IsoChronic City is a master's thesis developed at the Bartlett School of Architecture, University College London, under the B-Pro program. It was envisioned by a team of four consisting of Prakriti Srimal, Sonali Bordia, Shuyao Li and Siyang Zheng.
The project is an urban response to the evolving question of what reurbanization should look like in the post-pandemic era. Rooted in the principles of the 15-minute neighbourhood, which draws from historical concepts of proximity and walkability, IsoChronic City seeks to extend the accessibility and functionality of urban living.
Leveraging datasets processed through machine learning techniques such as Principal Component Analysis, K-Means Clustering and Convolutional Neural Networks, combined with spatial computational methods, the project establishes an IsoChronic Generative Loop, a framework for urban transformation.
This proposal involves reconfiguring existing network centrality, designing responsive public spaces through topo-geometric strategies, and repurposing underutilized open areas into interactive zones equipped with essential amenities. Through these interventions, the project reshapes both the physical and spatial fabric of the city to promote sustainability, inclusivity and accessibility, creating a replicable model of a future-ready urban environment.
Spatial signatures are created based on parameters such as population density, land use, accessibility, deprivation and connectivity. The dense urban signature is selected as it is predominantly residential in nature with access to jobs and services.
Various layers of datasets are examined indicating the areas affected by reurbanization. By overlaying these layers a correlation is established between the datasets from the years 2010, 2015 and 2019, analysing the parts of London facing urban decay.
The design intends to achieve a sustainable, inclusive and accessible city which repeats itself at regular intervals. A 15-minute neighbourhood is defined by identifying the amenities required within a certain radius and mode of transport.
A computational model is devised to evaluate the city. The process of grading shows the various stages of identifying the count and distance to amenities within varying radii to determine the areas with the least scores.
Segmentation of the site network is performed using angular step depth to create a detailed model of how the definition of a 15-minute city changes as an individual moves along the streets.
An optimization algorithm is used to select segments based on a multi-objective approach. Four street segments with poor spatial characteristics are identified as the areas of interest.
The 20 segments derived from spatial computational modelling are influenced through an IsoChronic generative loop created on the selected four segments, coupled with data extracted from traditional data analysis and deep learning networks.
The strategy is proposed by evaluating the existing condition and using the theoretical background of a 15-minute city.
The design consists of interventions of varying scale: Elevated Segments, Void Segments and Mobile Segments.
Developed using a spatial modelling process and data extracted from spatial computational techniques, introducing placemaking elements along with interaction spaces and landscaping details.
Units designed for adaptability and positioned using a steady state island generative algorithm based on footfall trends. These modules are arranged on site to serve as pop-up markets containing amenities.
Reduce the time taken to travel in the city, linking together the built environment while distancing the pedestrian from vehicular pollution and congestion.
A real-time walkthrough of the proposal, moving through the void, mobile and elevated segments as they sit in the existing fabric.
IsoChronic City has been recognized for its innovation and impact in urban intelligence. It has won several awards and has been featured on the following platforms.
IsoChronic City won the gold medal at the World Architecture Student Association, World League Series, in November 2022.
WASA-WLS Winning Works 2022 ↗Winner of the Student Award for Equitable and Sustainable Media Architecture, June 2023.
MAB23 Student Awards ↗IsoChronic City was presented at the Media Architecture Biennale through the Inspireli Awards.
Inspireli.com ↗Featured in Arch Hive, recognizing the project's vision for shaping urban futures.
IsoChronic City on Arch Hive ↗As part of the MAB23 award, IsoChronic City was featured in ArchDaily in November 2023.
Winners of the Media Architecture Biennale 2023 Student Awards ↗Published in ArchiDiaries, a recognition of the project's approach to urban design and spatial intelligence.
IsoChronic City on ArchiDiaries ↗Covered by the Bartlett Faculty of the Built Environment following the World Architecture Student Awards.
Urban Design MArch Graduates Honoured ↗Exhibited in the B-Pro Show under RC14, Machine Thinking Urbanism.
IsoChronic City, B-Pro Show ↗