ABSTRACT
This chapter focuses on urban design the way in which humans actually shape the built environment and the related concept of placemaking. As Peter Hall describes, during the first half century urban planning was taught in the North America it was essentially urban design closely related to both architecture and urban planning. Academics study cities or professionals work to build cities, material from many disciplines and professional fields is relevant to urban design. Urban design is a professional field that blends art and science. Good urban design is both a product of a society and an influence on its future course. Designing the urban environment requires sensitivity to human needs and the natural environment. Clarence Perry's writing was the most influential urban design writing in the world until a slim volume on urban design by Massachusetts Institute of Technology planning professor Kevin Lynch appeared in 1961.
