Urban designUrban design is an approach to the design of buildings and the spaces between them that focuses on specific design processes and outcomes based on geographical location. In addition to designing and shaping the physical features of towns, cities, and regional spaces, urban design considers 'bigger picture' issues of economic, social and environmental value and social design.
Social studiesIn many countries' curricula, social studies is the combined study of humanities, the arts, and social sciences, mainly including history, economics, and civics. The term was coined by American educators around the turn of the twentieth century as a catch-all for these subjects, as well as others which did not fit into the models of lower education in the United States such as philosophy and psychology.
Cultural studiesCultural studies or cultural theory is an academic field that explores the dynamics of contemporary culture (including the politics of popular culture) and its social and historical foundations. Cultural studies researchers investigate how cultural practices relate to wider systems of power associated with, or operating through, social phenomena. These include ideology, class structures, national formations, ethnicity, sexual orientation, gender, and generation.
Public libraryCollection of books accessible by the publicA public library is a library, most often a lending library, that is accessible by the general public and is usually funded from public sources, such as taxes. It is operated by librarians and library paraprofessionals, who are also civil servants. Public libraries are supported by taxes, are open to all who wish to access the library collection, and do not charge money for access to the library collection.
Shared spaceShared space is an urban design approach that minimises the segregation between modes of road user. This is done by removing features such as curbs, road surface markings, traffic signs, and traffic lights.
ParkA park is an area of natural, semi-natural or planted space set aside for human enjoyment and recreation or for the protection of wildlife or natural habitats. Urban parks are green spaces set aside for recreation inside towns and cities. National parks and country parks are green spaces used for recreation in the countryside. State parks and provincial parks are administered by sub-national government states and agencies.
Critical theoryApproach to social philosophyCritical theory is a social, historical, and political school of thought and philosophical perspective which centers on analyzing and challenging systemic power relations in society, arguing that knowledge, truth, and social structures are fundamentally shaped by power dynamics between dominant and oppressed groups.
PhilosophyStudy of general and fundamental questionsThe statue The Thinker by Auguste Rodin is a symbol of philosophical thought.
SidewalkA sidewalk (North American English), pavement (British and South African English) or footpath (Australian, Indian, Irish and New Zealand English) is a footpath along the side of a road or street, designed primarily for pedestrians and low-speed personal transporters such as mobility scooters and postalNEVs.Touchstone (metaphor)As a metaphor, a touchstone is any physical or intellectual measure by which the validity or merit of a concept can be tested. It is similar in use to an acid test, or a litmus test in politics.
BeachA recreational beach in Fort Lauderdale, FloridaLake beach along the Lake Lavarone, Trentino-Alto Adige, ItalySt Oswalds Bay, Dorset, England. Wild sand and shingle beaches are shaped and maintained naturally by wave actions.A beach is a landform alongside a body of water which consists of loose particles.
Urban geographyCartographyComputer cartographyWeb mappingGeochronologyGeographic information systemDistributed GISInternet GISWeb GISGeologic modellingGeomathematicsGeostatisticsGeovisualizationGlobal Positioning SystemHydrographyMap algebraParticipant observationPhotogrammetryRemote SensingStatistical surveySurveyingLand change modelingEthnographyGeopoeticsInterview (research)Survey (human research)Town squareA town square (or public square, urban square, city square or simply square), also called a plaza or piazza, is an open public space commonly found in the heart of a traditional town or city, and which may sometimes be used for community gatherings. Related concepts are the civic center, the market square and the village green. Most squares are hardscapes suitable for open markets, concerts, political rallies, and other events that require firm ground.*As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.