Spatial Understanding and Urban Theory (BYG105)

Content

The course introduces historic and current urban theory, relating to urban planning and design. In addition, tools to understand, describe, and evaluate urban settings are introduced. The course is rooted in urban planning (and architectural) history and theory, and spatial understanding and analysis are trained.

Topics discussed are: form and form language, place and place making, building and street patterns, urban spaces and places. Further, relevant theory relating to the design of cities and the urban environment are introduced. The student is meant to achieve a level of knowledge that allows to execute professional analysis and evaluations of the existing urban environment, as well as proposed projects.

Learning outcome

Students should obtain

• Basic knowledge about urban planning, urban design and architecture theory and history

• Understanding for the urban environment as both physical, functional, semantic and aesthetic reality

• Understanding for spatial qualities

• Basic understanding of relevant urban design theories and their application, as well as relevant literature

• Insight into basic user needs

Students should be able to

• Execute simple spatial analysis

• Describe and interpret urban situations through thematic analyses

• Use Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator and InDesgin

Students should obtain general knowledge about

• Graphic and oral representation and analysis of existing urban environments

• Expressing ideas graphically (sketches, photomontages, diagrams, drawings, etc.)

• Understand and discuss relevant literature

• Professional discourse about theoretic and conceptual basics of own projects

Required prerequisite knowledge

Exam

Coursework requirements

Fours introductory group exercises and two literature seminars must be approved/passed to qualify for formal assessment.

Course teacher(s)

Course coordinator:

Coordinator laboratory exercises:

Coordinator laboratory exercises:

Head of Department:

Method of work

The course consists of a lecture series and literature seminars. In addition, there are group exercises and individual project work which includes tutorials and presentations.

Tutorials are given during formal teaching hours and participation is mandatory. Everybody needs to attend group work and document their own contributions. Exercises and literature seminars must be approved in order to be admitted to formal assessment.

An Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator and InDesign course is included in the course.

Open for

Open course for all students with an active right to study and who meet the requirements for general university admissions certification (GSK).

Course assessment

Literature