Omar Harb

advisor

Phoenicia University

Lebanon

As an architect and founder of Omar Harb Architects & Associates, my work centers on creating… more

Feedback: The City and Its Spaces: Urban Concept for Public Spaces in Dubňany
This project presents a highly pertinent and well-articulated urban concept for revitalizing public spaces in Dubňany. Tereza, your work effectively addresses the common challenge of cities undergoing industrial transformation by focusing on restoring meaning, quality, and human scale to neglected urban areas.

The project idea is exceptionally strong, pinpointing the critical need to revive specific, underused central locations. Your commitment to redefining spatial structure based on historical layers, pedestrian logic, and community-oriented functions is commendable. By emphasizing human-scale interventions and aiming to create "alive" spaces that bring people together, you demonstrate a deep understanding of successful public realm design. The vision of an adaptable framework rather than a rigid final solution is particularly astute for real-world urban planning challenges.

The project description clearly identifies the two problem areas and the specific issues they face. Your proposed design principles—calming traffic, strengthening green infrastructure, activating key nodes, and restoring urban legibility—are all well-chosen and directly address these problems. This conceptual framework, designed for step-by-step implementation, is practical and enhances the town's identity and livability.

From a technical information perspective, the project's focus as a conceptual urban design at the bachelor level is appropriate. The outlined design focus areas (public space revitalization, pedestrian mobility, spatial enclosure, participatory green infrastructure) are comprehensive. The key elements like redefined circulation, natural shading, water retention, and functional zoning demonstrate a practical application of urban design principles. Furthermore, the methodology—including spatial/functional analysis, observational research, and the application of theories by urban planning giants like Camillo Sitte and Jan Gehl—underscores a rigorous and academically informed approach to the design process.

Feedback: The City and Its Spaces: Urban Concept for Public Spaces in Dubňany
This project presents a highly pertinent and well-articulated urban concept for revitalizing public spaces in Dubňany. Tereza, your work effectively addresses the common challenge of cities undergoing industrial transformation by focusing on restoring meaning, quality, and human scale to neglected urban areas.

The project idea is exceptionally strong, pinpointing the critical need to revive specific, underused central locations. Your commitment to redefining spatial structure based on historical layers, pedestrian logic, and community-oriented functions is commendable. By emphasizing human-scale interventions and aiming to create "alive" spaces that bring people together, you demonstrate a deep understanding of successful public realm design. The vision of an adaptable framework rather than a rigid final solution is particularly astute for real-world urban planning challenges.

The project description clearly identifies the two problem areas and the specific issues they face. Your proposed design principles—calming traffic, strengthening green infrastructure, activating key nodes, and restoring urban legibility—are all well-chosen and directly address these problems. This conceptual framework, designed for step-by-step implementation, is practical and enhances the town's identity and livability.

From a technical information perspective, the project's focus as a conceptual urban design at the bachelor level is appropriate. The outlined design focus areas (public space revitalization, pedestrian mobility, spatial enclosure, participatory green infrastructure) are comprehensive. The key elements like redefined circulation, natural shading, water retention, and functional zoning demonstrate a practical application of urban design principles. Furthermore, the methodology—including spatial/functional analysis, observational research, and the application of theories by urban planning giants like Camillo Sitte and Jan Gehl—underscores a rigorous and academically informed approach to the design process.

Improvement Suggestions
To further strengthen this excellent conceptual urban design, consider these aspects:

Illustrating "Place Identity" through Specifics: You mention a return to "place identity through sensitive, contextual design." Elaborate on what specific elements of Dubňany's historical or local identity (e.g., forgotten cultural practices, traditional materials, industrial relics, local flora/fauna) would be incorporated into the design of the public spaces. How would these elements manifest architecturally or in the landscape to truly evoke a unique sense of place?
Addressing Socio-Economic Layers: You've analyzed spatial and historical aspects. Could the analysis extend to socio-economic layers of the community? Understanding the diverse demographics and their specific needs/desires (e.g., elderly, youth, families, different income groups) could lead to an even more nuanced and inclusive design of the public spaces, ensuring they genuinely serve all segments of the community.
Detailed Green Infrastructure Benefits and Maintenance: While "strengthening green infrastructure" and "natural shading and water retention" are mentioned, provide more specific details on the types of green infrastructure proposed (e.g., bioswales, rain gardens, urban forests) and their quantified benefits (e.g., estimated CO2 absorption, specific temperature reduction, biodiversity increase). Also, how would these elements be maintained long-term to ensure their vitality and function within a smaller town's resources?