Urban Analysis and Planning Methods (BYG500)

The course offers knowledge and understanding of planning theories and methods, in addition to exposing the student to experience with various analytical tools.


Course description for study year 2024-2025. Please note that changes may occur.

Facts

Course code

BYG500

Version

1

Credits (ECTS)

10

Semester tution start

Autumn

Number of semesters

1

Exam semester

Autumn

Language of instruction

English

Content

The course consists of a theoretical part with lectures and literature seminars, and project work in groups. Every phase of the planning process is discussed, from analysis of the current situation and the identification of the planning problem to the choice of a development alternative. Different methods of planning and their usefulness in different situations are explored, together with the implications the planner's role has on them. The development towards more user-involvement is discussed and methods to support this are introduced, particularly where actions are taken in light of large societal issues like sustainable development.

Through the project work. students are able to apply various urban analysis and planning methods to real life cases.

Learning outcome

After the completed course students should have:

  • Knowledge about planning theory, approaches and perspectives, as well as different roles planners can have in the process.
  • Knowledge about various methods used in spatial and social planning (e.g. spatial analysis, remote sensing, document studies, geographic analysis, user analysis, participation), and an understanding of their impact on planning outcomes.

After the completed course students should be able to:

  • Gather data and conduct analyses that serve as a basis for decision making.
  • Make recommendations for the development of urban areas based on collected data and conducted analyses.
  • Discuss strengths and weaknesses of the different methods used.
  • Critically assess the choice of methods in light of the interests of different stakeholders.

After the completed course students should have general knowledge of:

  • Designing planning processes and choosing the appropriate methods according to the given planning situation.
  • Present urban analyses professionally and competently, both orally, graphically and in writing.

Required prerequisite knowledge

None

Exam

Oral exam en project report

Form of assessment Weight Duration Marks Aid
Project work 1/2 1 Semesters Letter grades Own projectreport
Oral exam 1/2 30 Minutes Letter grades

The project work is a group work and individual contributions must be documented. The project starts in the first week of the term.It is required that both assessment parts are passed within the same semester in order to achieve an overall grade in the course. This also applies to students who want to improve their result in the course.No resit-exam is offered on the project assignment. Students who do not pass the project assignment can take this part again the next time the subject has regular teaching.The oral exam is carried out individually and lasts 20-30 minutes (depending on the number of students). It is permitted to bring your own project assignment as an aid.

Coursework requirements

Compulsory assignements
Active participation and contribution to the group project and the literature seminars is mandatory in order to get an assessment of the project and access to the oral exam.

Course teacher(s)

Casual teacher:

Ana Llopis Alvarez

Course coordinator:

Daniela Müller-Eie

Course teacher:

Renata Aradi

Coordinator laboratory exercises:

Guzman Cruz Rodriguez

Head of Department:

Tore Markeset

Method of work

The course runs intensively in the first 6 weeks of the fall term with ca. 8 hours of formal teaching and min. 20 hours project work each week. It also includes a course in ArcMap.

The course uses problem-based learning and consists of a combination of lectures, literature seminars, and group and project work.

Open for

Students who fulfill admission requirements for master of city and regional planning.

Course assessment

There must be an early dialogue between the course supervisor, the student union representative and the students. The purpose is feedback from the students for changes and adjustments in the course for the current semester.In addition, a digital subject evaluation must be carried out at least every three years. Its purpose is to gather the students experiences with the course.

Literature

The syllabus can be found in Leganto