URP 551

A Physical Planning and Design Workshop: The Fluid Commons
Fall 2020
Instructors: María Arquero de Alarcón
Term: Fall 2020
Class Number: 551
Credits: 3
Required: No
Elective: Yes
Meets: Class Instruction Mode:  Hybrid  Tue 4:00-7:00pm 1360 A&AB
Course Brief:

This project-based, 3-credit course introduces core disciplinary competencies in Physical Planning and Design and engages in the spatialization of socio-environmental and culturally rooted processes in the built environment. Using the design studio pedagogy as a platform for learning, experimentation, critique, and exchange of ideas, the course advances skills and design research methods, digital literacy, the exploration of students’ interests in the field, and conversations with scholars, practitioners and local groups to situate our agency in the built environment. 

Under the call “The Fluid Commons,” we will work on the Detroit River engaging in socio-environmental storytelling to reflect on the sustainability of contemporary re-urbanization trends, draw cultural critique and project new imaginaries. 

The course Arch 509 offers an online version of this course and meets Tuesday 9pm to midnight. The two courses will meet over the semester for peer learning.