Urban Design I
Fall Semester 2020
Instructors: Maria Moira, Nikos Bobolos, Constantine Bouras
COURSE DESCRIPTION
The studio course deals with interventions and configurations of public urban spaces (squares, sidewalks, buildings’ exterior spaces, waterfronts), emphasizing on their historical – cultural identity.
The design intention of the studio is to mark the space with traces of our reflection upon these topics:
i. the human relation to nature
ii. the human relation to the history of place
iii. the human relation to other cultures
The intervention may focus:
- on the relation of the above-mentioned three subjects as overlapping distinct layers that simply coexist (collage – montage) or
- on the relation of the three subjects through the creation of a form that is open to many interpretations.
At the same time, it is important to understand that through design, the programmatic spacial components which will lead to the successful appropriation of the designed space will be created.
STUDIO TOPIC
The design of a park in Neos Kosmos, Athens
STUDIO ORGANIZATION
The course includes the following analytical and synthetical phases:
Α. Mapping and analysis of the intervention area
Mapping and analysis of the intervention area, following the on-site visit to the square and the broader area, along with the bibliographic research for the collection of relevant data and information.
The analysis will focus on the personal reading and interpretation of the intervention area and will be done by processing the collected data and representing it through maps, diagrams, sketches, collages, image processing, abstract models etc [visualization of information].
B. Precedents analysis
Analysis of urban design precedents [one precedent per student]. This phase includes the research and collection of descriptive data: photographic material, floor plans, facades, sections, 3D illustrations, diagrams [movement, uses, etc.], information on construction materials, planting, etc
C. Design
Creation of a diagrammatic physical model as the first approach to symbolize the intervention area and the main concept/parti.
Transcription of the main concept/parti onto the intervention area, through a physical model and design research through a sequence of physical models at 1: 500 scale followed by 1: 200 scale.
Sketches, diagrams, drawings [topographic plan, floor plans, sections], perspectives, etc. will be created in addition to the models at scales 1: 500, 1: 200, 1: 100, or even smaller if and where necessary.
COURSE LOGISTICS
The final presentation includes all three of the above phases.
Students will work in groups of two or three members.
Studio attendance by all groups and all students is mandatory.
During the semester, lectures of various topics will be given by various speakers.
