Urban Design Master's Program (with Thesis) (M.S., 1 - 2 Years)

Supervised research conducted individually by the student and constituting a final thesis.

Studio in fundamental physical urban design; design guidance, site planning and urban design in the newly established districts of cities or at the edge or outside cities; survey of small urban communities varying in social, economic, technological, and physical components; analysis of the data and information surveyed; formulations of database necessary for urban design; proposing urban design alternatives.

This course provides an examination of essential urban design theories and principles and historic and contemporary trends in urban design theory and practice. Topics covered include: emergence of urban pattern; elements, patterns, and evolution of urban form; urban design concepts and approaches; past and present urban development; city forms in history; patterns and influences affecting domestic and international urban characteristics; urban identity; urban forms related to functions; analysis of socioeconomic, political, historical, geographic, and cultural forces influencing urban form; concepts of idealized urban forms and theoretical models of urban configuration. Techniques and evaluation criteria for urban design inquiry; and urban design trends in USA, Europe and the region.

This course discusses main qualitative research methods and their application to urbanism (urban design and planning). It addresses the process and practice of academic research.

This seminar course aims to examine contemporary issues in urban design focusing on public realm improvements, urban intensification, town centre regeneration.

This seminar series will examine the various stages in the preparation of a dissertation and introduce the theoretical and practical approaches available.