Urban design is examined as a multi-discipline process integrating physical, social, economic and political factors in concept formation and implementation. The course includes readings, lecture-discussion, a case study research project and a study trip to major western cities. The discussions illustrate examples of energy efficiency, sunlighting, resource and material selection, and the construction of healthy buildings. Topics will include site analysis, building massing and structure, resource efficient heating and cooling, ventilation for healthy indoor air quality, electrical lighting and daylighting, stormwater management and water conservation, acoustics, and low-toxic building material selection. Design emphasis will be for the three climate zones of the Pacific Northwest and economic impacts of design decisions on the construction budget.
Students complete a full program study in parallel with their current studio project.
The class covers basic real estate markets and financial modeling to provide students with an understanding of how financial considerations influence building programs and design constraints. This class will be a broad overview with enough detail to allow students to do basic calculations of financial feasibility and design budgets. Students are placed in downtown architectural or planning offices for one term. The office provides the student with a paid honorarium and provides mentoring during the practicum period. Students will apply the technical knowledge acquired in preceding courses towards the full development of a studio project.