Established by: Faculty Board of Science and Technology, 2017-08-04
Contents
The course investigates the relationship between users and architecture. The course explores and develops an understanding of global tendencies in architecture and urban planning by mapping different aspects of an urban context.
The project work is based on the mapping of user activity and spatial networks in an urban environment. Through this method, the relation between urban development and inhabitants are investigated and recorded at multiple scales.
The investigations and recordings form the basis for the interpretation and design of new social and cultural architectural proposals that can improve the existing situation within the local urban development. Through this process the students explore the roles the architect can play within complex urban contexts.
The course is divided into three modules:
Background and method, 1,5 credits
Investigation and strategy, 6,0 hp
Spatial interpretation, 7,5 hp
Expected learning outcomes
Upon successful completion of this course, the student will be able to:
Carry out field studies and interviews with the aim to map social and physical aspects of an urban context.
Apply collaborative architectural methods, from within a cultural context, with the aim to achieve spatial solutions.
Show ability to analyse and interpret complex information.
Reflect on analysis and interpretation with the intent of making an architectural strategy.
Design a building programme based on mapping and strategy.
Develop and present the building and its context through drawings, images and models.
Required Knowledge
To qualify for this course the following courses (or comparable courses) are required: 5AR204: Architecture Project 2:2 (15 credits) 5AR205: Architectural Technology 2:2 (4 credits) 5AR206: History of Architecture 2:2 (3 credits) 5AR207: Urban Planning 1 (6 credits) 5AR208: Theory of Architecture 2:2 (2 hp)
Form of instruction
The teaching consists of lectures, seminars, case studies and project work, carried out individually and in groups, consisting of analysis exercises, practical exercises, group discussions and critique.
Examination modes
On this course, there will be oral and written examinations, individually and in groups. Different moments are assessed during the course through seminars, mandatory assignments and by documentation of the student’s own working process and results. Critiques with oral and visual presentation are held at the end of module 2 and module 3.
The grades Pass (G) and Fail (U) are used. To pass the course, all examinations and mandatory modules need to be completed and assigned a pass grade. To pass requires attendance at tutorials, seminars, field studies and a Pass grade on the oral, written and design assessments.
Students who fail an examination may retake that examination. A student who has failed two consecutive examinations has the right to get another examiner, unless specific reasons arise (HF Ch. 6 § 22). Requests for another examiner are submitted in written form to the head of department at Umeå School of Architecture.
Complementary Assignment A student who does not meet the requirements to pass an examination can, if decided by the course responsible, be given a complementary assignment to reach the requirements to pass the examination. The complementary assignment should be individually modified to the specific requirements that the student has failed to reach. The complementary assignment should be finished within two weeks after the result of the first examination is announced.
Academic Credit Transfer Students have the right to request that previous studies, or equivalent knowledge and skills acquired in a professional, work-related capacity, be validated and transferred into credits on an equivalent course or programme at Umeå University. Applications for credit transfer should be addressed to Student Services/Degree Evaluation Office. More information can be found at the Umeå University student web site (www.student.umu.se/english) and in Chapter 6 of the Higher Education Ordinance. Appeals may be made to the Higher Education Appeals Board (ÖNH) against a decision by the university not to approve an application for credit transfer (Higher Education Ordinance, Chapter 12), even in cases where only a part of the application has been rejected.
Other regulations
Reexaminations based on the same curriculum are guaranteed within two years after the first course registration.
