide since 1911."Every month we explore a topic in-depth through articles, interviews, news, and architecture projects. We invite you to learn more about our ArchDaily Topics. And, as always, at ArchDaily we welcome the contributions of our readers; if you want to submit an article or project, contact us. Image gallerySee allShow less ShareShareFacebookTwitterMailPinterestWhatsappOrhttps://www.archdaily.com/1011604/understanding-urbanism-harmony-justice-and-poetry-in-citiesClipboard"COPY"CopyAbout this authorAnkitha GattupalliAuthor••• #TagsNewsArticlesArchitectureUrban DesignUrban PlanningArchDaily Topic 2023 Year in ReviewUrbanismPlacemakingStaircaseKengo KumaSocial justicecairoCite: Ankitha Gattupalli. "Understanding Urbanism: Harmony, Justice, and Poetry in Cities" 03 Jan 2024. ArchDaily. Accessed .