A Spectrum of Urban Design Roles

Abstract

Many professions have defined a spectrum of roles that in various degrees balance case work with systemic work. Using the metaphor of editing, and borrowing from multiple professional fields, this paper offers a framework for conceiving of urban design. This paper suggests that (1) ‘urban design’ is an overarching term for a school of professions and disciplines that focus on the physical design of our settlements and their component pieces (just as ‘medicine’ includes doctors, nurses, epidemiologists); (2) within this ‘school’ we can articulate a spectrum of roles that range from those focused on individual cases, through editorial roles, to those addressing systemic issues.