Xixiao Zhang

advisor

University of California, Los Angeles

United States of America

I hold a Bachelor's degree in Architecture from Zhejiang University and a Master's degree from UCLA… more

The Yard Improvement project presents a well-thought-out design for transforming an underutilized courtyard into a vibrant, multifunctional space that fosters recreation, socialization, and ecological benefits. Below is an evaluation of the project with specific recommendations to enhance its storytelling and urban engagement.

1. Clarity of Concept
The concept is clear and inclusive, focusing on creating spaces that cater to diverse age groups and activities. The multi-seasonal use of the pond, integration of green spaces, and provision of recreational zones demonstrate a strong commitment to functionality and adaptability.

Recommendation: To improve storytelling, use diagrams that illustrate how the space transforms across seasons (e.g., summer pond vs. winter ice rink). There are renderings at the back, however diagrams for specific locations to compare the changes are more compelling.

2. Urban and Spatial Engagement
The design effectively integrates urban and spatial elements to encourage human interaction. The pathways connect key activity zones, while the placement of recreational areas ensures accessibility and visibility. The preservation of existing green spaces enhances ecological value and provides visual relief in an urban context.

Recommendation: Include activity mapping diagrams to show how people interact with different zones throughout the day or week. For example:

Highlight peak usage times for the playground, sports area, or quiet zones.

Show pedestrian flow patterns to emphasize connectivity between spaces.

Use overlays to illustrate how different demographics (children, adults, elderly) engage with specific features.

3. Quality of Presentation
The presentation materials provide a good overview of the site layout and key features. Rendered perspectives effectively convey the atmosphere of the courtyard during different seasons. However, some details about user interaction and spatial dynamics are missing.

Recommendation:

Add annotated diagrams that explain how specific design elements (e.g., shading from trees, seating arrangements) enhance user comfort.

Include exploded axonometric views to showcase materiality and construction details for features like the playground or terrace by the pond.

Use color-coded diagrams to differentiate active zones (e.g., sports area) from passive ones (e.g., quiet seating areas).

4. Human-Centered Design
The project demonstrates a strong focus on user needs by including safe play equipment for children, workout areas for adults, and quiet zones for relaxation. The variety of activities promotes inclusivity and community engagement.

Recommendation:

Incorporate diagrams that narrate user journeys through the space. For instance:

A child’s experience moving from the playground to the pond.

An adult’s use of workout equipment followed by relaxation at shaded seating near greenery.

Highlight accessibility features such as ramps or wide pathways for strollers and wheelchairs.

5. Environmental Considerations
The project prioritizes ecological sensitivity by preserving existing greenery, adding native plants, and integrating sustainable infrastructure like gabion-reinforced pond edges and rubberized surfaces for safety.

Overall Assessment
The Yard Improvement project successfully reimagines an underutilized courtyard into a multifunctional space that balances recreation, ecology, and community engagement. By incorporating more detailed diagrams that highlight user interactions, seasonal changes, and environmental benefits, this project can further strengthen its narrative and impact as an exemplary urban design intervention.

Dear Xixiao Zhang,

I express my sincere gratitude for the expert assessment of my project. The feedback received is of significant value for my professional development.

I declare with full responsibility that your recommendations will be carefully analyzed and taken into account in the process of implementing subsequent project initiatives.