Summary

Magazine cover Volume 0, No. 32–33, 1997

Content

Urbani izziv Volume 0, No. 32–33, December 1997 : 119–121

(Thematic articles)
doi: 10.5379/urbani-izziv-en-1997-32-33-001

Article in PDF format

Author

Georgia BUTINA WATSON

Oxford Brookes University, Joint Center for Urban Design, Oxford, Great Britain

Title

Construction of local and regional identity

Abstract

To many people’s deep regret, almost everywhere seems to be getting more and more like everywhere else. This problem is especially evident in new housing areas, frequently described as anonymous “anywhere” environments, lacking in any distinguishable character. The same criticism is applied to many shopping precincts and town centres where the long existing qualities of traditional townscapes are gradually being eroded. Since about 1970, there has been an increasing and widespread interest in ways of reversing this process. Architects, planners and urban designers have been searching for methods and design approaches in order to construct new local and regional identity and create places to be proud of because of their unique character. Different theoretical schools have put forward their own methodological propositions, evidence of which can be found in many urban design and architectural schemes across many continents and cultural regions. Of particular interest to architects and urban designers today is the ability to use and appropriate methodologies already developed and tested through built projects.