AD2815 Public Places and Spaces 7.5 credits

• Educational level

  Second cycle

• Academic level (A-D)

  C

• Subject area

  Architecture
  

• Grade scale

  A, B, C, D, E, FX, F

At present this course is not scheduled to be offered.

• Course page on KTH Social

Learning outcomes

This course is an introduction to the concepts of public space and place in an inter-disciplinary perspective, focusing on the role of physical form in relation to the public life of the city. The course will give participants an insight into the social , cultural and political implications of public space as well as provide training in analysing, describing and responding architecturally to public spaces as a physical entity.

After completion the student will be able to:
- create an understanding and vocabulary of public spaces
- analyze public spaces in their cultural, urban and historical contexts
- discuss, criticize and/or motivate changes of existing public spaces
- shape, present and motivate proposals for public spaces

Course main content

The course will provide a more profound insight into the complexities of public space and the concept of place as imaginary and physical forms. Participants will receive a basic understanding of the discourse on public space as it is known in urban theory thereby being able to discern the potentials and limitations of space in architectural terms. Objects of study will be analyzed in their cultural, urban and historical context. Participants will gain a practical competence by performing design exercises and/or conceptual interventions. 

Disposition

The learning method will be carried out through analysis of various public spaces in different city environments in the Stockholm area. The analysis will be performed by extended site observations, official aims documents, archive research concerning technical/ architectural drawings and historical documents. Emphasis will be put on the ability to understand and describe the material and social conditions of existing public spaces as a pre-requisite for the ability to propose transformed or new spatial forms. The work will be carried out in studios and individually. A two week analysis exercise will be carried out in small groups. The final project must be presented in a way that allows it to be judged by external reviewers. Lectures, literature studies and seminars will run parallel to the practical assignment and provide a theoretical or conceptual framework. 

Eligibility

120 p from architecture, landscape architecture or planning programs on graduate level.

Prerequisites

120 p from architecture, landscape architecture or planning programs on graduate level.

Literature

Will be announced at Course Start. 

Examination

• TEN1 - Examination, 7.5 credits, grade scale: A, B, C, D, E, FX, F

Requirements for final grade

80% attendance at lectures and active participation at seminars. Project review by teacher on at least two occasions. Completion and hand in of studio project and essay, individually. 

Offered by

ABE/Architecture

Contact

Ana Betancour, anabe@arch.kth.se

Examiner

Bojan Boric

Version

Course plan valid from: Spring 10.
Examination information valid from: Autumn 07.