Zack Goodwin

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A Geodesign Approach to Urban Development & Identity

Geodesign is a specific approach to urban and regional planning that places community stakeholders in the driver’s seat when it comes to deciding how their particular region, town, or neighborhood will look, feel, and function in the future. By coupling advanced geospatial technology with geodesign’s methodical approach to planning, stakeholders can evaluate each design proposal against their own values, needs, and priorities.

This geodesign case study examines the Callowhill district in Philadelphia, looking specifically at its history, existing conditions, growth potential, planned projects, and the budding conflicts among stakeholders. The study addresses the salient issues of gentrification, displacement, and sustainability and demonstrates the methods by which the geodesign framework can effectively navigate these fraught subjects. Stakeholders are categorized according to their priorities and scale (i.e., their geographic scope of influence) while the intervention phase measures the impacts each proposed design scenario may have on vulnerable communities.

The Callowhill project underscores Geodesign’s effectiveness by demonstrating its scalable and adaptable framework and its decision-driven approach to complex urban development challenges.

Project Link
https://storymaps.arcgis.com/stories/52f94cb7e4a249b3aab4762c904523ee

Advisors/Committee

After stakeholder concerns and goals are defined and prioritized, an in-depth GIS landscape analysis reveals where the Area of Interest (AOI) is particularly vulnerable and in need of special protection and stewardship; where it is attractive for development and reinvestment; and where areas of attractiveness and vulnerability overlap, highlighting the places that may be at-risk of forced displacement.
After stakeholder concerns and goals are defined and prioritized, an in-depth GIS landscape analysis reveals where the Area of Interest (AOI) is particularly vulnerable and in need of special protection and stewardship; where it is attractive for development and reinvestment; and where areas of attractiveness and vulnerability overlap, highlighting the places that may be at-risk of forced displacement.
Upon completion of the assessment phase (that is, the “geo” in “geodesign”), the intervention phase (that is, the “design” in “geodesign”) involves sketching out various development scenarios and design proposals where stakeholders can visualize future changes to the AOI. 3D geospatial technology enables the project facilitators rapidly iterate through different proposals and make on-the-fly changes based on stakeholder feedback.
Upon completion of the assessment phase (that is, the “geo” in “geodesign”), the intervention phase (that is, the “design” in “geodesign”) involves sketching out various development scenarios and design proposals where stakeholders can visualize future changes to the AOI. 3D geospatial technology enables the project facilitators rapidly iterate through different proposals and make on-the-fly changes based on stakeholder feedback.
Each individual scenario is judged according to its impact against the landscape. Stakeholders, having prioritized development proposals with minimal disruptions on the lives of low-income, existing residents, can view dashboards indicating how each design scenario performs against these criteria.
Each individual scenario is judged according to its impact against the landscape. Stakeholders, having prioritized development proposals with minimal disruptions on the lives of low-income, existing residents, can view dashboards indicating how each design scenario performs against these criteria.