RE3IUD: Introduction to Urban Design

Module Provider: Real Estate and Number of credits: 10 [5 ECTS

Planning credits]
Level: H (Honours) Terms in which Autumn
taught:
Module Convenor: Mr AR Rowley
Pre-requisites: RE2PPS Co-requisites:
Modules excluded: Current from: 2005/6
Aims:
The module aims to provide students with an understanding of the nature, role and
contemporary relevance of urban design; the dimensions and constituents of urban
design quality; and approaches to the creation and maintenance of good places having
regard to the interests involved and the nature of the urban design process. It also aims
to promote awareness of, and sensitivity to, design considerations, and to enable
students to critically evaluate urban spaces and places.
Assessable learning outcomes:
By the end of the module it is expected that the student will be able to:

 Discuss the substance, motives, methods, roles and relevance of urban design.
 Discuss the evolving concepts and principles of urban design.
 Discuss the visual and social use aspects of urban design.
 Illustrate the evolution of urban form and composition and of approaches to
environmental improvement.
 Recognise the social and cultural heritage considerations and values in urban
design.
 Use an appropriate design vocabulary.
 Identify, describe, appraise and communicate - verbally and graphically - the
design characteristics and qualities of places and spaces.
Additional outcomes:
Students will develop graphic communication skills including the use of maps, plans
and other illustrations through the module requirement to produce a well illustrated
report in A3 landscape format describing and analysing the form, features, character
and use of a place. Quality and effectiveness of presentation is an explicit facet of the
assessment.
Outline content:
Although there is no simple definition of urban design, it is commonly seen as
occupying the middle ground between piecemeal development and architecture on the
one hand, and planning on the other. Urban design involves the extension of
architecture beyond the design and construction of individual buildings and the
attainment of environmental quality within the town planning process. Urban design
is concerned with the design, creation and management of environments and the
public realm, and peoples' use, perception and experience of these places over time.
The module is designed to provide a broad introduction to urban design. The lectures
examine the nature and role of urban design, its principles and concerns and aspects
and issues relating to both the product and process of urban design. One lecture draws
together several strands urban design thinking and practice in the context of town and
city centre environments. The lectures address:

 The nature and concerns of urban design.

 A visual design vocabulary.
 Urban space design.
 Social use of urban space.
 Mixed uses and diversity of activities.
 Architecture in context.
 The urban design process.
 The town centre environment.
Brief description of teaching and learning methods:
Well illustrated, weekly, two-hour lectures with examples from throughout Europe
and guided reading. These provide the context for student learning through the an
individual project and personal study.
Contact hours:

  Autumn Spring Summer

Lectures 20    
Tutorials/seminars      
Practicals      
Other contact (eg
     
study visits)
       
Total hours 20    
       
1 major project
Number of essays (submitted early
   
or assignments in the Spring
term)
Other (eg major
     
seminar paper)
Assessment:
Coursework
A project comprising a single, illustrated 2,500 word report based on a 'good place'
selected by each student. The report should describe and analyse the 'good places'
form, features, character and use by reference to established urban design criteria..
Relative percentage of coursework: 100%
Examinations:
None
Requirements for a pass:
A mark of 40% overall
Reassessment arrangements:
At the discretion of the Programme Examiner