| In this approach, program and process are viewed as important elements driving the logic of form and organization. The need for a fresh look at the process of designing urban landscapes, and the variables guiding the process, forms an integral part of the scope and content of the thesis. The research delineates the variables constituting the design process—physical, social, environmental and conceptual layers and tests the performance of these variables by studying six sites located in urban downtowns of the cities of New Delhi, Los Angeles and Dallas-Fort Worth. The thesis involves an observer-based analysis aided with literature review that helps inform this study about the varied ideologies prevalent in landscape design and research. A detailed investigation of the selected study sites helps to determine whether the conceptual basis in the design process affects the other delineated layers and impacts the product's usability and form. A comparative based analysis helps to provide an insight into the desirable and undesirable design aspects of the areas studied and helps to formulate a set of guidelines for the design of urban open spaces. |
