Learning objectives
The course aims at developing the students’ ability to integrate the main functional and environmental aspects into the planning and design process, aiming primarily at developing the ability to critically read available urban data and the main urban planning tools. The course also provides the essential notions, content, qualitative and quantitative tools aimed at analyzing the urban environment at the neighborhood scale (using GIS technology) and to hypothesize a regeneration plan, at the urban block scale, that pays attention to ecological-environmental issues and preservation of the role of open space in a broader sequence of spaces at the urban and territorial scale.
At the end of the learning experience, the student is supposed to:
- acquire knowledge in open space assessment,
- develop proper practical skills to approach open space analysis and planning using GIS techniques,
- develop specific communication skills and be autonomous in further learning.
Prerequisites
Knowledge of urban and spatial analysis as well as urban planning acquired in the bachelor's degree program is taken for granted.
Minimum experience in drafting reports and graphic boards is required.
Course unit content
The course explores the environmental, ecological and social value of open spaces as a strategic opportunity for urban regeneration plans and projects in the existing city, but also as a resource related to soil and its functions. The course also addresses the complex relationship between urban form, functions and public space, also looking at the main urban planning strategies and tools, and guiding the student through a rigorous analytical process, supported by GIS (Geographical Information System) and applied to a case study: an urban sector of the city of Eindhoven.
The following topics will be treated:
- Transformability of urban open spaces in the contemporary city: urbanisation processes (along with economic constraints and social issues), urban morphology, land consumption and ecocity criteria;
- Open space assessment and planning with the support of GIS technology: assessing the quality and role of open spaces, the mutual setting of public and private sphere (synergies and conflicts), public facilities and open public space ecological performance.
- Planning and design tools: sustainable planning strategies, pedestrian-oriented public spaces, environmental benefits of an ecological design (adaptation to climate change, ‘desealing’ practices).
Full programme
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Bibliography
References:
- Gehl J., Life Between Buildings: Using Public Space, Van Nostrand Reinhold Company, New York 1987
- Gehl J., Cities for people, Island Press, 2010
- Hack G., Site Planning: International Practice, MIT Press, 2018
- Hall P.G., Cities of Tomorrow: An Intellectual History of Urban Planning and Design in the Twentieth Century, 2013, IV ed., Blackwell Publishers
- Lehmann S., Urban Regeneration: A Manifesto for Transforming Uk Cities in the Age of Climate Change, Palgrave Macmillan, London 2019
- Lynch K., The image of the city, The MIT Press, Cambridge MA, 1960
- Ventura P., La città nuova. Elementi di progettazione urbanistica, McGraw-Hill, 2018
Educational material in the form of slides and notes will be available in the Elly web page of the course.
Teaching methods
- Lectures on the cultural aspects of open space planning and design.
- GIS Exercises: Building a Relational Database in a GIS environment as a support to open space planning (software: Quantum GIS).
- Integrated studio for the urban Regeneration of an urban block in a European middle-sized city (Eindhoven).
- Eventual study trips and webinars with foreign professors.
Assessment methods and criteria
The final exam consists of three parts:
1) assignment to be delivered during the course: the GIS Database built in groups of maximum 3 students.
2) discussion about solutions and statements assumed for the practical Urban Regeneration Design work;
3) oral test on theoretical and cultural aspects.
For further details, see the corresponding course “URBAN PLANNING STUDIO FOR THE SUSTAINABLE CITY”
In addition to the delivery of the final project, the course includes an intermediate delivery of the GIS database designed and implemented in groups to support the analysis of the assigned urban sector. The GIS database will be accompanied by a brief technical report containing the technical specifications of the database.
Other information
Attending 70% of the lessons is compulsory for admission to final exam. Participating in GIS practical exercises in class is highly recommended.
2030 agenda goals for sustainable development
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