Micro active network after massive urban expansion

Abstract

Urban form and transportation systems are closely related; each influences the other in different ways. This thesis explores this relationship, with a specific focus on systems for mega-cities in China, to pursue a new micro scale active mobility network supporting current shifts toward transit-oriented development, as a criticism for the past massive urban expansion in automobile development mode, and as an example for sustainable urban life in relation to transit development mode. The test field of this thesis is Shenzhen, a city that developed in an automobile-dependent mode and now aims to shift towards a transit-oriented development mode. Through city form analysis and transit-oriented city mapping studies, several typical urban forms of the city and the transportation characters of metro system are highlighted. Four typical urban form areas, which are connected by metro system, are selected as examples in the city for further design guideline initiative. Active mobility network is not only functioned to solve the last mile problem, connect citizens from public transit to destinations, but also a platform providing various new street life, for its flexibility, low-cost and low energy consumption. Contrasting to the wide and monotonous impression of roads in Chinese mega cities, such a network advocates for separate lanes with dedicated urban activities and speeds and a flexible surface that can adapt to changes in demand. The strategies of the four selected sites are four different solutions for active mobility networks related to internal resolving, density, service and recreation, with generations of various physical space and forms in different urban scenarios. These four typologies can be treated as typical examples for active mobility in Shenzhen, as important urban intervention operations, and references to other similar areas.