Le Corbusier’s Modern Urbanism and Street Classification Criteria
Le Corbusier’s Modern Urbanism: Open Block Construction
Le Corbusier’s modern urbanism proposed raising building blocks on pilotis (pillars), seeking continuity by converting previously impassable areas into zones where people could move freely, complemented by numerous gardens. This was achieved by vacating the ground floor, leaving only the supporting pillars.
This new proposal created distinct spaces, separating road traffic from pedestrian traffic. This type of structure is known as open block construction.
Key aspects and historical context:
- In Spain, this model was introduced around 1960.
- Lifts (elevators) appeared as an innovation necessary for these high-rise constructions.
- A clear example of a city structured this way is Brasilia, designed by Oscar Niemeyer.
- Roofs no longer needed to be triangular, thanks to new methods for water exclusion.
Challenges of Maintenance and Ownership
Problems arose concerning the ownership and maintenance of the communal gardens. Since residents did not know who was responsible for the care of these areas, these districts often became neglected.
This led to a series of measures. In some areas, enjoyment of the gardens was restricted exclusively to building owners or the community to ensure better maintenance.
Urban Elements: Defining Public Space and the Street
The street is a fundamental urban element and public space. Dictionary descriptions describe it variously as:
- A dusty way.
- A road between buildings or lots in a population.
- A path to walk between the houses of a town.
- A street between two rows of houses.
More formally, the street is a road, a channel of communication and traffic, and a linear or longitudinal urban public space situated between buildings with significant architectural components. It supports civic activities that the private sector may not provide.
The Multifunctional Role of Streets
The street must be considered a multifunctional space. While primarily providing access and communication, it has historically served as a place for execution, demonstration, and holds a significant role in socialization, as well as being symbolic and representative.
A major challenge in urbanism is managing the deterioration of streets over time due to traffic. Urban planning must strive to ensure that various functions can coexist effectively within the street space.
Five Criteria for Street Classification
Streets are classified based on various criteria, reflecting their function, design, and integration into the urban fabric.
1. Classification by Hierarchical System
The street is viewed as a single element within a spontaneously developed or planned road system. From a hierarchical perspective, streets are categorized into three types:
- Principal/Arterial: High capacity, connecting major areas.
- Secondary/Collector/Distributor: Intermediate capacity, feeding traffic into arterials.
- Local: Low capacity, providing access to adjacent properties.
2. Classification by Traffic Integration
This criterion distinguishes streets based on how different modes of transport are integrated:
- Monomodal: Dedicated to a single type of traffic (e.g., pedestrian streets, exclusive motorized traffic, or exclusive public transport).
- Plurimodal: Accommodating multiple modes. This includes:
- Complete Segregation: Each mode travels on its exclusive band (e.g., driveway, sidewalk, bus lane, bike lane).
- Partial Segregation: Traffic on the road and pedestrians on the sidewalk.
- Coexistence of Traffic: No specific allocation of spaces, allowing for mixed traffic.
3. Classification by Dominant Activity
Streets are defined by the primary function of the surrounding area:
- Residential
- Industrial
- Commercial
- Office
- Dotational (Public Buildings): Serving public facilities like schools or hospitals.
4. Classification by Width and Traffic Capacity
Street width dictates its traffic capacity and road hierarchy:
- Narrow Streets: 6 to 8 m.
- Medium Streets: 8 to 20 m.
- Wide Streets: Over 20 m.
5. Classification by Landscape and Urban Typology
This classification relates to the historical and physical context of the street:
- Historic Cores: Generally narrow and irregular, situated within an environment of great environmental value.
- Traditional: Similar characteristics to historic cores but found in small rural towns.
- 19th Century Widening (Ensanche): Associated with urban extensions of the 19th or early 20th century. Characterized by constant width, orthogonal layout, equidistant crossings, and hierarchical structure.
- Modern Laxity: Similar to the Widening typology but designed primarily for vehicular traffic.