The RIBA and ARB consider competencies in urban design essential skills for the development of architects and the architectural profession (MArch/ Part 2 ARB Criteria 2024). In this module you develop design thinking in relation to broader urban contexts, reflecting on issues that impact the development of successful urban spaces, networks, identities, social needs and values and environments. Orientated towards the analysis of urban spaces, and engaging with theories, precedent and practices of historical and contemporary urban design in diverse contexts, the module asks you to reflect on these current practices through their studio design projects. Within specialist design units, you will be guided through weekly lectures to develop holistic social and environmental analysis and design proposals, which address identified urban needs and enhance the performance of existing urban contexts. Working in response to real-world scenarios, you will be required to develop speculative, reasoned and evidenced design proposals which contextualise and advance current practices in response to thoughtful, robust analysis of social needs and governance/ policy objectives in relation to planning policies, professional standards and regulatory frameworks.
Lectures: 8 hours
Tutorials: 48 hours
Reviews: 12 hours
Workshops: 12 hours
Autumn and Spring - Canterbury.
This module is taught In person or online (hybrid).
These assessments have been designed to be accessible in-line with the Kent Inclusive Practices.
In this module student work undergoes two forms of assessments: oral presentation and portfolio review. The oral presentation consists of a timed in-person review in studio (the ‘crit’) and is assessed in terms of visual and spoken coherence according to clearly identified material outputs (development work, finished presentation drawings, models). The second assessment is an illustrated portfolio, which will be formally assessed by design tutors. In addition to drawings of their final urban design proposal, the portfolio incorporates a reflective journal. Students utilise this to document the design process, but it also offers them to critical reflection on their experience of the application of evidence-based methodologies in design.
Practical
Presentation - Oral review of proposal and pinup (20 minutes). Worth 20%.
Practical
Design portfolio - An illustrated portfolio and design journal. Worth 80%. This element is pass compulsory.
Reassessment methods
Single Instrument 100% Practical (Design Portfolio)
The University is committed to ensuring that core reading materials are in accessible electronic format in line with the Kent Inclusive Practices. The most up to date reading list for each module can be found on the university's reading list pages:
https://kent.rl.talis.com/index.html
On successfully completing the module, students will be able to:
1) Demonstrate an advanced understanding of the development of cities, and a critical understanding of historical theories of urban design.
2) Develop design work that reflects on aspects of urban placemaking principles, including character, form, public realm, movement, legibility, adaptability and diversity
3) Develop design work that reflects on aspects of urban form, including urban structure, urban grain, density and mix, height and massing, building type, façade and threshold, details and materials and streetscape and landscape.
4) Demonstrate familiarity with iterative and evidence-based urban design approaches, including the application of methods and tools for spatial and environmental analysis.
5) Develop knowledge of current policies and practices of public participation in urban design.
University of Kent makes every effort to ensure that module information is accurate for the relevant academic session and to provide educational services as described. However, courses, services and other matters may be subject to change. Please read our full disclaimer.