The Application of Critical Thinking in Urban Design

Critical thinking has a long history. However its significance is due to its influence on the contemporary era which has a reputation for bringing up the subject of suspicion of dogmatism. Critical thinking strives to pull down the concrete frameworks and transform the current situation to a more prosperous one. Urban design which has its paradigms in this contemporary era should also be targeted by critical thinking. Lack of critical thinking has had destructive consequences on urban design which is the main subject for this article. In this article the principles of critical thinking, originating from the western theories, and its indicators, and subsequently the role of critical thinking in urban design are discussed. The authors support the idea that urban design should not be purely a technical, Positivistic and regardless of values process. A process that leads to production of purely technical urban designers and planners and all the ambiguity, uncertainty and deficiencies that surround the concepts of urban design. In order for urban design to be able to reach its goals through the right way it’s a vital step to reform its concepts and actions with the assistance of critical thinking.

The Application of Critical Thinking in Urban Design Keywords:

Critical Thinking , Frankfurt school , urban design , Content , procedure