LNAK10084U Theories of Urban Design
MSc Programme in Landscape Architecture
The course focuses on selected theories and discourses about urban design. Urban design is here understood in a broad sense, encompassing visions and plans for the morphology of cities and the interplay with liveability and ecology. In other words, visions and ideas about the ideal city and good urban life through the last century are in the centre of this course. This is however a broad issue, and thus the course will concentrate on three main themes, which have over time been essential to urban development:
- From pre-modern to post modern design – the balance between tradition and modernity
- Place making and the role of public space
- Sustainable urban development and urban landscapes
Central design paradigms, different approaches and view-points about how cities should be designed and transformed will be discussed. The contemporary city will be our case to throw light on how urban design concepts and models have been operationalised and have influenced practice. Academic reading and writing skills will be trained during the course.
After completing the course, the students will know central paradigms, discourses, standpoints and approaches to urban design and development; they will be able to use this knowledge in a critical-reflective way in analysis of contemporary cities and in their own design work.
Knowledge:
Students will obtain an understanding of central paradigms, approaches, theories and discourses about urban design in the 20th century and till today, understand central points of discussion between standpoints, their background and context, and their effect on contemporary cities.
Skills:
At the end of the course the students will be trained in basic academic reading and writing skills. They will be able to use urban design theories in a critical-reflective way, and to develop positions of their own.
They will be able to show this ability in oral, written and graphic form.
Competencies:
At the end of the course the students shall be able to use theoretical points of reference when relating to issues of contemporary urban design.
The main book will be:
Larice, Michael and Elizabeth Macdonald (ed): The Urban Design
Reader. The Routledge Urban Reader Series, Routledge. 2. edition
forthcoming nov 2012.
Additional literature available during course.
- Category
- Hours
- Colloquia
- 46
- Exam
- 15
- Excursions
- 10
- Lectures
- 35
- Project work
- 100
- Total
- 206
As
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- Credit
- 7,5 ECTS
- Type of assessment
- Oral examination, 15 minutesWritten assignmentThe written assignment is prepared during the course and must be handed in prior to the exam week. The oral exam uses the written assignment as its point of departure. It includes the titles listed in the officially approved reading list.
- Aid
- All aids allowed
- Marking scale
- 7-point grading scale
- Censorship form
- No external censorship
Several internal examinators
Criteria for exam assesment
See 'Learning Outcome'.
Course information
- Language
- English
- Course code
- LNAK10084U
- Credit
- 7,5 ECTS
- Level
- Full Degree Master
- Duration
- 1 block
- Placement
- Block 1
- Schedule
- A
- Course capacity
- Max 50
- Continuing and further education
- Study board
- Study Board of Geosciences and Management
Contracting department
- Department of Geoscience and Natural Resource Management
Course responsibles
- Anne Tietjen (4-65786d69446d6b72326f7932686f)