Urban Design Studio 1

In the first urban design studio, we focus on timely issues that drive contemporary cities, grounded in the fundamentals of urban theory and practice. We will explore the reciprocal relationship between a city's physical environment and social systems by examining different spatial and temporal scales. We will research how we might create urban environments that can be sustained ecologically, economically, and socially. We will discuss urban dynamics, especially the driving forces of change that affect cities today and in the future. Lastly, we will reflect on the designer's agency and the role of design in urban transformation.

We will test urban theories by crafting specific and concrete proposals at the neighborhood scale. Our urban scenarios will investigate urban typologies of place and form as well as the resources and flows of urban infrastructure. Our design problems are often shaped in conjunction with Pittsburgh's communities, giving students a chance to explore their new home city while learning the complexities of urban action.

We will also explore methodological questions as a foundation for your future practice, including engagement and our design process. We will hear diverse voices with different expertise and discuss equitable methods to engage communities. We will reflect on the opportunities and limitations of our design process and how our materials and artifacts communicate to others and inform our decisions. Students will gain experience with tools and skills with individual work and will learn the workflows of group projects. Together, we will translate values and actions through our design proposals, preparing you for future studios.