BLArch Bachelor of Landscape Architecture Bachelor of Landscape Architecture Urban Design 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Which urban design principle uses a grid of streets to create predictable, navigable city blocks?
- Radial planning
- Organic street layout
- Rectilinear grid (Correct answer)
- Cul-de-sac network
Correct answer: Rectilinear grid
A rectilinear grid creates predictable, regular blocks that simplify navigation and land subdivision.
Question 2: In urban design, 'defensible space' theory was developed by which theorist?
- William H. Whyte
- Oscar Newman (Correct answer)
- Jane Jacobs
- Kevin Lynch
Correct answer: Oscar Newman
Oscar Newman introduced defensible space theory, emphasizing how physical design can reduce crime through territorial definition.
Question 3: What is the primary function of a 'woonerf' in urban landscape design?
- To provide dedicated cycling lanes
- To create shared street space prioritizing pedestrians over vehicles (Correct answer)
- To install stormwater bioswales
- To demarcate commercial from residential zones
Correct answer: To create shared street space prioritizing pedestrians over vehicles
A woonerf (living street) is a shared space design where pedestrians and cyclists have priority and vehicle speeds are greatly reduced.
Question 4: Which urban heat island mitigation strategy involves planting trees along streets and in parking lots?
- Green roofs
- Cool pavements
- Urban forestry (Correct answer)
- Reflective facades
Correct answer: Urban forestry
Urban forestry provides shade and evapotranspiration, directly reducing surface and air temperatures in cities.
Question 5: Transit-oriented development (TOD) concentrates density within what typical walking radius of a transit stop?
- Quarter mile (400 m)
- Half mile (800 m) (Correct answer)
- One mile (1.6 km)
- Two miles (3.2 km)
Correct answer: Half mile (800 m)
TOD focuses higher-density mixed-use development within a half-mile (800 m) walking radius of transit stations.
Question 6: The concept of 'eyes on the street' promoting safety through passive surveillance was popularized by whom?
- Andres Duany
- Jane Jacobs (Correct answer)
- Ian McHarg
- Frederick Law Olmsted
Correct answer: Jane Jacobs
Jane Jacobs argued in 'The Death and Life of Great American Cities' that active street life and mixed uses create natural surveillance.
Question 7: Which landscape element in urban design primarily manages stormwater runoff while adding aesthetic value?
- Hardscape plaza
- Bioswale (Correct answer)
- Raised planter bed
- Permeable concrete alone
Correct answer: Bioswale
Bioswales are vegetated channels designed to slow, filter, and infiltrate stormwater while providing green infrastructure amenities.
BLArch Bachelor of Landscape Architecture Bachelor of Landscape Architecture Urban Design 2
Which urban design principle uses a grid of streets to create predictable, navigable city blocks?