COURSE INFORMATION
Course Title: URBAN DESIGN I
Code Course Type Regular Semester Theory Practice Lab Credits ECTS
ARCH 311 B 5 3 0 0 3 5
Academic staff member responsible for the design of the course syllabus (name, surname, academic title/scientific degree, email address and signature) NA
Main Course Lecturer (name, surname, academic title/scientific degree, email address and signature) and Office Hours: Dr. Egin Zeka ezeka@epoka.edu.al , Tuesday 14:45-16:30
Second Course Lecturer(s) (name, surname, academic title/scientific degree, email address and signature) and Office Hours: NA
Teaching Assistant(s) and Office Hours: NA
Language: English
Compulsory/Elective: Compulsory
Study program: (the study for which this course is offered) Integrated second cycle study program in Architecture (5 years)
Classroom and Meeting Time: A 212, Tuesday 10:40-13:30
Code of Ethics: Code of Ethics of EPOKA University
Regulation of EPOKA University "On Student Discipline"
Attendance Requirement: 75%
Course Description: Natural structural elements and settlement relations, identity of settlement, topography and natural structure analyses, exercises related to these analyses and synthesis. Introductory level subjects; Development of human being and society and spatial differentiation, spatial relations, function-space relationship, transportation, urban space, vision-perception, elements that from the urban space, image. Building, building scale, floor area ratio(F.A.R.) and building coverage ratio(B.C.R.), volume, building order, density, different spaces ranging from building vicinity to urban scale, street, square, open space, green areas, human scale. Technical representation of all works and practices held in the project.
Course Objectives: The main objective of the course is to give a theoretical background in the field of urbanism by elaborating the themes such as History of the cities and urbanism; Urban Planning theories; Urban Design process; Urban morphology; Principles of Urban Design; National Planning System.
BASIC CONCEPTS OF THE COURSE
1 City in History
2 Urban Planning Terminology
3 Planning process
4 Urban Morphology
5 Principles of Urban Design
6 Urban Planning in Albania
COURSE OUTLINE
Week Topics
1 Introduction of the Course. Presentation of the Syllabus.
2 Urban Planning/Design Terminology
3 City In History. Origins, antiquity, medieval period, Renaissance period...
4 Utopian Cities
5 Urban Design Process
6 Territorial systems. Urban Planning/Design Instruments. Planning System in Albania.
7 Urban Morphology/ Urban Components
8 "Urbanized" Documentary film
9 Midterm Exam
10 Urban Design Components+ Principles
11 Public Spaces/ Squares/ Streets
12 Alexander, Jacobs, Gehl, Lynch, Cullen Principles…
13 Tactical Approach To The Neighborhood Regeneration
14 Final review
Prerequisite(s): No Prerequisites
Textbook(s): Kostof, Spiro, 1991.The City Shaped, Urban Patterns and Meanings Through History, Thames and Hudson, London, UK. Lynch, K., 1960. The Image of the City, M.I.T Press, Massachusetts, USA. Lynch, K., 1984. The Good City Form, M.I.T Press, Massachusetts, USA. Marshall, S., 2005.Streets and Patterns, Spon Press, London, UK. Mumford, Lewis, 1989. The City in History, Harcourt, Inc. New York, USA; The City Reader (1996), Routledge, New York, USA.
Additional Literature:
Laboratory Work: -
Computer Usage: Yes
Others: No
COURSE LEARNING OUTCOMES
1 Learning the evolution of cities and Planning theory
2 Learning the processes and principles of urban Design
3 Analyze and evaluate complex urban settings and explain the social, economic and physical processes by which cities are formed.
4 Communicate effectively using written, graphical and oral formats based on individual and group contributions
5 Develop physical solutions through spatial interventions to deliver socially, economically and environmentally just places.
COURSE CONTRIBUTION TO... PROGRAM COMPETENCIES
(Blank : no contribution, 1: least contribution ... 5: highest contribution)
No Program Competencies Cont.
Integrated second cycle study program in Architecture (5 years) Program
1 Speaking and Writing Skills Ability to read, write, listen, and speak effectively 5
2 Critical Thinking Skills Ability to raise clear and precise questions, use abstract ideas to interpret information, consider diverse points of view, reach well-reasoned conclusions, and test them against relevant criteria and standards 4
3 Graphics Skills Ability to use appropriate representational media, including freehand drawing and computer technology, to convey essential formal elements at each stage of the programming and design process 4
4 Research Skills Ability to gather, assess, record, and apply relevant information in architectural course work 4
5 Formal Ordering Systems Understanding of the fundamentals of visual perception and the principles and systems of order that inform two- and three-dimensional design, architectural composition, and urban design 5
6 Fundamental Design Skills Ability to use basic architectural principles in the design of buildings, interior spaces, and sites 5
7 Collaborative Skills Ability to recognize the varied talent found in interdisciplinary design project teams in professional practice and work in collaboration with other students as members of a design team 5
8 International Traditions Understanding of the International architectural canons and traditions in architecture, landscape and urban design, as well as the climatic, technological, culture-economic, and other cultural factors that have shaped and sustained them 5
9 National and Regional Traditions Understanding of national traditions and the local regional heritage in architecture, landscape design and urban design, including the vernacular tradition 4
10 Use of Precedents Ability to incorporate relevant precedents into architecture and urban design projects 4
11 Conservation and Restoration of Historical Districts Knowledge on historical districts and the gain of conservation consciousness documentation of historical buildings and the understanding the techniques which are needed to prepare restoration projects. 2
12 Human Behavior Understanding of the theories and methods of inquiry that seek to clarify the relationship between human behavior and the physical environment 5
13 Human Diversity Understanding of the diverse needs, values, behavioral norms, physical ability, and social and spatial patterns that characterize different cultures and individuals and the implication of this diversity for the societal roles and responsibilities of architects 5
COURSE EVALUATION METHOD
Method Quantity Percentage
Midterm Exam(s)
1
40
Final Exam
1
60
Total Percent: 100%
ECTS (ALLOCATED BASED ON STUDENT WORKLOAD)
Activities Quantity Duration(Hours) Total Workload(Hours)
Course Duration (Including the exam week: 16x Total course hours) 16 3 48
Hours for off-the-classroom study (Pre-study, practice) 16 3 48
Mid-terms 1 1 1
Assignments 0
Final examination 1 2 2
Other 1 26 26
Total Work Load:
125
Total Work Load/25(h):
5
ECTS Credit of the Course:
5
CONCLUDING REMARKS BY THE COURSE LECTURER

To be completed at the end of the semester