Urban Diversity

 According to Jane Jacobs, one of the key factors that contribute to the success of urban spaces is the presence of diverse, mixed-use neighborhoods. This means that neighborhoods should be home to a variety of different types of buildings, including residential, commercial, and public spaces, that serve the needs of a wide range of people. This theory is much like the concept behind my (and Taylor’s) studio project, in which we exploded the vast and diverse program to create a campus with residential, commercial (business), and public spaces. The campus model works especially well with programmed public spaces to encourage gathering without generating congestion. Congestion can lead to a lack of public space, which is essential for community gatherings, public events, and everyday social interaction. Without these public spaces, urban neighborhoods can become dull and uninviting, discouraging people from spending time there and contributing to a sense of isolation and alienation. Our concept aims to do just the opposite, encouraging the user to interact and form a sense of community within the space.