Course detail

Designing Towns

FA-USM-KEAcad. year: 2025/2026

The course introduces students to urbanism, urban design and conception of urban complexes and their components. It focuses on the conceptual principles of spatial, functional, and operational connections with respect to the contemporary regulations and trends. Students learn the urbanistic principles of designing buildings, facilities, and elements for housing, civic amenities, production, recreation, greenery, transport, and technical infrastructure in accordance with the legislative requirements. The importance of creative thinking is emphasized. In the seminars, students verify the principles of urban design necessary for the completion of the urban design studio.

Language of instruction

English

Number of ECTS credits

3

Mode of study

Not applicable.

Department

Department of Urban Design (UU)

Entry knowledge

Not applicable.

Rules for evaluation and completion of the course

The overall assessment evaluates the quality of the submitted seminar work and its presentation in front of the fellow students. The seminar work consists of a graphical part and a model, the extent is specified in the written course assignment that the students will obtain at the beginning of the semester. The assessment of the seminars may take into consideration students´ work in the seminars. The seminar work consists of graphical analysis of individual presented topics and a design of a new urban complex including a model.
The attendance at the seminars is compulsory. Consultation of seminar works is possible during all of the seminars. The absences cannot be compensated, only excused in serious circumstances.
In the case of a student's apology and with approval of the subject guarantor, personal attendance may be substituted with online attendance in the classes.

Aims

The aim of the course is to inform students on the issue of urban planning, to familiarize them with the urban design concept and urban planning principles for designing individual types of buildings and areas for housing, civic amenities, production, recreation, greenery and transport. The course is designed to support students´ work on the studio project. The aim of the subject is not only to master the principles of urban design, but also to develop creative thinking.
  • Students learn important rules and principles of urban design.
  • Students will get to know the legislative requirements for the urban design of the territory.
  • Students will verify the importance of creative thinking in urban design.
  • Students will gain knowledge about designing greenery and transport in cities.
  • Students will be able to complete the urban design studio AT3-AE Studio – Town and Place.

Study aids

Not applicable.

Prerequisites and corequisites

Basic literature

Global street design guide: global designiny cities initiative. Washington, DC: Global Designing Cities Initiative, Island Press, 2016. ISBN 978-1-61091-701-8 (EN)
MOUGHTIN, C. Urban Design: Street and Square. Architectural Press, 1999. ISBN: 978-0750642743. (EN)
SITTE, Camillo. The Art of Building Cities: City Building According to Its Artistic Fundamentals. Martino Fine Books, 2013. ISBN: 978-1614275244.7 (EN)
Urban Street Design Guide. Washington: National Association of City Transportation Officials, Island Press, 2013. ISBN 978-1-61091-494-9. (EN)
WALTON, David, TAYLOR, David, et. al. Urban Design Compendium 1 and 2. London: English Partnership/The Housing Corporation, 2006. (EN)

Recommended reading

URBAN DESING ALLIANCE. Urban Design Compendium. English Partnership/The Housing Corporation, 2007. (EN)

Classification of course in study plans

  • Programme B_A+U Bachelor's 2 year of study, summer semester, compulsory

Type of course unit

 

Seminar

33 hod., compulsory

Teacher / Lecturer

Field trip

4 hod., compulsory

Teacher / Lecturer