BENVGEE9: SOCIAL DIMENSIONS OF SUSTAINABILITY

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BENVGEE9 PROGRAMME

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MODULE DESCRIPTION

This module explores how architectural and engineering decisions can deliver a more sustainable built form. The module focuses upon the social dimensions of design within the built environment, as there is an increasing recognition that the ‘social aspects’ of built projects must be considered.

The module brings together a diverse set of influences (engineering, sociology, psychology, planning, and design) and introduces a range of concepts, including density, quality of life, well being, social interaction, exclusion and public engagement. It aims to enhance the understanding of the complex relationships between built environment, individuals, communities and society.

READING LIST: SOCIAL DIMENSIONS OF SUSTAINABILITY

COURSEWORK BRIEFS

Overall Coursework schedule

Coursework for this module

CW14  

EE8 (1) A socially sustainable development? The Thames Gateway

Given by:

TBC

Overview of the pressures of urban expansion and development. Case study example of how sustainability is / is not incorporated into the planned developments.

Key Reading:

Jenks, M. Burton, E. and Williams, K. (1996) The Compact City, A Sustainable Urban Form

EE8 (2) Sustainable communities: policy and practice

Given by:

Chris Church, London 21

Introduction to the components and principles of sustainable communities (i.e. diversity, social cohesion, environmental quality) and what these issues really mean in policy and practice.

Key Reading:

Barton, H., Grant, M. and Guise, R. (2003) Shaping Neighbourhoods, Spon Press: UK 

EE8 (3) Improving the quality of urban living through decision-making

Given by:

Dr Chris Boyko, University of Lancaster

How are concepts of sustainable, quality of life, well being incorporated in urban design decision making processes? Introduction to some tools that assist in the identification of conflicting objectives, and inform decisions about complex sustainability tradeoffs.

Key Reading:

Chapters 1-3 of Cooper, R., Evans, G. and Boyko, C. (2009) Designing Sustainable Cities: Decision-making Tools and Resources for Design, Wiley-Blackwell: UK

EE8 (4) Sustainable design training

Given by:

Julian Hart, Homes and Communities Agency

Examples of securing sustainable design standards and guidance in local authority planning practices. Current practices in planning and design i.e. social impact assessments.

Introduction to the coursework

Key Reading:

EE8 (5) Place making: the social construction of space

Given by:

JH, Joanne Bichard, Helen Hamlym, Royal College of Art

Can places be designed for balanced, integrated communities, with spaces for interaction and involvement?

Inclusive Design

An introduction and examples of a user-centred approach to design focusing on the inclusive design of the built environment. 

Key readings:

EE8 (6) Social site analysis workshop

Given by:

Sue Batty, Centre for Spatial Analysis; Muki Haklay, Geomatic Engineering UCL

Session exploring how to use census population data and other sources to understand the make up of the users of the site, residential, business, visitors and others. And how this fits into the context of planning frameworks.

Sustainable tools: public access to and use of environmental information. Demonstrations of community development and participatory mapping tools and techniques. Example of a public mapping system to monitor local development plans and to produce local area action plans.

Key readings:

EE8 (7) Stakeholder engagement and participation

Given by:

Daisy Froud, AOC participation

Listening and engaging with people and places. Introduction to and examples of consultation and participatory practices, with a focus on community engagement.

Key readings:

Allmendinger, P. and  Tewdwr-Jones, M. (2002) Planning futures: new directions for planning theory, Routledge: London

Blundell-Jones, P., Petrescu, D. and Till, J. (2005) Architecture and participation, Routledge: London

EE8 (8) Coursework Session

Given by:

GM

Key Reading:

EE8 (9) Governance: Changing behaviours?

Given by:

Daniel White, London Borough of camden

The practical delivery of sustainability projects in the built environment: a Local Authority perspective. Case studies / examples of interventions and projects undertaken in Camden, London.

Key readings:

EE8 (10)  Urban areas and open space: a community based approach

Given by:

GM

Problems, practicalities and possibilities of community engagement on the ground. Case studies of multi-partners open space regeneration projects, exploring what happened, why and with what consequences 

Key readings:

READING LIST: SOCIAL DIMENSIONS OF SUSTAINABILITY

Where appropriate the UCL library shelf reference is given in brackets.

1.    Allmendinger, P. and  Tewdwr-Jones, M. (2002) Planning futures: new directions for planning theory, Routledge: London

2.    Barton, H., Grant,M. and Guise, R. (2003) Shaping Neighbourhoods,  Spon Press: UK (Bartlett, TOWNPLANNING A30 BAR)

3.    Blundell-Jones, P., Petrescu, D. and Till, J. (2005) Architecture and participation, Routledge: London

4.    Cooper, R., Evans, G. and Boyko, C. (2009) Designing Sustainable Cities: Decision-making Tools and Resources for Design, Wiley-Blackwell: UK

5.    Evans, B. et al. (2005) Governing Sustainable Cities, Earthscan (Bartlett, TOWNPLANNING T 30 EVA; Science, GREOGRAPHY K72 EVA)

6.    Healey, P. (2006) Collaborative Planning: Shaping Places in Fragmented Societies, Palgrave MacMillan, London (Bartlett, TOWNPLANNING A 30 HEA; Science ENGINEERING CP5 HEA)

7.    Hillier, B. and Hanson, J. (1984) The Social logic of space, Cambridge University Press, Cambridge (Bartlett, ARCHITECTURE A 20 HIL)

8.    Jacobs, J. (1961) The Death and Life of Great American Cities, Penguin Books Ltd, London (Bartlett, TOWNPLANNING A30 JAC)

9.    Jenks, M. Burton, E. and Williams, K. (1996) The Compact City, A Sustainable Urban Form

10.  Lafferty, W. (2001) Sustainable Communities in Europe, Earthscan (Science, GEOGRAPHY KA72 LAF)

11.  Lynch, K. (1960) The image of the city, MIT Press, Cambridge Schuster

12.  Putnam, R. D (2000) Bowling Alone: The Collapse and Revival of American Community, New York (Bartlett, TOWNPLANNING B181 PUT; Main, AMERICAN HISTORY A 400 PUT; Science, PSYCHOLOGY S 65 PUT)

Useful links

Links

 Main EDE Links page (ESSENTIAL VIEWING!)

Presentations and relevant documents for this module on the intranet, UCL password required.

General EDE presentations and relevant documents on the intranet, UCL password required.

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