Evidence-based planning and design: Background, methods and tools

Overview & Aims

Evidence-based design is an approach that involves using research and data to inform design decisions. It is a process of collecting and analyzing data to gain insights into user behavior, preferences, and needs, and using that information to guide design decisions. The goal of evidence-based design is to create designs that are effective, efficient, and user-friendly. Examples of evidence that can be used in evidence-based design include user feedback, analytics data, and user research.

Keywords: Evidence-base planning practices, spatial analysis, integration, space syntax, QGIS

Content and Outline

Exercise with Space Syntax Toolkit in QGIS

1. Theoretical framework and space syntax terms

2. Introduction to Space Syntax toolkit and what it measures

3. Results: spatial analysis of urban systems using SSx Toolkit in QGIS

4. Types of analysis

5. Interpreting the results of the spatial analysis:

Understand the impact of spatial layouts on various aspects
Testing scenarios
Correlations between spatial values and other forms of data

Expected Learning Outcomes

1. Preparing space syntax maps for analysis

2. Running space syntax analysis in QGIS

3. Visualising the results of the analysis

4. Running catchment analysis in QGIS

5. Using the Space Syntax toolkit in QGIS

Who is this mini-course for

Students with an interest in Evidence-based Desing Planning (PhD Candidates, researchers etc.)
Interest in using QGIS Space Syntax toolkit
Professionals and experts such as urban planners who participate in the design process of city’s public spaces, public buildings, etc.

Specific Requirements

Individuals are preferred to be familiar with the basic functionality of QGIS, any basic knowledge of using the Space Syntax Toolkit (SST) will be useful

Software Installation: QGIS and SST plugin

Instructors

Mariam Shulqamy, Rafaela Christodoulou, Frixos Petrou, Nadia Charalambous Society and Urban Form Lab, University of Cyprus (UCY)

The Society and Urban Form (SURF) Research Lab from UCY is a transdisciplinary scientific endeavor focusing on describing and interpreting how the built environment impacts society and on translating evidence from the analysis of urban environments for application in design practice and policy. The mission of the lab is to support the development, design and planning of cities which enable and foster social progress, sustainable practices and healthy habitats by fostering research capacity and excellence in urban design, planning and governance towards understanding and addressing urban challenges, as well as valuing and exploiting opportunities afforded by cities and urban communities.