705-335 Advanced Urban Planning & Design

A level 2 design subject.

The subject presents a series of lectures, readings and studio based practical work to illustrate that planning and design processes involve varied and complex tasks which must be transparent and replicable. The subject develops further skills in analysis and graphic and verbal communication of urban planning and design ideas; it will address issues in current urban planning and design theory and practice; present and evaluate alternative design methods and culminate in the planning and design of an energy-efficient development. The lectures cover urban form and image analysis; axiomatic nature of urban design; urban design controls; urban design method; microclimate and historic precedents. The project work, in particular, explores urban form and image analysis as a basis for a rational and replicable urban planning and design method that responds to the economic, social, political, aesthetic and ecological context of urban development. The studio based work includes a short exercise and a major project comprising five consecutive stages intended to test a systematic approach to urban design.

On completion of the subject students should be able to:

• Identify and apply professional skills appropriate to current urban design practice, in particular urban form and image analysis.

• Develop solutions to unfamiliar urban design problems and make responsible urban design decisions based on a replicable and rational design methodology.

• Analyse complex urban design issues in terms of their environmental, social and regulatory contexts.

• Generate alternative, interpretive and conceptual approaches to urban design problems.

• Prepare urban design framework plans.

On completion of the subject students should have developed the following skills and capabilities:

• Critical and analytical thinking about urban planning and design issues, problems and tasks.

• Analysis and synthesis of research and survey data in order to propose solutions or strageties for urban planning and design tasks, within a responsible environmental context.

• Using appropriate written, graphic and digital communication techniques; effective use of IT resources and data in urban design tasks.

• Identification and application of planning law and statutory planning instruments (such as land use and property development controls) as they relate to urban design.

• Development of ecologically responsible and innovative urban design and conservation strategies.

• Performing analytical and conceptual urban design tasks in a teamwork situation.

Progressive assessment based on the coursework to the equivalent of 5000 words, comprising a design exercise (10%), a staged major project (80%) and a short class test (10%).