Course Goals and Objectives

Sustainable Urban Dynamics

Since the studio marks the 3rd semester of the master’s program, the expectations for this course are high. The students are expected to hit the ground running and to challenge themselves, to consistently bring a high level of energy, and to help the course to develop an atmosphere of collective innovation and continuous inspiration.

The goal of the teachers is to challenge the students, guide them throughout the semester and help them grow as urban designers. The hope is through seminars, tutorials, and critics to raise the level of students work by giving the opportunities to exercise the ability to critically discuss their own design work and better communicate the design intentions.

WORKSHOP DESIGN PROCESS

The main key principles that we believe each of the students should strive to follow as they provide a framework for improving the design skills are as follows:

1. Produce

An emphasis was placed on actively producing material to explore the possibilities of the site. It has been a central belief of the studio that quality design work comes through thorough investigation, large quantities of design sketching, and reflection upon that work through open discussions and dialogue. In that way it has been our intention to make the studio a test-bed for new ideas and innovation.

2. Research

Parallel to production, research was integrated into each students individual design process. Either inspired by exemplary projects or by individual design sketches, research formed the foundation of each student’s proposal. Through this process, the student developed an unique design program and formed individual opinions on appropriate ‘context sensitive’ solutions. The research and theory also helped each student to develop their arguments within contemporary design discussion.

3. Push the Limits

Research and production were geared to push the limits and break down the existing boundaries in the practice of urban design today. It is this studio’s belief that in order to achieve sustainability, it is a must to explore emerging research, cross disciplinary boundaries, and envision innovative design solutions that help create a better future for all of us.

4. Refine + Detail

Focus and precision are keys to bringing an inspiring concept to reality. Implementation is the most critical phase in any design and its essential to pay attention to these details throughout the design process. Throughout the course, each student was asked to refine their work by utilizing drawing, modelling, and imagery to craft a project that speaks to the human dimension and convinces everyone that sustainability can be a tool to make a better world.