A square for people a visually communicative, configuration informed and social-oriented redevelopment project for Largo da Graça, Lisbon

Abstract

This paper describes an experimental project in which the urban designer uses Space Syntax and other analysis techniques coming from Public Life Studies and Building Thermal Physics, to inform the Design Decision-Making for the redevelopment of a public square. Largo da Graça in the historic centre of Lisbon was selected as a case study, suitable for testing many possible and different design changes when space syntax is embedded in the design decisions. The experiment generated a digital workflow with all the steps undertaken in solving design problems, a ‘design journal’ that includes efficiency targets (centrality, connectivity, enclosure, thermal comfort, social security, equality, and interaction) and a comparative test of the design proposals. The adopted design strategy, as well as the examples extracted from the workflow, could be used to illustrate a link between research and design, adequate for supporting and orientating the project and design of urban spaces.