Aims and Fit of Module

This module aims to familiarize students with a variety of skills and techniques useful to pursue their curriculum. The objectives of the module are for the students to develop:
- a deep understanding of the fundamental elements and concepts of urban design and planning;
- skills in spatial analysis and interpretation;
- skills in graphic expression and communication;
- skills in drafting a design proposal for a small and simple urban area.

Learning outcomes

A. Understand the fundamentals elements and concepts of urban design and planning.
B. Implement various methods and techniques used in the analysis, interpretation and representation of built environments and associated data.
C. Apply the most relevant graphic expression techniques (both hand and computer-based; both contextual analysis and detailed site analysis
D. Draft a design proposal for a small and simple urban context.

Method of teaching and learning

Module Structure
The module combines a series of theoretical lectures and tutorials. The lectures present some essential concepts, methodological approaches, and exemplary precedents of urban planning and design.
The tutorials allow students to familiarise and experiment with methods and techniques of spatial analysis, interpretation, communication, design. Some tutorials are dedicated to a design exercise (drafted in small groups). The combination of individual and group work provides both autonomous and collaborative modes of learning.
Context and scales
Analysis and design exercises are conducted on a small and simple urban entity. A site (about 5-50 ha) and a design topic are assigned by the module leader. Students are asked to analyse and develop autonomously some basic reflection on the issues of the site (contextual analysis: 1/2000 and 1/5000 and detailed site analysis: 1:200-500) and develop detailed design solutions for it at different scales.
Site visit
Site visits are organised to build up the knowledge of different types and qualities of places. The visit of the assigned site for the spatial analysis and the design proposal can be an autonomous activity.
Assignments
Students are assessed on the basis of group work and individual work. The results of the tutorial’s exercises can be assembled in an individual portfolio. Apart from the portfolio, other materials such as group posters, physical models etc. are also assessed as part of the learning outcomes