Course info

Urban Design / Umudugudu Studio. This course is intended to introduce students to urban design and planning methods relevant to the development of Rwanda. Students will undertake the design of an umudugudu (a public housing / urban design scheme) at all scales, ranging from an overall masterplan to individual moments within the masterplan. Students will be immersed in a studio environment, will be working in small teams to advance their designs, and will be instructed through individual critiques and group pin-ups.

Having successfully completed the module, students should be able to demonstrate knowledge and understanding of:

i. The role of architecture as producing value in the larger society.

ii. The influence of design upon infrastructure and social activity in an urban setting...

iii. Creating exceptional urban places within a well-functioning master plan.

iv. Conceive of urban design as a foundation for the functioning of urban society.

v. Reconceived of public housing projects to improve the quality of life within them.

vi. Develop appropriate solutions to design problems based on local context.

vii. Apply precedents and research to design work.

viii. Produce coherent and thoughtful solutions to expansive design problems.

ix. Self-critique pre-conceptions of urban design and what the role of architecture within it is.

x. Effectively present projects to an interdisciplinary audience.

xi. Learn independently in familiar and unfamiliar situations with open mindedness and in a spirit of critical enquiry.

xii. Communicate ideas visually and verbally in a presentation format.

xiii. Demonstrate an ability to develop spatial and systematic solutions to complex problems.