103-0428-02L  Urban Design Studio for Planners

Courses

Catalogue data

Abstract	The course Urban Design Studio for Planners is an introduction to urban design through design workshops supported by tutorials and input lectures. What added value can the tools and concepts of urban design give to planning approaches? In this course students will learn how to observe, analyse, and design functional, desirable, equitable, sustainable urban spaces.
Learning objective	The overall aim of the course is to develop design skills for planners, from design thinking to project creation, in an urban context. On completion of the course a student should be able to • understand the multidisciplinary nature of urban design and implement it • autonomously conduct analysis and learn from case studies • create proposals in view of a particular objective and develop an urban design project
Content	Planners are responsible for developing urban areas that meet the needs of communities and prepare territories, cities, towns and villages for the challenges of the future. This practice draws from many disciplines: architecture, engineering, economics, sociology, political science, public health, finance and many others. As planning seeks to address numerous elements of city life, it is intrinsically linked to design understanding and design thinking. Urban design is the process of shaping the physical setting for life in cities, towns and villages. It involves the design of buildings, public spaces and landscapes, among others, and establishing the processes that make successful spatial development possible. Urban design is essential in making places that are successful both socially and economically, good to live in, and attractive to visit. It is effective planning in the widest sense, helping to deliver better public services, achieve value for money in new developments, and to make good use of scarce resources The course focuses on both design principles and design methodologies. This is mirrored in the hybrid structure of the course made of both of workshops, tutorials and input lectures applied in a studio setting. The design workshops will focus design methodologies in a step-by-step process, learning through tutorials how to use computer based drawing and mapping tools to develop and illustrate design proposals. The tutorials will provide the setting to learn technical skills and cover following tools: • Basic Drawing Tutorials • Project Storytelling and Graphics The input lectures will focus on design principles and design processes through presentations. They will introduce necessary key concepts on the design process and cover following theme packages: • Context Analysis • Case Studies • Developing Scenarios • Design Proposal In a studio setting, students will collaborately follow an iterative and reflective process to build design skills and graphic approaches. Through synthesis of collective learning, they will develop a project-based exchange and application of interdisciplinary ideas and techniques. This work will use a site in Switzerland as a context for exploring the complex interactions between users, program, buildings, public spaces, infrastructure, and environmental systems, and ultimately reach a multilayered outcome - the urban design project. During studio time students will therefore have the opportunity to apply concepts and tools for developing their final urban design project.
Competencies	Subject-specific Competencies Concepts and Theories fostered Method-specific Competencies Analytical Competencies assessed Decision-making fostered Problem-solving fostered Social Competencies Communication assessed Cooperation and Teamwork assessed Self-presentation and Social Influence fostered Sensitivity to Diversity fostered Negotiation fostered Personal Competencies Creative Thinking assessed Critical Thinking assessed Self-awareness and Self-reflection fostered Self-direction and Self-management fostered

Performance assessment

Performance assessment information (valid until the course unit is held again)
Performance assessment as a semester course
ECTS credits	6 credits
Examiners	A. Kuitenbrouwer, C. Sinatra
Type	graded semester performance
Language of examination	English
Repetition	Repetition possible without re-enrolling for the course unit.
Additional information on mode of examination	Graded semester performance based on a weighted average of the required course deliverables for the evaluated assignment. Over the course of the semester each student/group will be responsible for developing an urban design project (evaluated assignment) as a cumulative series of exercises and design steps. Regular informal project feedback will be given throughout the semester. At mid-term presentation feedback will be given formally, but no formal evaluation will take place. The final urban design project, consisting of a drawings package and a written text, will be presented and submitted at the end of the semester. Both final presentation and final assignment will be evaluated and contribute to the final grade. Evaluated Assignment: A: Oral Mid-Term Presentation (not graded) B: Oral Final Presentation (40% of the final grade) C: Urban Design Project (60% of the final grade)

Learning materials

Groups

Restrictions

Offered in

Programme	Section	Type
Integrated Building Systems Master	Specialised Courses	W
Spatial Development and Infrastructure Systems Master	Major in Spatial and Landscape Development	W