In recent months, architect friends have explained how several post-Recesssion projects focus sustainability goals on the end-user experience, rather than simply pursue  flagship “green” designations. It seems there is a commendable and renewed emphasis on the particular needs of building use, and, significantly,  the specifics of  a building user’s relationship to the surrounding urban area.

I see this as a tilt to the qualitative aspects of the urban experience—an approach I believe should stay as a lynchpin of evolving urbanism.

I find that when writing outside of the confines of my “day job” as a lawyer, I usually pursue these qualitative aspects.  I like to emphasize the impressionistic and, essentially more etherial, emotional “bookmarks” of experiences in cities around the world.  By and large, these bookmarks recall modern expressions of traditional urban life. Together, they are a useful summary of evolving human experience in the city.

As background to work on my forthcoming book, I itemized and illustrated several of these more qualitative bookmarks while traveling last year.  Here is the result, combined with learning from earlier travels, and framed, as “ten urban qualities we need to see more”.

Spontaneous competition in simple places

The aspects of the city that avoid rigid regularity are among the most interesting and memorable. Here, an empty storefront provides the stage for competing glass providers to advertise with several different labels. Commercial needs drive unpredictable results in even the simplest of situations.

Signage with a direct message 

Commercial signage also provides a prime venue for urban observations. When such signage carries a lifestyle or political message in direct form, the purpose of the associated business is clear. In this urban place, living animals prevail, without question.

Wood-framed storefronts and proud displays

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Natural building materials give an organic sense of invitation to an otherwise ordinary world of metal and cement. While not possible in all climates, and demanding of maintenance, wood-framed retail establishments punctuate their surroundings. Passersby are often drawn to these exteriors based on variety, color and well-presented merchandise within.

Water features that emulate nature, in context

While not always allowable for health and safety reasons, water features in the public domain emulate spontaneous puddles, pools and streams of urban times gone by. Just as sidewalk tables or benches give a human scale to the street, careful placement of water complements greenery and presents the unexpected. There are lessons learned from such small-scale improvements, especially if they are linked together in a restored natural system, or meet a dual aesthetic and drainage purpose.

Classy blokes in front of classy places

“Third places” with character, such as local bars, are nothing new. Rather than mandate all alcohol consumption occur within, outdoor customers can provide ambiance and interface with daily life. Such street interface need not be uncivil, and, in this case, resounds with local character.

Commercial porches, with color and vantage points to the street

Some parts of the world present traditional architectural styles that mix commercial and residential uses, and offer “eyes on the street” from open verandas above. This is a logical, and not artificially segregated approach to neighborhood. Rich color often enhances such traditional building form.

Spectacular examples of shopping tradition

Debates about density often lack a rich visual record of active, close-knit community. In this case, a shopping day crowd fills city spaces in a comfortable way, consistent with local culture. While not adaptable to all cities without permanent or scheduled pedestrian uses of rights-of-way, this example shows dynamic potential of which many are not otherwise aware.

Young children in open squares

One of the universal aspects of safe urban open space is a place for children to explore at more than arm’s length from parents or family. The most simple human experience, such as viewing a shadow, also becomes touching theater to nearby observers. This photograph is a challenge and a test–can children safely act the same way near where you live?

Culturally indigenous engravings in the built environment

Another universal and traditional pattern is for the built environment to reflect important cultural aspects of its builders. In Portugal, a common feature of public squares reflects the ocean, is important to a historically seafaring people, and walking produces a feeling of the rolling sea. Have we lost unity of purpose that such places can no longer be built?

Merger of family and business in fundamental ways

Here, family and small city roadside business merge with indescribable precision, reminding us of fundamentals we should not forget. Commercial transactions and family purpose were once commonplace. The evolving city, with increasing mixed uses and work close to home, might learn from images such as this one.

All images composed by the author in the United States, Australia, Italy, Spain, Portugal, Malta and Tanzania. Click on each image for more detail. © 2009-2013 myurbanist. All Rights Reserved. Do not copy.

This post first appeared in The Atlantic Cities in similar form. Click here.

Nothing is better for advocates of urbanism than simple immersion in the look and feel of a successful, authentic place.

After a week of observation in the cities, towns and villages of Pugila, Italy, most notable is the age-old, multi-dimensional relationship between people and such places, especially given American aspirations—often rhetorical—for walkable and liveable cities back home.

Here, the people and place dynamic is intrinsic to climate and tradition, and naturally occurs amid commerce and curiosity, along streets, beside buildings and as a component of cross-town strolls. It can be read in faces, the simplicity of child’s play and nearby mealtime banter, often without pattern or prescription.

What elements might be isolated, and extracted for good use elsewhere?

Vignettes abound along streets and in public squares. Does a bouncing ball against a venerable door suggest certain types of urban playgrounds? Do open windows to the wind suggest building orientations that work? Do street vendors have lessons for markets and “street food” back home? What provides a sense of safety in crowds, at all times of day?

These illustrative questions suggest the power of imagery in inquiry about diverse urban settings, and only the beginning of adapting human-scale lessons from abroad to the often two-dimensional world of American urbanism.

Submitted from Otranto, Italy. All images composed by the author.

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