Principal Investigator Kimberle Koile
This study investigates a computational method for representing design knowledge of urban context and using that knowledge to evaluate qualitative characteristics of urban streetscapes. The study focuses on streetscape as an urban element, in particular on the relationship between physical characteristics and experiential qualities of the pedestrian environment. The design exercise is to understand and manipulate the physical characteristics of the street space so as to realize specified experiential qualities, e.g., approachable. The project goal is to build a prototype system that evaluates experiential qualities of a given urban plan and recommends modifications for better achieving specified qualities.
The system will be used to investigate an approachable fence system for Yonsei University, Seoul, Korea, and a revitalized neighborhood for Harvard Square, Cambridge, MA.