Urban Ramps: Study Of The Ramp-shaped Public Space Connecting Different Urban Levels

Ramps refer to the continuous non-horizontal or vertical solid surface in urban public space which is connected to the urban ground. Urban Ramp is kind of urban public space based on ramps which is one of the most visible trends of contemporary urbanism. By studying urban ramps, this thesis will concentrate on issues of contemporary urban design.The first chapter explicitly states the concept of Urban Ramp which is non-horizontal, grounding, continuous and with large-scale.The second chapter profiles a detailed history of urban ramps in a typological and sociological way. It also describes the contemporary development of urban ramps in detail. The nature of Urban Ramp can be attributed to two points: it must be continuous non-horizontal or vertical solid surface and connected with the ground; it must be a physical part of urban public space. Urban Ramp appeared with the early mountain cities. It has a continuous evolution.The third chapter studies on Urban Ramps by examples based on Science of Complexity, Environment and Behavior Science and Phenomenology. The way people participate in public activities changes dramatically as a result of ramp-shape.The forth chapter points out the space property of the Urban Ramps. It proposes the possibility of Urban Ramps design and design methods and strategies to be taken in the context of today's era.Urban Ramps integrated with large public buildings or specific urban terrain can create more lively urban public space. Architects and urban designers should take positive action to make sure Urban Ramp play a more effective role in urban space.