Urban Beats

Squares in the Rhythm of a Hot City

Bachelor´s Thesis, B.Sc. Landscape Architecture and Planning, Winter Semester 2014/15

Topic

The squares in Madrid's urban fabric are shaped by the morphology of the place, the social fabric and the climatic conditions. In dense inner cities like Madrid, the so-called heat island effect is clearly noticeable and plays an important role in the usability and playability of public space. Due to the warm climate and lifestyle mentality, life in Madrid takes place in public spaces despite the increasing heat. The center of Madrid therefore has a network of squares that have different typologies and individual character.Designing squares that function under increasingly extreme climatic conditions therefore poses special challenges for urban planners and landscape architects.

Task

Participants will immerse themselves in the center of Madrid during the excursion. During this research, the goal is to draw and analyze a portrait of the public squares and the rhythm of public life in the center of Madrid. Thereupon a concept will be developed for the selected square, which can react flexibly to the different aspects/situations. In doing so, the needs of the users, as well as the morphology of the place and the climatic influences must be recorded and developed into a coherent design.