Module Details

The information contained in this module specification was correct at the time of publication but may be subject to change, either during the session because of unforeseen circumstances, or following review of the module at the end of the session. Queries about the module should be directed to the member of staff with responsibility for the module.
Title URBAN DESIGN: THEORY AND PRACTICE
Code ARCH406
Coordinator Dr F Chen
Architecture
Fei.Chen@liverpool.ac.uk
Year CATS Level Semester CATS Value
Session 2022-23 Level 6 FHEQ First Semester 15

Aims

To introduce students to the origin, theories and key design principles of urban design; To engage students in the debates of current issues and challenges faced in the discipline and wider urban environment;   To promote understanding of the design context for practice and the ways through which urban design theories, principles and best practice examples can be translated into local practice;   To encourage students to think critically about urban interventions in the complex system of cities locally and globally for long-term sustainability and place-making; To provide the opportunity for students to understand and familiarise themselves with a wide range of urban analytical techniques and methods which would benefit their master-planning studio;   To develop students’ understanding of the policy role of urban design, its implementation through the planning system and general issues about design governance.


Learning Outcomes

(LO1) After this module, students will be able to understand the key theories and principles of urban design and their influence on or applications to practice.

(LO2) Students will be able to critically discuss current issues and challenges faced in urban design in their local area.

(LO3) Students should be aware of broader urban issues and challenges faced by other cities globally, not only in the Western context, but also in the global south.

(LO4) Students will be able to apply a variety of urban analytical techniques and methods in their practice for sustainable development and place-making.

(LO5) Students will be able to understand the process and role of urban design governance and its relationship with the planning system.

(S1) Communication skills.

(S2) Literacy application of literacy, ability to produce clear, structured written work and oral literacy - including listening and questioning

(S3) Problem solving/ critical thinking/ creativity analysing facts and situations and applying creative thinking to develop appropriate solutions.

(S4) Global perspectives demonstrate international perspectives as professional/citizens; locate, discuss, analyse, evaluate information from international sources; consider issues from a variety of cultural perspectives; consider ethical and social responsibility issues in international settings; value diversity of language and culture.


Syllabus

 

The lectures of the module will concentrate on the following areas: The historical roots, concepts and principles of urban design; Various debates about public spaces, for instance, ‘publicness’, equality, identity, experiences, movements, ecology, security etc.; Understanding design contexts through urban analytical techniques and methods; The shaping process of contemporary urban spaces and design governance within the planning framework; Key texts will be included in the reading list which will be available in the library. Additional sources will be uploaded onto CANVAS. Students are expected to read the recommended sources independently for the preparation of coursework.


Teaching and Learning Strategies

Teaching Method 1 - Lecture
Description: Lectures will be delivered either online asynchronously or face-to-face to disseminate knowledge.
Attendance Recorded: Yes

Teaching Method 2 - Tutorial
Description: Tutorials will be arranged online or face-to-face with different sizes of groups to offer chances for Q&A, to discuss the application to studio work, and to provide formative feedback on assignment.
Attendance Recorded: Yes


Teaching Schedule

  Lectures Seminars Tutorials Lab Practicals Fieldwork Placement Other TOTAL
Study Hours 14

  10

      24
Timetable (if known)              
Private Study 126
TOTAL HOURS 150

Assessment

EXAM Duration Timing
(Semester)
% of
final
mark
Resit/resubmission
opportunity
Penalty for late
submission
Notes
             
CONTINUOUS Duration Timing
(Semester)
% of
final
mark
Resit/resubmission
opportunity
Penalty for late
submission
Notes
3500 words critical commentary focusing on a critical urban issue or concept. There is a resit opportunity. Standard UoL penalty applies for late submission. This is an anonymous assessment.    100       

Recommended Texts

Reading lists are managed at readinglists.liverpool.ac.uk. Click here to access the reading lists for this module.