01C Gloria

June 25, 2018 · by · in

Urban ecology is the theoretical framework guiding social interaction and cohesion as per Rueda. Salvador Rueda in his attempt to explain urbanism used the concepts of uses, demographics and infrastructure. Under use, Rueda studies the meeting place which was to provide the space for social interaction. Study on meeting place focused on the lightning and a better source of the sound. Rueda needed to gain the superilla plazas by limiting movement of cars to ensure people interacted in such places. Under infrastructure, Rueda focused on urban refuge whereby qualities of walkability were valued to ensure Gracia plazas were protected to facilitate conduction of social activities(Rueda, 2014). Demographics as per Rueda concentrated on income diversity. Gracia Plazas were to accommodate many people who needed entertainment, meals and beer. Therefore, serving people from different cultures enhanced income diversity and promoted cohesion and social interaction.

Urban qualities like jobs and social space are categorized under social interaction. Job access helps in grouping social relationships and is a quality influencing social interactions in urban contexts(Rueda, 2014). Social space varies as per the setting of urban centers and helps people to socialize freely if available. Jobs are measured as per their accessibility while social space as per seating types and comfort level in the circle diagram. Water is a phenomenon needed in all urban qualities including those for social interaction.

In Barcelona, Superilla plazas were to emerge as the pattern if chamfer space was to be denied access of all double parked cars. Comparison between superilles vs Gracia plazas revealed there was a need for an interaction space and it could be gained by arranging vehicles to follow a specific pattern (Rueda, 2014). Gracia neighborhoods were expected to have higher pedestrians rating after the creation of superilla plazas pattern.

References: Rueda, S. (2014) Superilles. Agencia de EcologiaUrbano de Barcelona, http://www.sostenibilitatbcn.cat/index.php/Superilles.