Module Code - Title:
AR6173
-
SUSTAINABLE INFRASTRUCTURE: TRANSPORT AND TRAVEL
Year Last Offered:
N/A
Hours Per Week:
Grading Type:
N
Prerequisite Modules:
Rationale and Purpose of the Module:
The proposed module, Sustainable Infrastructure: Transportation and Travel, is a vital component of the MSc. in Urban Design and Climate Resilience. As urban areas continue to grow, the demand for efficient, sustainable transportation systems becomes increasingly critical. This module aims to equip students with the knowledge and skills necessary to design and implement transportation solutions that promote sustainability, enhance connectivity, and mitigate climate change impacts.
Transportation infrastructure is at the core of urban functionality, influencing patterns of mobility, land use, and economic development. However, traditional transportation systems often contribute to environmental degradation, traffic congestion, and social inequities. In contrast, sustainable transportation seeks to address these challenges through innovative design, policy interventions, and the integration of multiple modes of transport, including public transit, cycling, and walking. This module will provide students with a comprehensive understanding of the principles of sustainable transportation, emphasising its role in fostering resilient urban environments.
Syllabus:
The Sustainable Infrastructure: Transportation and Travel module explores the principles and practices of sustainable transportation systems in urban contexts. Students will analyse current transportation challenges and develop innovative solutions that promote environmental sustainability, social equity, and resilience in urban design.
Learning Outcomes:
Cognitive (Knowledge, Understanding, Application, Analysis, Evaluation, Synthesis)
On successful completion of this module, students will be able to:
identify and define key concepts and terms related to sustainable transportation and infrastructure;
explain the relationship between transportation systems and urban form, including the impact on sustainability and climate resilience;
apply theoretical frameworks to analyze existing transportation systems and assess their sustainability and equity;
evaluate case studies of successful sustainable transportation initiatives, assessing their outcomes and lessons learned.
Affective (Attitudes and Values)
On successful completion of this module, students will be able to:
engage actively in discussions about transportation challenges and solutions, articulating their thoughts and reflections on sustainability;
appreciate the role of equity and accessibility in transportation planning, recognising the importance of meeting diverse community needs;
demonstrate a commitment to advocating for sustainable transportation solutions that promote resilience and inclusivity in urban environments.
Psychomotor (Physical Skills)
On successful completion of this module, students will be able to:
How the Module will be Taught and what will be the Learning Experiences of the Students:
This module is delivered through a combination of lectures, seminars, hands-on workshops, and project-based learning to ensure a comprehensive and interactive learning experience. The teaching approach integrates theoretical foundations with practical applications, encouraging students to explore real-world challenges in sustainable travel.
Lectures: The module begins with lectures that provide students with an understanding of the core concepts related to Transport orientated development, active travel and demand management. These sessions will introduce key theories, frameworks, and methodologies that underpin contemporary transport design. The lectures are interactive, fostering critical thinking and discussion.
Seminars: Seminars are designed to facilitate deeper exploration of topics covered in lectures. Students will engage in group discussions, case study analyses, and debates on urban resilience and climate adaptation strategies. These sessions encourage students to critically evaluate recent research, share ideas, and apply theoretical knowledge to contemporary urban design challenges.
Workshops: The practical workshops focus on skills development, allowing students to understand transport modelling software to real-world urban contexts. These sessions will include guidance from industry experts and researchers who provide insights into the latest technologies and tools in urban science. Incorporation of Recent Developments and Research Findings
1. Integration of Latest Research in transport, travel and mobility design
Recent studies on the effectiveness of different transport, travel and mobility policies are discussed to inform students of emerging best practices.
2. Current Mobility Challenges
The module addresses the latest findings on the impacts of policy on current mobility and transport patterns and solutions.
3. Case Studies of Cutting-edge Projects
The module includes case studies of contemporary mobility projects worldwide, such as Curitibas rapid bus network and Copenhagen's bike lanes.
The above mix of modes ensures the module aligns with graduate attributes being research led, experiential, challenge driven and collaborative in how it is taught. The module will allow for Articulate students who are able to describe complex thought patterns, Agile students who can work in a changing world, courageous students who will stand up for Urban Design and climate driven agendas, curious students who will engage in research of new fields and responsible students who are responsible for the world in which they live and design.
The above mix of modes ensures the module aligns with graduate attributes being research led, experiential, challenge driven and collaborative in how it is taught. The module will allow for Articulate students who are able to describe complex thought patterns, Agile students who can work in a changing world, courageous students who will stand up for Urban Design and climate driven agendas, curious students who will engage in research of new fields and responsible students who are responsible for the world in which they live and design.
Research Findings Incorporated in to the Syllabus (If Relevant):
Prime Texts:
National Association of City Transportation Officials (2014)
Urban Street Design Guide
, NACTO
National Association of City Transportation Officials (2016)
Transit Street Design Guide
, NACTO
Suzuki, Hiroaki & Cervero, Robert & Iuchi, Kanako (2013)
Transforming cities with transit : transit and land-use integration for sustainable urban development
, World Bank
Other Relevant Texts:
Sahlqvist, Shannon & Song, Yena & Ogilvie, David (2012)
Is active travel associated with greater physical activity? The contribution of commuting and non-commuting active travel to total physical activity in adults
, Preventive medicine
Joanna Zukowska & Anna Gobis & Piotr Krajewski (2022)
Which transport policies increase physical activity of the whole of society? A systematic review
, Journal of Transport and Health
Programme(s) in which this Module is Offered:
MSUDCRTFA - URBAN DESIGN AND CLIMATE RESILIENCE
MNLAARTFA - LANDSCAPE ARCHITECTURE
Semester(s) Module is Offered:
Spring
Module Leader:
Andrew.Griffin@ul.ie