Urban
Design Theory
EVDS 683.35 |
Fall term 2000 Dr. Bev Sandalack
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| This
course is intended to provide students with an introduction to theories,
concepts, methods and contemporary issues in urban design. The objectives
are to critically review theories, methods and concepts in urban design,
and to familiarize students with the skills, techniques and vocabulary to
describe, analyse and understand urban form and its evolution.
The course takes a position on the importance of the public realm - the streets, squares, public buildings, parks and other open spaces. The public realm in western cities, many argue, is in decline. Public space is being privatised, streets are more often built for transportation ease rather than for pedestrian comfort, and many contemporary public spaces are places of spectacle and only come alive when programmed. The public realm should be the deepest and longest lasting part of public infrastructure - the receptacle for civic life and the framework around which the rest of the urban form develops. A city or town is often known for its public spaces, and these should embody the best qualities of design. Good city form consists of a fabric of residential and commercial buildings, punctuated by high quality public spaces and public buildings. These provide a legible system of landmarks and spaces, and the setting for urban life. This project was set as a means of better understanding the contemporary public realm in Calgary and in order to be able to propose better strategies for the future. The documentation was intended to provide the basis for debate and discussion, as well as a record and a resource. The assignment required students to document and analyse a public space in downtown Calgary. The graphic layout was specified (two-column grid, margins, title block), and the following drawings were required (students could augment this with other drawings or photographs as necessary):
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website created by peng peng |
Building massing (figure ground
drawing) scale
1:2500
