The elements of townscape and the art of urban design

Abstract This article describes the nature of urban design as an art by describing the raw materials which are potentially available to the urban designer for creating aesthetic effects. These raw materials are identified as ‘possible objects of sensation’ in townscapes (also termed ‘elements’ of townscape). Section 2 of the article explains the analytical method by which one can identify and describe these raw materials (or elements) of townscape. Section 3 describes the elements or raw materials so identified. Section 4 concludes by offering (in the light of the foregoing analysis) some general reflections on the nature of urban design as an art.