- Urban Design Led Zoning Methodology Applied in Damascus    728 kb by    Juvara, Martina | mjuvara@globalskm.com    Short Outline The paper will introduce a new methodology that radically changes the outcomes of planning zoning by embracing an urban design led approach which combines character, morphology and design guidance. Abstract A new approach to urban-design-led planning for growth and regeneration has been developed as part of my own work and contribution for the development plan to 2020 for Damascus (Syria) aiming for rapid but compact growth, stronger local identity and infrastructure efficiency. This is an innovative method that can be replicated in other situations. All areas of the Master Plan, each and every neighbourhood, will have good urban design qualities in accordance with their character definition, articulated as urban fabric, activities, streets and spaces. Each and every fabric will be the best it can be and appropriate to its location - and outer areas will have different qualities, but not necessarily ‘lower quality’, than the central ones. Moreover, the articulation of different development standards and requirements, according to the fabric type, will ensure that existing areas can be improved in full recognition of their positive characteristics, while new areas are built to ensure diversity of built form and urban design parameters that are based on the positive development patterns that already exist in the city. This is a complex urban design-led approach to development guidance, which is, however, very simple to use once adopted. Investors (from international developers, public agencies or even individuals) can identify their site in the Neighbourhood Plan and then refer to the fabric type quantitative and qualitative guidance to know what constitutes appropriate and acceptable development at that location. They can quickly estimate population and Built Up Area, and estimate development costs: the necessary elements of a business case. Guidance is given at the fabric level, rather than building level as in usual zoning systems, and includes recognition of the role of the streets and activities: this provides the essential framework for good city-making, without unnecessary constraints to the construction process. Keywords Urban Design Zoning Case Study presented on the ISOCARP Congress 2012: Fast Forward: Planning in a (hyper) dynamic urban context   Click to open the full paper as pdf document   Click to send an email to the author(s) of this paper