Studio II: Synthesis of Urban Form

Many urban design plans focus on the physical development of a site; we don’t often consider the surrounding uses. This approach designs in a vacuum rather than building on the character and needs of the surrounding community, and the economic and social consequences can be disastrous.

The other dimension that designers largely ignore is the implementation phase of the project—how the project will be built and managed over time.

The second studio in the Urban Design Certificate provides you with an opportunity to take risks, experiment, and apply your urban design skills and knowledge. It builds on the first studio course, taking the process one step further to design and implementation.

This synthesis phase develops urban design in a comprehensive physical form that includes all the elements of urban design, set sensitively in the urban context. You’ll learn to balance the physical considerations of place making with the social and economic forces that also shape our future.

Burnaby’s UniverCity will be the case study.