Urban Design Frameworks: From Traditional Paradigms to Contemporary Landscape and Ecological Approaches

Abstract

This paper explores the evolution of urban design frameworks, tracing the shift from traditional models focused on spatial order and architectural form to contemporary approaches that prioritize ecological integration and sustainability. It highlights the rise of landscape urbanism, green infrastructure, and ecological design as key frameworks that treat natural systems as essential components of urban form. The study compares traditional paradigms—such as modernism and New Urbanism—with ecological frameworks that emphasize adaptability, multifunctionality, and resilience. It also examines the incorporation of smart materials, intelligent systems, and data-driven environmental analysis in sustainable architecture. The paper concludes by discussing how these contemporary frameworks are being localized in the Persian context, where traditional practices like qanats and Persian gardens align with modern ecological principles. Through comparative analysis and regional application, the research advocates for a synthesis of form, function, and ecology in urban design, offering strategic guidance for building more livable and resilient cities.

Keywords

• Urban design frameworks
• Landscape urbanism
• Green infrastructure
• Ecological design

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