ARCH415 FUNDAMENTALS OF SITE PLANNING
| Course Code: | 1200415 |
| METU Credit (Theoretical-Laboratory hours/week): | 3 (3.00 - 0.00) |
| ECTS Credit: | 4.0 |
| Department: | Architecture |
| Language of Instruction: | English |
| Level of Study: | Undergraduate |
| Course Coordinator: | Lecturer Dr. ÜMMÜHAN NERKİS KURAL |
| Offered Semester: | Fall Semesters. |
Course Objectives
The course aims to acquaint students with urban design within a discourse of sustainability. As residential areas constitute the major percentage of land coverage in urban areas, their design becomes a critical issue in terms of economic resources, ecological constraints; and above all, the possibility of the social construction of space (social sustainability) needs to be studied with expectations of achieving better communities for confronting urban life. Urban design is expected to facilitate a holistic design of the environment in lieu of acclaimed restraints, rather than the “green design” of the single building, which has invaded the scene in terms of sustainability. Case studies surface issues for further delibration in terms of urban sustainability.
Course Content
Studies the techniques of site planning in four parts. Starts with an analysis of the main physical site elements, continues with the analysis, relation and location of activities on a site. Alternative choices for vehicular and pedestrian circulation systems are studied in the third section. The architectural design elements of site design, criteria for the evaluation of good site design, and practical know-how on site design constitute the fourth section.
Course Learning Outcomes
Previously (before 2000), this course prescribed principles of urban design and site planning in direct relation to physical/architectural design projects. However, starting in 2009-2010 Fall Semester parameters of urban design are discussed within a discourse of sustainability which has become an important, global benchmark in approaching urban problems in terms of social development and environmental degradation. So it is expected that students of design understand design problems in terms of sustainability principles; attain an understanding of urban issues which need integrated, holistic approaches. They will be challenged to widen their outlook on architectural issues not just in terms of technology (e.g. green design) and maybe aesthetics, but to take a responsible, ethical position in the environmental, the local, the social, and in the place-making activities which are needed for the development of sustainable communities.
Program Outcomes Matrix
| Level of Contribution | |||||
| # | Program Outcomes | 0 | 1 | 2 | 3 |
| 1 | Ability to establish connections between the discipline of architecture and its related areas of competence, with the cultural and social aspects of architectural production. | ✔ | |||
| 2 | Gaining, evaluating and applying the technical, aesthetic and ethical dimensions of the knowledge and values of architecture with a scientific and critical approach. | ✔ | |||
| 3 | Making analysis and synthesis of data by employing theories, methods and currents of thought that aid in the identification and solution of architectural design problems. | ✔ | |||
| 4 | Developing creative and original ideas into the stages of theoretical design, projects, application and evaluation of architectural services and realizing them independently as well as in a team. | ✔ | |||
| 5 | Being able to effectively use the traditional and digital communication technologies and visual expression tools. | ✔ | |||
| 6 | Providing leadership to achieve synthesis through a productive coordination of the scientists and professionals of different disciplines taking part in the formation of the built environment. | ✔ | |||
| 7 | Being open to lifelong education by internalizing world experiences related to architectural thought and applications and following new developments. | ✔ | |||
| 8 | Understanding the requirements of environmental, cultural and economic sustainability in both global and local scales and considering them in all professional activities. | ✔ | |||
| 9 | Defending the society's rights to shelter, within nature and city applying universal principles and resisting applications that are against professional ethics and laws while creating unique solutions and putting them into practice. | ✔ | |||
0: No Contribution 1: Little Contribution 2: Partial Contribution 3: Full Contribution