INU3515 : Design in Urban Context
INU3515 : Design in Urban Context
- Offered for Year: 2025/26
- Module Leader(s): Mr Neil Hurst
- Co-Module Leader: Mrs Nataliya Thomson
- Lecturer: Miss Louise Ryder
- Owning School: INTO Newcastle University
- Teaching Location: Newcastle City Campus
Semesters
Your programme is made up of credits, the total differs on programme to programme.
| Semester 2 Credit Value: | 20 |
| ECTS Credits: | 10.0 |
| European Credit Transfer System | |
Pre-requisite
Modules you must have done previously to study this module
Pre Requisite Comment
N/A
Co-Requisite
Modules you need to take at the same time
| Code | Title |
|---|---|
| INU3514 | Contextualised Design for Built Environments |
Co Requisite Comment
Students taking this module must also take INU3514.
Aims
The aim of this module is to build on design skills developed in INU3514, with a deeper focus on the
integration of theory, heritage, and identity into the design process.
The emphasis will be on redevelopment within current social and environmental changes. Students
will study the impact of planning policies on pedestrian movement and circulation and its significance
for a balanced urban environment. Students will observe and survey pedestrian and vehicular
transport issues within the urban context. Relevant precedent studies will enhance student
knowledge and understanding for successful design frameworks. The phased design project
encourages students to apply theoretical knowledge at the same time enhancing their practical
design skills.
Outline Of Syllabus
Field studies and methodical analysis of architectural context.
Precedent studies, critical analysis and interpretation of relevant designs.
Sustainability for urban development.
Architecture for infrastructure.
Technical requirements and standards for public designs.
Spatial quality in urban contexts.
Strategies and concepts for designing in urban contexts.
Design process and design development.
Learning Outcomes
Intended Knowledge Outcomes
On completion of the module the student will be able to:
Analyse and interpret specific urban settings.
Conduct a comprehensive site analysis and elucidate outcomes to an audience of professionals.
Develop methodical design strategies and concepts.
Apply relevant regulations and technical standards.
Give examples indicating the importance of site context, analysis and precedents.
Critically analyse different approaches to architectural and urban design
Intended Skill Outcomes
On completion of the module the student will be able to:
Observe and document urban settings, acquire and collect relevant data.
Synthesise practical and theoretical research outcomes into a successful design concept.
Generate a design framework for a medium size urban project.
Effectively apply various modes and techniques for design development.
Understand and apply relevant construction methods.
Apply manual sketching and drawing techniques
Construct appropriate physical models
Apply effectively CAD modelling.
Teaching Methods
Teaching Activities
| Category | Activity | Number | Length | Student Hours | Comment |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Guided Independent Study | Assessment preparation and completion | 1 | 20:00 | 20:00 | The portfolio documents explorations, experiences, design developments and outcomes - minimum of 15 pages, maximum of 50 pages |
| Guided Independent Study | Assessment preparation and completion | 1 | 80:00 | 80:00 | A conceptual design project focusing on developments in urban contexts |
| Scheduled Learning And Teaching Activities | Lecture | 11 | 1:00 | 11:00 | timetabled; adjacent to studio tutorials |
| Structured Guided Learning | Structured research and reading activities | 12 | 1:00 | 12:00 | N/A |
| Scheduled Learning And Teaching Activities | Workshops | 11 | 7:00 | 77:00 | timetabled; studio-based roaming tutorials, 3 hrs and 4 hrs; subsequent to lecture |
| Total | 200:00 |
Teaching Rationale And Relationship
Teaching is studio based practical and interactive. Lectures provide theoretical contents and the weekly introduction, small group teaching in form of roaming studio tutorials provides students with an opportunity to practice, to engage in discussions and receive guidance for their design projects. Independent study provides students with an opportunity to research, to prepare for formative and summative tasks and extended self-guided study.
Reading Lists
Assessment Methods
The format of resits will be determined by the Board of Examiners
Other Assessment
| Description | Semester | When Set | Percentage | Comment |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Design/Creative proj | 2 | M | 80 | A conceptual design project focusing on developments in urban contexts |
| Portfolio | 2 | M | 20 | The portfolio documents explorations, experiences, design developments and outcomes - minimum of 15 pages, maximum of 50 pages |
Formative Assessments
Formative Assessment is an assessment which develops your skills in being assessed, allows for you to receive feedback, and prepares you for being assessed. However, it does not count to your final mark.
| Description | Semester | When Set | Comment |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design/Creative proj | 2 | M | Interim Review of Design Project |
Assessment Rationale And Relationship
The design project assesses the students' ability to methodically develop a holistic conceptual design response to a complex urban setting. It assesses the students' participial design skills, technical skills and knowledge as well as the ability to transform analytical outcomes into creative, functional and aesthetic concepts.
The portfolio assignment focuses on the coherent reflective documentation of tasks, explorations and experimentation, design development and outcomes in a professional graphical format.
Timetable
- Timetable Website: www.ncl.ac.uk/timetable/
- INU3515's Timetable
Past Exam Papers
- Exam Papers Online : www.ncl.ac.uk/exam.papers/
- INU3515's past Exam Papers
General Notes
Original Handbook text:
Welcome to Newcastle University Module Catalogue
This is where you will be able to find all key information about modules on your programme of study. It will help you make an informed decision on the options available to you within your programme.
You may have some queries about the modules available to you. Your school office will be able to signpost you to someone who will support you with any queries.
Disclaimer
The information contained within the Module Catalogue relates to the 2025 academic year.
In accordance with University Terms and Conditions, the University makes all reasonable efforts to deliver the modules as described.
Modules may be amended on an annual basis to take account of changing staff expertise, developments in the discipline, the requirements of external bodies and partners, staffing changes, and student feedback. Module information for the 2026/27 entry will be published here in early-April 2026. Queries about information in the Module Catalogue should in the first instance be addressed to your School Office.