Aims and Fit of Module

The module aims to further explore contemporary urban design principles that have been widely used to create, protect, or improve the quality of ‘place’ in a given urban context. Specific objectives of this module are to let students have: 

•	A better understanding of the nature and preoccupations of urban design; 

•	A theoretical and practical knowledge of design principles regarding urban environments;

•	A better understanding of the methods commonly used by urban designers;

•	The ability to critically evaluate the ‘quality’ of urban design;

•	The opportunity to acquire analytical and critical urban design and presentational skills.

Learning outcomes

A. use basic tools and techniques commonly used in urban design studies;

B. understand the particular characteristics and qualities of urban public spaces;

C. identify the organizational and operational principles associated with urban design procedures;

D. judge what constitutes successful urban design and its characteristics;

E. explain responsive environments and its relationship to urban design

Method of teaching and learning

Module Structure 

The module consists of a series of weekly 1-hour lectures followed by studio based tutorials and seminars. 



The lectures present some essential concepts of planning and urban design, methodological approaches, and exemplary precedents. 



The tutorials are intended to provide guidance on assignments, as well as to develop students’ learning and communication skills. 


Students are requested to work in group and individually.  



Seminars are conducted in the form of workshops, discussions on coursework assignments, presentations by the students and reviews in the presence of other staff members or external guests.



Context and scales


A site (about 20-200 ha) are assigned by the module leader. Students define a program based on a contextual analysis of the site, and develop detailed design solutions for it at different scales (1/100-1/5000). 



Site Visit


Students are encouraged to make site visits to build up their knowledge of different types and qualities of places and their various usages.



Assignments


Students taking the module are assessed on the basis of group design work and individual design work. Apart from posters, other materials such as physical models, sketchbooks, etc. are also assessed as part of the learning outcomes