Shaping Livable Cities: Urban Design Principles and Practices Training Course

Introduction

Urban design is the art and science of shaping the physical form of cities, towns, and public spaces to create functional, beautiful, and sustainable environments that enhance the quality of life for all inhabitants. It bridges the gap between urban planning and architecture, focusing on the arrangement and appearance of buildings, public realm, and infrastructure to foster vibrant communities and a strong sense of place. Mastering urban design principles is crucial for anyone involved in city-making, as it directly influences social interaction, economic vitality, and environmental well-being.

This intensive training course is meticulously designed to equip urban planners, architects, real estate developers, landscape architects, and city officials with the essential knowledge and practical tools to understand and apply core urban design principles. Participants will explore historical precedents, contemporary challenges, and innovative practices in creating walkable, equitable, and resilient urban spaces, empowering them to contribute effectively to the design and development of thriving cities.

Target Audience

  • Urban Planners and City Officials.
  • Architects and Landscape Architects.
  • Real Estate Developers and Investors.
  • Civil Engineers involved in urban projects.
  • Community Development Professionals.
  • Public Policy Analysts focused on urban issues.
  • Students and aspiring urban designers.
  • Consultants advising on urban development projects.

Duration: 5 days

Course Objectives

Upon completion of this training course, participants will be able to:

  • Understand the fundamental concepts and historical evolution of urban design.
  • Grasp the key principles of good urban form and public space design.
  • Analyze the relationship between urban design, social equity, and economic vitality.
  • Comprehend methodologies for conducting urban design analyses and assessments.
  • Evaluate strategies for creating walkable, mixed-use, and vibrant urban environments.
  • Develop practical skills in interpreting and applying urban design guidelines.
  • Navigate the complexities of stakeholder engagement in urban design projects.
  • Formulate basic urban design proposals and interventions.
  • Understand the role of sustainability and resilience in contemporary urban design.
  • Champion a human-centered approach to city-making.

Course Content

  1. Foundations of Urban Design
  • Defining urban design and its interdisciplinary nature.
  • Historical evolution of urban design thought and practice.
  • Key theories and concepts of urban form and structure.
  • The relationship between urban design, planning, and architecture.
  • The impact of urban design on quality of life and public realm.
  1. Principles of Urban Form and Space
  • Understanding elements of urban form: blocks, streets, buildings, open spaces.
  • Principles of street design, hierarchy, and connectivity.
  • Designing for human scale and pedestrian experience.
  • The role of building massing, facades, and street walls.
  • Creating legible and memorable urban places.
  1. Public Spaces and Placemaking
  • The importance of public spaces (parks, plazas, squares) in urban life.
  • Principles of successful placemaking and activation.
  • Designing for diverse uses, flexibility, and social interaction.
  • Managing public spaces and programming.
  • Case studies of iconic public spaces.
  1. Urban Design Analysis and Assessment
  • Methodologies for analyzing urban morphology and character.
  • Conducting site analysis from an urban design perspective.
  • Visual analysis and perception studies.
  • Understanding existing conditions and identifying design opportunities.
  • Utilizing mapping and diagramming for analysis.
  1. Designing for Walkability and Connectivity
  • Principles of walkable urban environments.
  • Designing pedestrian networks and pathways.
  • Integrating public transport with pedestrian infrastructure.
  • The role of mixed-use development in promoting walkability.
  • Creating safe, comfortable, and engaging pedestrian experiences.
  1. Mixed-Use Development and Density
  • Understanding the benefits of mixed-use developments.
  • Integrating residential, commercial, and civic functions.
  • The role of density in creating vibrant urban areas.
  • Designing for appropriate density and scale.
  • Balancing privacy and public interaction in dense environments.
  1. Sustainability and Resilience in Urban Design
  • Integrating green infrastructure and ecological principles.
  • Designing for energy efficiency and climate adaptation.
  • Water sensitive urban design (WSUD).
  • Promoting sustainable transportation modes.
  • Building urban resilience against environmental shocks.
  1. Urban Design Guidelines and Regulations
  • The role of urban design guidelines in shaping development.
  • Understanding design review processes and their impact.
  • Form-based codes and their application.
  • Balancing prescriptive rules with design flexibility.
  • Implementing design controls for consistent urban quality.
  1. Stakeholder Engagement and Design Process
  • The importance of community engagement in urban design.
  • Facilitating participatory design workshops and charrettes.
  • Managing diverse stakeholder interests and visions.
  • Communicating design proposals effectively.
  • The iterative nature of the urban design process.
  1. Emerging Trends and Future of Urban Design
  • The impact of smart city technologies on urban design.
  • Data-driven urban design and parametric tools.
  • Designing for social equity and inclusive cities.
  • Tactical urbanism and temporary interventions.
  • The evolving role of the urban designer in city-making.

CERTIFICATION

  • Upon successful completion of this training, participants will be issued with Macskills Training and Development Institute Certificate

TRAINING VENUE

  • Training will be held at Macskills Training Centre. We also tailor make the training upon request at different locations across the world.

AIRPORT PICK UP AND ACCOMMODATION

  • Airport Pick Up is provided by the institute. Accommodation is arranged upon request

TERMS OF PAYMENT

Payment should be made to Macskills Development Institute bank account before the start of the training and receipts sent to info@macskillsdevelopment.com

For More Details call: +254-114-087-180

 

 

Shaping Livable Cities: Urban Design Principles And Practices Training Course in New Zealand
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