This module provides a critical understanding of theories and ideas that have been used to justify spatial planning practice historically and in the current era. The political nature of spatial planning is a key focus. The aim of this module is to provide students with a critical understanding and knowledge of the history of spatial planning and the theoretical and philosophical ideas that have been, and continue to be used, to inform practice and interventions into the built and social environment. The module also discusses the ethics of spatial planning practice.
Place making is central to successful spatial planning and this module introduces students to principles and processes for creating high quality and inclusive places. Planners must be able to visualise possible futures for sites in such a way that is positive and imaginative and can guide and stimulate the ideas of others who might implement them. The module focuses on an area of London that has undergone radical change and is the subject of complex and intense pressures for development. Students will be asked to analyse the area and then to prepare, visualise and justify their ideas for its future.
This module explores the role of ‘good design’ within the property development process. In so doing, it looks at the different design aspects and dimensions entailed throughout the development process, from inception of a scheme to its disposal. Accordingly, issues from the definition of property boundaries, to design particularities of different use categories and their impact on valuation, to long term management issues, will be considered in the module. Case study visits are also included as part of the learning experience.
This module examines sustainability issues and challenges and the initiatives and responses from spatial planning and related agencies, institutions and organisations. It aims to provide students with a detailed knowledge and understanding of the different forces at work within a region or city context. It will develop the students’ understanding of sustainability issues and the impact of climate change; recognise the processes of change and identify issues and mechanisms that allow an area to develop to fulfil its potential as well as respond to environmental and related challenges.
The fields of urban design, planning and development have substantial associated literatures. This module reviews theories and approaches to urban design and explores and tests them against real projects and places in use. Students will be introduced to the complexity of theoretical ideas underpinning past and current practice and will be encouraged to critically evaluate key concepts and methods of leading urban design thinkers. They will discuss key themes in small-group seminar settings and this will provide them with an opportunity to critically reflect ideas and approaches and to explore interlinks between the fields.
This project based module provides students with the opportunity to extend and develop their urban design skills in a practical context in relation to the planning and development process and the urban context for design. It also reviews theories and approaches to urban design and explores and tests them against real places. It develops approaches from earlier parts of the students’ course and leads to design proposals which are expected to be of a professional standard. This is supported by the teaching of relevant computer-aided design skills.
The dissertation module is an opportunity to carry out a significant piece of independent research. Students are expected to demonstrate their independence as a scholar and should aim to make a contribution to the scholarly debates surrounding their chosen topic. Each student will submit a single piece of work of 12,000 words or equivalent where design projects are included. A dissertation is a chance for a student to carve out their identity as a scholar and/or a practitioner in that it is an opportunity to produce a sustained and personal project of their own design.
