Objectives of Programme's Learning Outcomes

• Support local governance choices
• Interact with all stakeholders
• Analyse the dynamics of the creation and transformation of areas: referring to theories, historical processes, constraints and potential, the interplay of stakeholders, and the various relevant spatial and temporal scales in order to identify the issues and set out forward-looking scenarios
• Demonstrate skills in research, analysis and evaluation, as well as the ability to make appropriate decisions based on quantitative and qualitative evidence
• Master the issues of spatial adaptation and transformation
• Identify and articulate the different components making up an urban or territorial context
• Master the tools, techniques and urban and regional engineering of observation, investigation, analysis, forecasting, representation, negotiation and communication
• Integrate the principles of equality and social justice, through a participatory approach to urban planning, in order to promote the involvement of different communities and to assess the importance and effectiveness of community involvement in the planning process.
• Draw up a critical and personal analysis of theories and practices, while demonstrating ability and the development of personal skills to enter the professional world and the debate on the future of cities and regions
• Evaluate the principles and processes of participatory design to create high quality places and enhance the public realm for the benefit of all in society

Learning Outcomes of UE

In the course of landscape and public space elements, students will be able to:
. interpret and figure the components and uses in different scales of landscape and public spaces.
. measure and articulate the social, ecological and cultural needs defining the local project’s issues.
. argue for fair and existing-based choices of care.   
 

UE Content: description and pedagogical relevance

This course develops students' ability to observe, read and interpret landscapes and public spaces as supports for use, memory, emotions and interactions between living beings, and the issues this implies. It puts into practice the basic tools for analyzing a site: relief, hydrography, land use, vegetation, human activities, etc. At the end of the course, students will be able to identify and characterize territorial dynamics (cf. CPDT Wallonia), convert sensitive observations into project intentions, and justify development choices based on existing landscape qualities. These skills will include particular attention to the relationship with living organisms, management and the way in which places tell a story - material, social and ecological.

The course introduces the fundamental notions of landscape and public space, with a contextual and interdisciplinary approach. It covers visible forms such as vegetation, layouts, hydrographic networks and human activities, as well as less perceptible dimensions such as soil dynamics, ecological functions and ecosystem contributions. It places particular value on sensitive perceptions, everyday uses and the stories told by places.

Students are invited to build a project culture through landscape, based on a variety of case studies - changing neighborhoods, squares, wastelands, urban edge, etc. - using tools such as sketches, cartography, photography and writing.

The course begins with the analysis and recognition of territorial dynamics at different scales, from the territory to the public space. It allows to understand how the landscape structures of a large territory influence the form, uses and liveliness of a street or square, in order to think of local planning as a coherent extension of territorial identities and continuities.

Lastly, it examines the evolution of landscapes in terms of their management and response to identified social, ecological and cultural needs. It thus articulates the challenges of design with those of protection, repair, management, participation and narration.

Prior Experience

Not applicable