UD5221 Urban Design Theory and Discourse

Urban design is a discipline that focuses on the interaction of groups of buildings, streets and open spaces within a larger context. This introductory module will focus on some of the physical elements that impinge and influence urban design. The module aims to impart knowledge, understanding and analytical skills in urban design, through lectures, reading discussions, fieldwork and case studies analysis in order to develop the capacities of the students to: Describe city fabric and its material stocks, flows and their interdependencies; Understand the socio-economic drivers and catalysts for urban design; Appreciate and evaluate the performance of city elements in time; and Formulate well-reasoned criteria for analysis and assessment of contemporary urban design conditions of varying scales, complexity and contexts.