CPT805: Site Planning, Design and Development

School Cardiff School of Geography and Planning
Department Code GEOPL
Module Code CPT805
External Subject Code 100197
Number of Credits 20
Level L7
Language of Delivery English
Module Leader Professor Alison Brown
Semester Double Semester
Academic Year 2018/9

Outline Description of Module

This module introduces students to the theory and practice of site planning and urban design for the development process. The module explores key concepts, ideas and standards that shape approaches to site planning and design. It considers the status of design in the UK planning system and looks at mechanisms available to planners to influence design through development plans, supplementary guidance, development briefs or design codes.

The module has a strong practical element, developing students’ graphic, site appraisal, and design skills through practical exercises, in order to build an awareness of the 3-D environment, and develop presentation skills.  Students will be asked to undertake a City Centre site analysis, and a housing site layout or appraisal for residential / mixed use development.

On completion of the module a student should be able to

  1. Demonstrate an understanding of the spatial morphology of urban development, and key elements of townscape and urban design;

  2. Identify the physical elements that influence design choices;

  3. Display familiarity with concepts, policies and standards that shape approaches to site planning and design;

  4. Understand the layout design process and demonstrate familiarity with its driving principles;

  5. Relate knowledge of development approaches to design outcomes;

  6. Demonstrate awareness of differences in professional and public values in relation to design of the built environment.

How the module will be delivered

Site Planning, Design and Development is taught over two Semesters, using a mixture of lectures, specialist teaching, and studio sessions. This caters for the range of skills between MSc SPD full and part-time students, and option students.

Skills that will be practised and developed

Students will practice and develop a 2D and 3D understanding of the built environment, and reflective design approaches, developing skills in:

  1. Responding positively and creatively to development constraints
  2. Design, plan drawing and presentation techniques for site appraisal and development evaluation;
  3. 2D and 3D drawing preparation and presentation;
  4. Understanding of values /attitudes that underpin current theory and practice in design and development.

How the module will be assessed

The opportunity for reassessment in this module:

Students are permitted to be reassessed in a module which they have failed, in line with University regulations. https://intranet.cardiff.ac.uk/staff/teaching-and-supporting-students/teaching-support/academic-regulations. You will only be reassessed on the components of the module in which you have failed. The format of the reassessment will be the same as the original assessment and will take place in the Summer re-sit period.

 

Types of Assessment:

1. Analysis/SWOT Appraisal (Group) - 15% - Autumn - City centre site analysis (powerpoint)

Learning Outcomes 1, 2, 3

2. Analysis/SWOT/Strategy (Individual) - 35% - Autumn - City centre site analysis, SWOT appraisal and preferred strategy

Learning Outcomes 1, 2, 3

3. Development layout/assessment - 50% - Spring - Housing/mixed use site layout (FT) OR Planning design appraisal (PT)

Learning Outcomes 4, 5, 6

Assessment Breakdown

Type % Title Duration(hrs)
Presentation 15 Group Presention N/A
Written Assessment 35 Site Analysis N/A
Written Assessment 50 Site Layout N/A

Syllabus content

Semester 1 covers principles of townscape analysis and the application of design policy to inform the city centre site analysis in Coursework 1. Semester 2 covers the principles of housing layout design leading to the site layout in Coursework 2.

Essential Reading and Resource List

Bentley, I. et al (1985) Responsive Environments: A manual for designers, Oxford, Butterworth Architecture (711.4R)

Biddulph, M. J. (2006) Introduction to Residential Layout, Oxford: Architectural Press (711.58 B)

CABE / DTLR 2000, By Design: Urban design in the planning system, London, Commission for Architecture and the Built Environment  (CABE), Tonbridge, Thomas Telford (711.4B)

Carmona, M. (2003) Public Places ― Urban Spaces: the dimensions of urban design, London: Architectural Press (online access https://www.dawsonera.com/abstract/9781856179041)

Cowan, R. (ed) (2002) Urban Design Guidance: Urban design frameworks, development briefs and master plans, London, Thomas Telford, (711.4U)

Cullen, G. (1961) Concise Townscape, New York, Van Nostrand Reinhold Company (Architecture 711.4C)

DfT, DCLG, CABE (2007) Manual for Streets, www.dft.gov.uk/pgr/sustainable/manforstreets/

DfT, DCLG, CIHT (2007) Manual for Streets 2: Wider Application of the Principles, (711.74 MAN)

Essex Planning Officers’ Association (2005) Essex Design Guide Chelmsford, Essex County Council and Essex Planning Officers Association (711.58094E)

Gehl, J., (2010) Cities for People. Washington: Island Press (307.1216 GEH, Bute & Architecture)

Background Reading and Resource List

Carmona, M. (2003) Public Places ― Urban Spaces: the dimensions of urban design, London: Architectural Press (online access https://www.dawsonera.com/abstract/9781856179041)

Cowan, R. (ed) (2002) Urban Design Guidance: Urban design frameworks, development briefs and master plans, London, Thomas Telford, (711.4U)

Punter, J.V. and Carmona, M.C. (1997) The Design Dimension of Planning: Theory, content and best practice for design policies, London, E and FN Spon (711.10942P short loan)

Southworth M. and Ben-Joseph E. (2003) Streets and the Shaping of Towns and Cities (711. 74S)


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