This module is offered as an Elective in the graduate programmes in architecture, landscape architecture, and urban design and climate resilience. The purpose of this module is to develop the students understanding of novel thinking in urban design. This module allows the student to experiment with an area of focus or topic of their choice to further expand their understanding and research of the topic. For students of architecture, this elective module responds to the expectation to develop "an adequate knowledge of urban design and planning and of the skills involved in the planning process" and "an understanding of the ethical basis of the profession of architecture and the role of the architect in society, in particular in preparing briefs that take account of social factors" (RIAI Standard of Skills and Competencies). For students of landscape architecture, this elective module contributes to addressing the following required 'areas of knowledge and skill' as set out in Appendix 1 of the Addenda to the International Federation of Landscape Architects IFLA/UNESCO Charter for Landscape Architectural Education when implemented in the European Region: -"A knowledge of the relation between the layout of urban and rural parks systems and their long term use, development and maintenance." -"Knowledge of various land use types, their development over time, their internal functioning and their territorial claims, interrelationships, compatibilities." -"The ability to fit new development into an existing environment within the scope of comprehensive regional planning with an emphasis on visual and ecological requirements and potentials." - Knowledge of the way in which our heritage of cultural landscapes was formed and transformed over time."

The module addresses the recent history, current discourse and emerging processes of urban design and place-based planning governance, with an emphasis on the design of civic space. It explores directly the meaning and application of sustainable development policies in urban development. It investigates, particularly, contemporary examples of interdisciplinary practice in urban design and emerging, bottom-up approaches to place making as a design practice. The course will develop a context for understanding the role of design in shaping the urban environment, both physically and culturally. This elective is a venue for independent research and not specifically related to the Design Studio.

On successful completion of this module, students will be able to:Discern and analyse governance processes in their relationship to the development of urban form; Relate sustainable development policy to its effects on the built environment; Use competently urban design mapping practices and techniques to perform advanced site analysis of urban places; Think conceptually about urban design and the cultivation of design ideas; Employ two-dimensional and three-dimensional representational media as design and presentation tools with an advanced aptitude in the representation of design ideas and intentions in urban design;

On successful completion of this module, students will be able to:Lead class discussions and critically engage input from lecturers and practitioners; Experience community-based discovery processes that may enable better understanding of place; Share and discuss urban design ideas and concepts based on directed and independent research.

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Focusing on case studies, the elective module will be delivered through a programme of lectures,seminar discussions and case study presentations with an emphasis on collaborative work.Smaller classes allow for in-depth interrogation of the subject at an advanced level, and ensure the learning is active. Graduate elective modules may have a common brief and may share lecture/tutorial time with undergraduate electives. Compared to undergraduate electives, electives in the graduate programme pursue advanced research-learning, require additional module work, carry higher expectations and are assessed accordingly. Graduate student work requires independent study in addition to extra contact time. Higher-level expectations for graduate work include more in-depth pursuit of advanced technical, theoretical or practice-based concepts. Module work in graduate electives must establish a critical position that advances or challenges current practice.This module encourages students to be CURIOUS, by engaging their inquisitive capacity to interrogate, through a cultural and place-focused lens, a given urban or landscape context through a range of media. It encourages their AGILITY in responding independently to a specific context, through the emphasis on aesthetics and construction of the environment in the module's syllabus.Through the group-work and participative nature of the module, it encourages the student to become ARTICULATE and develop their collaborative and inter-personal skills.