Narration as a design methodology for urban design: Scenarios, strategies and representation of urban space

Narrative of an urban design comprises of a unique and individual connection between the designer, place and representation. Every narrative can be described as a different combination of probabilities and every representation is a part of the defined combination. On the other hand, time component as a variable in this combination defines the subjectivity and changeability between time and space. This chapter discusses narration as a design methodology as well as a means of representation. A descriptive reading is presented through theoretical perspectives and examples of urban design projects which are proposed for five diffirent cities are discussed. The key points are elucidated through the examples which are focusing on generation-statements, design approaches, relations, networks, scenarios, strategies and principles. Urban space is defined in scope of three different frameworks: representation of the tangible, representation of the intangible, and representation of space in different time periods. Representation of the tangible refers to the basic image and narrative of urban life. Urban regeneration and design principles, ecological structure, zoning decisions and the relations between the zones, programming, definition of the connections, and other physical and functional relations define representation of the tangible. Representation of the intangible refers to the invisible relations such as social networks, social dimensions and layers of the city. Activities, events, social interaction, sharing between the members or groups of a society, attachment, environmental consciousness constitutes intangible layers of a city. Representation of space in different time periods defines how urban space changes and functions in time. Cyclic time periods constitutes different potentials within urban space.