Learning objectives
The course aims at developing the students’ ability to assess the main morphological, functional and environmental aspects of an urban context, as a preliminary analysis for planning and programming urban regeneration interventions in the existing city.
The course aims at:
- developing the ability to critically read urban data and the main urban planning tools.
- introducing GIS techniques for urban analysis and assessment;
- understanding the role of these techniques for urban planning (in relation to the Italian context);
- applying the acquired GIS techniques to a case study: an urban sector of the city of Parma;
- developing specific communication skills.
Prerequisites
Knowledge of urban planning from the Bachelor's degree course is assumed. Basic experience in the drafting of reports and graphic boards is also required.
Course unit content
The course addresses the complex relationships between urban form, function and environment, delving into the main tools of urban analysis and assessment techniques preparatory to urban regeneration in the existing city.
The course guides the student through a rigorous analytical and evaluation process, supported by GIS (Geographical Information System) applied to a case study: an urban sector of a mid-sized city (Parma).
The following topics will be analysed:
- the mutual approach of land uses and the public and private spheres (synergies and conflicts);
- urban density;
- socio-demographic aspects;
- provision of public spaces and facilities;
- urban accessibility, with a focus on active mobility;
- ecological-environmental performance of the urban fabric.
In addition, the course explores the topic of urban vulnerability to climate change, focusing on possible planning measures for adaptation.
Full programme
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Bibliography
Main references:
- Biallo G. (2004), Introduzione ai Sistemi Informativi Geografici, MondoGIS.
- Gehl J., Life Between Buildings: Using Public Space, Van Nostrand Reinhold Company, New York 1987
- Laurini R. (2001), Information System for Urban Planning: A Hypermedia Cooperative Approach, CRC Press
- Lehmann S. (2019), Urban Regeneration: A Manifesto for transforming UK Cities in the Age of Climate Change, Palgrave Macmillan
- Manzini E. (2021), Abitare la prossimità. Idee per la città dei 15 minuti, Egea
- Musco F. (2009), Rigenerazione e sostenibilità, Franco Angeli, Milano
- Ventura P. (2018), La città nuova. Elementi di progettazione urbanistica, McGraw-Hill.
Educational material in the form of slides and notes will be available in the Elly web page (2023) of the course.
Teaching methods
- Lectures on theoretical and technical aspects related to GIS and preparatory assessment for urban regeneration interventions.
- Exercises: group activity for the implementation of a relational database in a GIS environment, applied to an urban sector in Parma, using an open source software (Quantum GIS).
- Integrated workshop activities for the urban regeneration of a block within the assigned urban sector of Parma.
- Eventual seminars and/or study trips.
Assessment methods and criteria
In addition to the delivery of the final design studio and the oral test (see the corresponding item of the course 'Laboratorio di pianificazione urbanistica per la città sostenibile'), the module includes an intermediate group delivery of the GIS database, analysis boards and a short report.
Other information
Attending 70% of the lessons is compulsory for admission to final exam. Participating in GIS practical exercises in class is highly recommended.
