Design Showdown: Horizontal and Vertical Approaches for Public Areas

As urbanization accelerates, cities face a growing demand for public spaces. This has resulted in prioritizing vertical development due to limited land. While this approach can optimize space, it ends up in reduced access to green areas and diminished social interaction. This showcases the need for an innovative design strategy balancing horizontal and vertical design approaches in public space design.?

Horizontal Design: Expanding the Ground Level?

Horizontal design focuses on horizontal space optimization. It emphasizes parks, plazas, public transport, pedestrian streets, etc. designs that encourage social interaction and recreation. Horizontal design facilitates open green spaces and low-rise amenities, ensuring all individuals including those with disabilities can navigate and enjoy the space. A perfect example of Horizontal design in public spaces is Central Park in New York City, USA.??

Vertical Design: Efficient Use of Space?

On the contrary, the vertical design focuses on using minimum or limited built-up area, but still achieving optimum carpet area by expanding upwards. This approach is best for environments with high-density development and where the land is scarce. High-rise buildings, vertical gardens, and layered public spaces all come under this design realm. Vertical design allows for the creation of multi-functional spaces with smaller footprints. It is often known to push the boundaries of architectural innovation and incorporate advanced structural systems. The prime example of this type of design approach is the Bosco Verticale in Milan.??

The Best of Both Worlds.?

Ultimately, the most effective public design strategies are the ones that blend both horizontal and vertical approaches. Leveraging their respective strengths can help in addressing specific urban challenges of a specific area. For example, a city park with elevated walkways that offer panoramic views while maintaining expansive ground-level greenery. Or a multi-level plaza that provides open-air markets and serene garden terraces. This fusion allows for a dynamic range of activities and experiences, that the user can witness firsthand. These amalgamations can also accommodate different needs and preferences within a unified space.??

As cities continue to grow, architects and urban planners need to find the perfect intersection between these approaches. An intersection, which will help them transform public spaces into accessible, engaging, and multifunctional areas.??

Be a part of the integration of the vertical and horizontal design movement and redefine urban living with Tejjy Inc.??