The Urban Design course introduces learners to the planning, design, and management of cities and public spaces, focusing on how urban environments can be made more functional, sustainable, and livable. Urban design sits at the intersection of architecture, landscape, and planning—shaping how people experience and interact with the built environment.
In this course, participants will explore the principles of urban form and spatial organization, including street networks, public squares, parks, transportation systems, and mixed-use developments. Emphasis is placed on creating human-centered spaces that balance aesthetics, accessibility, environmental sustainability, and social needs.
Learners will also study contemporary issues in urban design such as rapid urbanization, smart cities, green infrastructure, and community participation. Case studies from both international and Malaysian contexts will demonstrate how urban design strategies respond to challenges like congestion, climate change, and cultural identity.
Through a combination of lectures, design exercises, and project work, students will develop the ability to analyze urban spaces, generate design proposals, and apply sustainable strategies. By the end of the course, participants will be prepared to contribute innovative solutions to improve the quality of life in urban environments.
The Urban Design course provides learners with the knowledge and tools to understand how cities and public spaces are planned, shaped, and experienced. It emphasizes the importance of designing urban environments that are not only visually appealing but also functional, inclusive, and sustainable.
Students will be introduced to the core principles of urban form, including the design of streets, squares, parks, neighborhoods, and transportation systems. They will also explore how social, cultural, and environmental factors influence urban spaces, learning to balance community needs, economic growth, and ecological responsibility in the design process.
The course also addresses contemporary issues such as rapid urbanization, climate resilience, smart technologies, and green infrastructure, with examples from both international projects and Malaysian cities. Practical design exercises and case studies will help learners connect theory with real-world applications.
By the end of the program, participants will be able to analyze urban spaces, propose creative design solutions, and apply sustainable strategies that improve the quality of life in cities while respecting cultural and environmental contexts.
Understand the definition of urban design and its role bridging architecture, planning, and landscape. Learn the key elements of urban form such as streets, blocks, squares, and green spaces. Explore principles of human-centered, walkable cities through global case studies.
Study mobility design, including transportation, pedestrian, and cycling networks. Explore the role of public spaces in fostering social interaction and community identity. Learn about mixed-use development and urban density. Workshop: analyze an existing neighborhood for strengths and weaknesses.
Examine challenges of rapid urbanization and housing demand. Learn about climate resilience, green infrastructure, and the role of technology in smart cities. Review Malaysia’s cultural and urban growth challenges with case studies of Kuala Lumpur and Putrajaya.
Translate theory into practice by creating an urban design proposal. Learn to balance aesthetics, functionality, and sustainability. Group Workshop: develop a conceptual design for a small urban district or public space, followed by presentations and peer critiques.
4-Day Short Course: Urban Design
Day 1: Introduction to Urban Design & Principles of Urban Form
What is urban design? Its role between architecture, planning, and landscape
Elements of urban form: streets, blocks, public squares, green spaces
Principles of human-centered and walkable cities
Case studies: successful urban design projects around the world
Day 2: Urban Systems & Community Needs
Designing for mobility: transportation, pedestrian, and cycling networks
Public spaces and their role in social interaction and community identity
Mixed-use development and urban density
Workshop: analyzing an existing urban neighborhood for strengths and weaknesses
Day 3: Contemporary Issues in Urban Design
Challenges of rapid urbanization and housing demand
Climate resilience and green infrastructure in urban design
Smart cities: integrating technology into urban environments
Malaysian context: cultural identity and urban growth challenges
Case study review: Kuala Lumpur and Putrajaya as urban design examples
Day 4: Application & Final Project
Applying theory into practice: steps in creating an urban design proposal
Balancing aesthetics, functionality, and sustainability
Group workshop: developing a conceptual design for a small urban district/public space
Presentations and peer critique of final projects
Urban Designer
City Planner
Landscape Architect (Urban Focus)
Sustainable Design Consultant
Smart City Planner
Community Development Specialist
Public Space Designer
Urban Policy Advisor
201901011352 (1320680-K)
