Course contents

The course will provide a profound insight into the complexities of public space and the concept of place as imaginary and physical form. Participants will receive an understanding of the discourse on public space as it is known in urban theory thereby developing the ability to discern the potentials and limitations of space in architectural terms.

The seminar lecture sessions and workshops will help develop a critical understanding of contemporary architectural history and theory. The seminars will evolve around issues of representations of public spaces and places, urban and architectural methods, strategies, and specific case studies.

The project work will be directed towards a complex social issue such as social segregation, the relation between virtual and physical meetingplaces or the role of public space in contemporary society, where the student is trained in developing concrete solutions of both high functionality and architecturally expressive standards addressing these topics.

The learning method will be carried out through analysis of various public spaces in different city environments of the chosen city. 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extended site observations, official aims documents, archive research concerning technical/ architectural drawings and historical documents.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.  

Intended learning outcomes

The 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 shall 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 Disposition

No information inserted

Specific prerequisites

For students within the TUPDM program:

• AG2124 Contemporary Trends in Urban Planning and Design I, AD2855 Contemporary Trends in Urban Planning and Design II, AD2850 Compositions in Urban Design, AG2805 Sustainable Planning and Design

For external students:

• Bachelor’s degree in architecture, landscape architecture or urban planning. The previous study should include at least 30 ECTS in the field of urban design
• Documented proficiency in English B or equivalent
• AG2124 Contemporary Trends in Urban Planning and Design I, AD2855 Contemporary Trends in Urban Planning and Design II, AD2850 Compositions in Urban Design, AG2805 Sustainable Planning and Design

Recommended prerequisites

No information inserted

Equipment

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Literature

To be announced before the start of the course

If the course is discontinued, students may request to be examined during the following two academic years.

Grading scale

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

Examination

• PRO1 - Studio Project, 7,5 hp, betygsskala: A, B, C, D, E, FX, F
• SEM1 - Seminars, 4,5 hp, betygsskala: A, B, C, D, E, FX, F
• ÖVN1 - Workshopd, 3,0 hp, betygsskala: A, B, C, D, E, FX, F

Based on recommendation from KTH’s coordinator for disabilities, the examiner will decide how to adapt an examination for students with documented disability.

The examiner may apply another examination format when re-examining individual students.

Other requirements for final grade

The course consists of three moments:

ÖVN1, Workshops, 3,0 hp, grade: A-F

SEM1, Seminars, 4,5 hp, grade: A-F

PRO1, Studio project, 7,5 hp, grade: A-F

To obtain final grade, all course moments (ÖVN1, SEM1 and PRO1) have to be passed, plus 80% attendance at all teaching sessions.

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Opportunity to complete the requirements via supplementary examination

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Opportunity to raise an approved grade via renewed examination

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Examiner

Per Fransson

Ethical approach

• All members of a group are responsible for the group's work.
• In any assessment, every student shall honestly disclose any help received and sources used.
• In an oral assessment, every student shall be able to present and answer questions about the entire assignment and solution.

Course web

Further information about the course can be found on the Course web at the link below. Information on the Course web will later be moved to this site.

Offered by

ABE/Architecture

Main field of study

Architecture

Education cycle

Second cycle

Add-on studies

No information inserted