Theories of Urbanism

Project 1 : ‘Life Between Buildings: Using Public Space’

Students are required to present an in-depth and analytical research study on the designated topic. Students are to explore the idea of “Life Between Buildings Using Public Space” (1986) by Jahn Gehl. The project consists of 2 parts; first is case study and the second part is to produce a comparative analysis essay. Jahn Gehl, is a Danish architect and urban design consultant based in Copenhagen whose career has focused on improving the quality of urban life by re-orienting city design towards the pedestrian and cyclist. He published his influential Life Between Buildings in Danish in 1971, with the first English translation published in 1987. Gehl advocates a sensible, straightforward approach to improving urban form: systematically documenting urban spaces, making gradual incremental improvements, then documenting them again. Gehl receives many awards for his efforts and participates in and advises many urban design and public projects around the world

The objectives of this project are as follow: 1. To provide critical perspectives on key issues within the contemporary discourse of architecture, through integration of case-studies and theoretical studies. 2. To enhance the understanding of the complexity of architecture and the ability to undertake independent research

PROJECT PART 1: CASE STUDY (20%)