ELEMENTS OF URBAN DESIGN STUDIO

The studio is structured as an introduction to urban design representation and how it is used as a means of design thinking. The central premise is that urban design is best understood and expressed through the study and representation of the built urban environment. Hence, the studio focuses on the study and representation of the key urban elements in cities (building types, urban blocks, streets, and public spaces) and is structured in multiple modules running through the semester, each culminating with an exhibition of the outcome. The first module focuses on methods of effectively capturing and communicating the spatial qualities of the urban built environment. The second module involves design problems involving everyday public places such as streets, neighborhood open spaces, public infrastructure, etc. The exercise involves identifying problems and potentials, analysis of the urban space, and proposing urban design solutions for the urban space. The culmination is developing a communication strategy through effective representation of the existing and proposed scenario.