Course - Urban Design and Architecture - AAR4515
Urban Design and Architecture
Lessons are not given in the academic year 2012/2013
About
About the course
Course content
The studio works on complex, large scale urban design and architecture projects. The specific topics are based on contemporary urban phenomena and transformation processes such as sustainable development of new urban quarters or the revitalization of urban or conversion areas former harbour or industrial zones.
The studio course are structured in six interrelated streams:
1_ EXPLORATIONS: In the frame of a field trip, we will produce a comprehensive inventory, analysis and mapping of the selected site and its context.
2_ DESIGN: The design process will begin with a visioning phase, in which you will develop ideas and themes for the studio project. These ideas will then be further developed into design concepts, strategies and proposals throughout the semester:
3_ MODELS: We will build and heavily use models as design tools to develop adequate urban structures, spatial compositions and architectural typologies.
4_ LECTURES: A lecture series will give you a broader perspective on contemporary urbanism and architecture.
5_ RESEARCH: In the research work, conducted in the integrated project course, we will explore case studies on comparable urban design projects. These critical studies will serve as basis and reference examples for the studio project.
6_ SCRIPT & BOOK: Throughout the semester you will write a script about your design and research work, helping to guide and document the progress of your work. All work will be documented in a book publication and featured in the form of an exhibition.
Learning outcome
KNOWLEDGE: concept design and development, visionary thinking, urban design strategies and proposals, as well as an understanding of contemporary urban topics and transformation processes, urban systems and topologies, building typologies, flexible designs and rule systems, big and small scale, growth and reversibility, new mobility and communication modes, climate change and overall sustainability.
SKILLS: advanced urban design and architectural tools such as sketching; analysis and site mapping; model building; drawing visualizations, presentation and documentation techniques, communication with urban authorities, actors and experts.
GENERAL COMPETENCE: To goal is to communicate and gain advanced knowledge, skills and experiences in urban design and architecture, which will enable students to tackle complex architectural and urban challenges and to synthesize their knowledge in a design project. The studio and project course seek to provide a comprehensive package linking design, research and theory.
Learning methods and activities
The studio works at the interface of urban planning, urban and landscape design, and architecture, from a territorial to an architectural scale.
The aim is to develop aesthetical, structural and strategic tools, which foster an inventive response to changing social tendencies and creatively integrate them into high-quality urban design and architectural proposals.
The course is to be taken together with urban design theory AAR905, which allows that design and research work, lectures, field trips and workshops are conducted with the same students and instructors as well as in close collaboration with urban actors and experts such as urban authorities, developers, user and interest groups, landscape architects, traffic planners, environmental engineers.
The course aims to generate valuable contributions for the development of the selected site and stimulate debates on contemporary urban challenges. The students are profitting from being involved in real projects, getting an insight into the inner logics of urban design and architecture, and thus gain practical experience.
Recommended previous knowledge
One or more completed design project on an urban or territorial scale. Participation in previous urban design studio(s) as well as lectures and courses on the history, theory and contemporary topics of architecture and urban design. The urban design theory course AAR4905 must be attended together with the studio.
Required previous knowledge
Completed three years basic studies in architecture or equivalent; basic knowledge in architecture and urban design. Registration deadline: 15th of May.
Course materials
Brief, assignments, instructions, hand-out of relevant project documentations and reading lists etc. Working formats: maps, plans, sections, drawings, models, sketches, diagrams, collages Scale: approx. 1:5000 to 1:100
Subject areas
- Architecture
- Urban Design and Planning