Journal of Urban Design

Scope & Guideline

Redefining urban living through critical design perspectives.

Introduction

Welcome to the Journal of Urban Design information hub, where our guidelines provide a wealth of knowledge about the journal’s focus and academic contributions. This page includes an extensive look at the aims and scope of Journal of Urban Design, highlighting trending and emerging areas of study. We also examine declining topics to offer insight into academic interest shifts. Our curated list of highly cited topics and recent publications is part of our effort to guide scholars, using these guidelines to stay ahead in their research endeavors.
LanguageEnglish
ISSN1357-4809
PublisherROUTLEDGE JOURNALS, TAYLOR & FRANCIS LTD
Support Open AccessNo
CountryUnited Kingdom
TypeJournal
Convergefrom 1996 to 2024
AbbreviationJ URBAN DES / J. Urban Des.
Frequency6 issues/year
Time To First Decision-
Time To Acceptance-
Acceptance Rate-
Home Page-
Address2-4 PARK SQUARE, MILTON PARK, ABINGDON OX14 4RN, OXON, ENGLAND

Aims and Scopes

The Journal of Urban Design is dedicated to advancing the understanding and practice of urban design through a multidisciplinary approach that integrates theory, research, and practical applications. It aims to provide a platform for innovative ideas and methodologies that address contemporary urban challenges.
  1. Interdisciplinary Urban Design Research:
    The journal encourages research that bridges various disciplines such as architecture, sociology, environmental science, and urban planning, fostering a holistic approach to urban design.
  2. Community and Stakeholder Engagement:
    A significant focus on participatory design processes highlights the importance of involving communities and stakeholders in urban design, ensuring that diverse voices and needs are considered.
  3. Sustainability and Resilience:
    The journal emphasizes sustainable urban design practices and resilience strategies, especially in the context of climate change and urbanization, promoting designs that are environmentally responsible and adaptable.
  4. Public Space and Social Interaction:
    Research on the design and management of public spaces, and their role in fostering social interaction and community well-being, is a core area, reflecting the importance of accessible and inclusive urban environments.
  5. Technological Innovations in Urban Design:
    The integration of technology, including smart city concepts and data analytics, into urban design practices is explored, showcasing how technology can enhance urban environments and inform design decisions.
  6. Cultural and Historical Contexts in Urban Design:
    The journal also addresses the influence of cultural and historical contexts on urban design, examining how local identities and histories shape urban spaces.
The Journal of Urban Design has identified several emerging themes that reflect the evolving priorities and challenges in urban environments. These trends indicate a shift towards more inclusive, sustainable, and innovative approaches to urban design.
  1. Climate Adaptation and Resilience Strategies:
    Recent publications increasingly focus on urban design strategies that enhance climate resilience, addressing the urgent need for cities to adapt to climate change impacts through innovative design solutions.
  2. Public Health and Well-Being:
    There is a growing emphasis on the relationship between urban design and public health, particularly how well-designed urban spaces can promote physical activity, mental health, and social cohesion.
  3. Technological Integration in Urban Design:
    Emerging themes include the use of technology in urban design, such as smart city initiatives and data-driven design processes, reflecting a trend towards leveraging technology for improved urban living.
  4. Social Equity and Inclusion in Urban Spaces:
    Research increasingly addresses social equity in urban design, focusing on creating inclusive spaces that cater to diverse populations, particularly marginalized communities.
  5. Informal Settlements and Self-Organized Urban Design:
    A notable trend is the exploration of informal settlements and self-organized urban design, examining how these areas can inform more sustainable and adaptable urban practices.

Declining or Waning

While the Journal of Urban Design maintains a robust focus on various themes, some areas appear to be waning in prominence based on recent publications. This decline reflects shifts in research interests and the evolving landscape of urban design.
  1. Traditional Retail and Shopping Streets:
    Research focused specifically on traditional retail environments and shopping streets has seen a decline, likely due to the increasing prevalence of e-commerce and changing consumer behaviors, leading urban designers to explore alternative urban forms.
  2. Static Urban Design Models:
    There is a noticeable decrease in papers advocating for rigid, static models of urban design. The trend is moving towards more dynamic, flexible approaches that can adapt to changing urban needs and contexts.
  3. Single-Disciplinary Approaches:
    The journal's emphasis on interdisciplinary research has led to a decline in articles that focus solely on traditional urban planning or architecture without integrating other relevant fields, such as sociology or environmental science.
  4. Historical Preservation as a Sole Focus:
    While historical context remains important, there is a waning emphasis on preservation-focused research that does not consider contemporary urban challenges, as the journal increasingly prioritizes innovative solutions over maintenance of existing structures.
  5. Conventional Urban Theory:
    The prevalence of papers centered on conventional urban theories has diminished, suggesting a shift towards more contemporary, practical applications and theories that address current urban issues.

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