Author: kevinwg

Assignment 01: Home Ground 

Individual – Delivery Time 1 Week  

In this assignment, students will observe & record a familiar space.  

Objective: Demonstrate your ability to capture a place that is familiar to you at multiple scales. Understand the influence of social, cultural, and environmental phenomena on your perception of space. Use drawings to capture and communicate your understanding of spatial attributes and distribution.  

Process:  

• Draw a site plan at a 1:100 scale of a place you consider home and its surrounding context (e.g., garden, street, surrounding buildings). Include elements for scale comparison, such as a car or a person.  

• Draw a map of your neighbourhood at a 1:500 scale. The map should differentiate between open space and built features to generate an image of the urban form (roads, paths, vegetation, trees, buildings, etc.).   

• Draw a diagram of your city that describes its urban form and geographic context. You will determine the appropriate scale.   

 

Deliverables*:   

• 1:100 Site Plan  
• 1:500 Neighbourhood Plan  
• City Diagram   

Ensure the scale of your drawing is clear. Include a scale bar and north arrow when appropriate. The deliverables can be drawn analog, digitally or as a combination of both.  

 

Please submit your work to the blog by Tuesday, September 12th at 11:59 pm.   

* In general, the number of deliverables is flexible for this course. We encourage students to make their own decision about what drawings are needed; the deliverables are a suggestion.  For example, students may wish to alter the scale or add additional drawings to explain their observations.  

 

References: 

Required 

Roehr, D., (2022). Multisensory landscape design: A designer’s guide for seeing. Routledge.  

• Chapter 1 (pp. 4-12), Chapter 2 (pp. 27-44), Chapter 4 (pp. 131-134) 

Recommended: 

Badger, E. (2012, November 9). The evolution of urban planning in 10 diagrams. Bloomberg.com. Retrieved from https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2012-11-09/the-evolution-of-urban-planning-in-10-diagrams  

Graves, C. (2021, April 15). “Mapping abstract concepts for urban design” a lecture presented to HTWG Konstanz. Looking@Cities. Retrieved from https://lookingatcities.info/2021/04/15/mapping-abstract-concepts-for-urban-design-a-lecture-presented-to-htwg-konstanz-university-of-applied-science-faculty-of-architecture-and-design-constance-germany/  

 

Martin, J., & Bliss, L. (2022, April 18). Powerful maps reflect two years of covid transformations. Bloomberg.com. Retrieved from https://www.bloomberg.com/news/features/2022-04-18/12-personal-maps-capture-covid-life-around-the-world?srnd=citylab-culture  

 

Assignment 02: Cube Method 

Individual – Delivery Time 1 Week 

 

In this assignment, students will observe & record open space and built form.  

 

Objective: Practice your ability to critically interpret and view a site through a variety of tools and methods. Capture the flow of information at all levels of a site (below, on, above – around).   

 

Process:  

• Visit, investigate, observe, and draw a given site at UBC at a 1:200 scale. Include buildings, open space, and elements for scale comparison, such as a car.  

• Study and draw the infrastructure of the site (e.g., electricity, water, gas, internet, roads) using the “Cube” method to investigate, observe and record. See https://blogs.ubc.ca/axonometric/. 

   

Deliverables*: 

• 1:200 Site Plan & Section 
• Cube axonometric demonstrating your understanding of the cube method 
• Photography/Collage documenting your site visit 

Ensure the scale of your drawing is clear. Include a scale bar and north arrow when appropriate. The deliverables can be drawn analog, digitally or as a combination of both.  

 

Please submit your work to the blog by Tuesday, September 19th at 11:59 pm.   

* In general, the number of deliverables is flexible for this course. We encourage students to make their own decision about what drawings are needed; the deliverables are a suggestion.  For example, students may wish to alter the scale or add additional drawings to explain their observations.  

 

References:  

Required: 

City Protocol [cityprotocol]. (2013, July 17). City Protocol – anatomy of city habitat [Video]. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zs_sNEfzvVY  

Lehrman, B. (2018). Visualizing water infrastructure with Sankey maps: A case study of mapping the Los Angeles Aqueduct, California. Journal of Maps, 14(1), 52–64. https://doi.org/10.1080/17445647.2018.1473815  

 

TED Conferences [TED]. (2017, November 30). The biggest risks facing cities – and some solutions | Robert Muggah [Video]. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Sv5QitqbxJw  

Recommended:  

Salazar Miranda, A., Fan, Z., Duarte, F., & Ratti, C. (2021). Desirable streets: Using deviations in pedestrian trajectories to measure the value of the built environment. Computers, Environment and Urban Systems, 86, 101563. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.compenvurbsys.2020.101563 

• Explore the online tool here: https://senseable.mit.edu/desirable-streets/ 
• Also check out: https://streetmix.net 

 DES430 2022 Student Examples: 

Bea Benidy: https://blogs.ubc.ca/des430x2022w1/2022/09/20/assignment-02-bea-benidy/ 

Ghazal Torkamaniha: https://blogs.ubc.ca/des430x2022w1/2022/09/20/a2-ghazal-torkamaniha/ 

Assignment 03: Supernatural 

Individual – Delivery Time 1 Week 

 

In this assignment, students will observe & record local environments.  

 

Objective: Compare and contrast different forms of greenspaces. Examine the program, structure, and function of human-made and natural areas.   

 

Process:  

• Visit, investigate, observe and draw the Nitobe Garden at UBC as a class. Examine the infrastructure, spaces and buildings (human-made stream, bridge, pond, teahouse, and path system).   

• Visit, investigate, observe and draw Spanish Banks in West Point Grey on your own time. Examine the infrastructure (roads, paths, beach line, drainage of slopes), topography, (existing contours from Van Map) woodland and open spaces.   

• Engage with the senses and document multisensorial experiences.  Immerse yourself in the above environments and pay attention to the sensory elements, such as light, sound, touch, etc. Use your imagination to consider the broad spectrum of possible sensorial experiences, and how they relate to the physical conditions of the landscape and built environment.  

• Describe your investigation and insights through sketches and establish a narrative of your experience. Explore various points of interest, focal-points and views. Experiment with graphic style and representation.  

• Practice clear and thoughtful annotation. 

 

 

Deliverables*: 

• Provide a series of drawing investigations at a scale of your choice  
• Annotated field notes documenting your experience 
• Completed multi-sensory matrix 

 Ensure the scale of your drawing is clear. Include a scale bar and north arrow when appropriate. The deliverables can be drawn analog, digitally or as a combination of both.  

 

Please submit your work to the blog by Tuesday, September 26th at 11:59 pm.   

 

* In general, the number of deliverables is flexible for this course. We encourage students to make their own decision about what drawings are needed; the deliverables are a suggestion.  For example, students may wish to alter the scale or add additional drawings to explain their observations.  

 

References: 

Required: 

Moore, C. W., Mitchell, W. J., & Turnbull, W., Jr. (1988). The poetics of gardens. MIT Press. Available on Canvas. 

Roehr, D. & Bailey, S. (2020).  Gardens are… Buildings: A Garden’s Role in Unprecedented Times. 27. 24-34. Retrieved from https://www.researchgate.net/publication/344013675_Gardens_are_Buildings_A_Garden’s_Role_in_Unprecedented_Times  

Roehr, D. & Wei, F. & Bailey, Sean. (2021). “Sensewalk Mapping” as a Method for Teaching Multi-sensorial Landscape Perception. Landscape Architecture. 28. 96-106. Retrieved from https://www.researchgate.net/publication/354765251_Sensewalk_Mapping_as_a_Method_for_Teaching_Multi-sensorial_Landscape_Perception  

 

Recommended: 

Check out these visualization tools: 

• City of Melbourne: http://melbourneurbanforestvisual.com.au/ 
• Diversitree: https://senseable.mit.edu/diversitree/

DES430 2022 Student Examples: 

Liana Zheng: https://blogs.ubc.ca/des430x2022w1/2022/09/27/assignment-3-liana-zheng/ 

Cole Quist: https://blogs.ubc.ca/des430x2022w1/2022/09/28/cole-quist-assignment-3/ 

Assignment 04: In/Visible 

Group – Delivery Time 2 Weeks 

 

In this assignment, students will analyze environment open space, urban form, and infrastructure.  

 

Objective: Work collaboratively to investigate spatial relationships. Investigate how the human body relates to urban space by considering both seen and unseen elements. Describe and study in/visible infrastructure. 

 

Process:  

• Using a combination of site visits and maps, and aerial imagery you will investigate, draw, and begin to analyze the open space, urban form, and infrastructure of the Buchanan Courtyard at UBC.  

• Create a base plan at a scale of 1:500 to show open spaces, and distinguish between soft landscapes (e.g., formal and informal vegetated areas, tree canopy) and hard landscapes (e.g., paths and plazas).  

• Using additional layers, interpret visual infrastructure (what you can see with your eyes) and invisible infrastructure (what you need tools to see). For example, visual infrastructure includes features such as stormwater solutions, central heating, parking, and roads – whereas invisible infrastructure includes features such as the location of water pipes and telephone lines. 

• After compiling your findings, select two forms of infrastructure that you are interested in and investigate their relationship (e.g., tree canopy and open space). Draw your observations in plan, section, and axonometric, or expanded axonometric at a scale of your choice.  

• Practice annotating your work and ensuring visual hierarchy. 

• Be prepared to discuss your findings in class.  

 

Deliverables*: 

• 1:500 base plan and additional layers to show in/visible infrastructure 
• Plan, section, and axonometric drawings of two infrastructure relationships 

Ensure the scale of your drawing is clear. Include a scale bar and north arrow when appropriate. The deliverables can be drawn analog, digitally or as a combination of both.  

Please submit your work to the blog by Tuesday, October 11th at 11:59 pm.   

* In general, the number of deliverables is flexible for this course. We encourage students to make their own decision about what drawings are needed; the deliverables are a suggestion.  For example, students may wish to alter the scale or add additional drawings to explain their observations.  

 

References: 

Required 

Davis, L., Galdón, M., Girling, C., & Kellett, R. (2014). Green Infrastructure in Calgary’s Mobility Corridors.  City of Calgary: Plan it Calgary. (pp. 1-53). Available on Canvas.   

Huber, J. E., & University of Arkansas, Fayetteville. Community Design Center. (2010). Low impact development: A design manual for urban areas. University of Arkansas Community Design Center. Available on Canvas.    

Roehr, D., (2022). Multisensory landscape design: A designer’s guide for seeing. Routledge.  

• Chapter 4 (pp. 101-131, 135-202) 

Recommended 

Freethink Media [Freethink]. (2021, March 6). Tactical urbanists transform streets overnight [Video]. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=waiI9EQTdaw  

Smart Growth America. (2021, September 13). Dangerous by design 2021. https://smartgrowthamerica.org/dangerous-by-design/#:%7E:text=Dangerous%20by%20Design%20ranks%20states,of%20people%20who%20walk%20to  

TED Conferences [TED]. (2017, May 8). Invisible cities of visible infrastructure | Tarik Oulalaou | TEDxRoma [Video]. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=omNiHjt8Lt8 

DES430 2022 Student Examples: 

Akari Esaka, Allen Zhou, Veronica Chan: https://blogs.ubc.ca/des430x2022w1/2022/10/11/assignment-4-akari-esaka-allen-zhou-veronica-chan/ 

Collette Bartschat, Ewen Hall, Tasha Spinks: https://blogs.ubc.ca/des430x2022w1/2022/10/11/assignment-4-ewen-colette-tasha/ 

Assignment 05: Case Study Part I 

Group – Delivery Time 3 Weeks 

 

In this assignment, students will evaluate urban form.  

 

Objective: Use methods of site analysis to identify and document open space, urban form, and infrastructure across Vancouver’s urban environment. Work collaboratively to identify strategic urban planning priorities and tackle complex issues.   

 

Process:  

• Visit and analyze the environment (open space, urban form and infrastructure) of a site near downtown Vancouver. Student groups will be provided with options for site selection via Canvas.   

• Using the knowledge you have gained in class thus far, identify priorities for improving the urban fabric. Develop a hierarchy of priorities and justify your rationale. What would be your first priority, second and third? Is there a hierarchy at all?  

• Develop a broad design strategy. Create a framework for how your group plans to address the urban environment (open space, urban form, and infrastructure). Document your process. Use a combination of brief written statements and annotated sketches, diagrams, and photographs to convey your strategy. A clear example of this is Vancouver Rain-City Strategy, found in the required readings. 

• Be prepared to discuss your conclusions in class and compare your findings with other groups.  

 

Deliverables*: 

Using written and graphic communication:  

• Summarize site issues and design priorities, presented as a single (or multiple) infographic. 
• Define a clear and concise description of the vision, goals, and objectives your group will take forward in part II.   

Ensure the scale of your drawing is clear. Include a scale bar and north arrow when appropriate. The deliverables can be drawn analog, digitally or as a combination of both.  

Please submit your work to the blog by Tuesday, October 31st at 11:59 pm.    

* In general, the number of deliverables is flexible for this course. We encourage students to make their own decision about what drawings are needed; the deliverables are a suggestion.  For example, students may wish to alter the scale or add additional drawings to explain their observations.  

 

 

References: 

Required  

City of Vancouver. (2019). Rain city strategy. https://vancouver.ca/files/cov/rain-city-strategy.pdf 

Haaland, C., van den Bosch, C.K. (2015). Challenges and strategies for urban green-space planning in cities undergoing densification: A review. Urban Forestry & Urban Greening, 14(4), 760-771. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ufug.2015.07.009      

Recommended:  

Joist, D. (2012). The measured response. Landscape Architecture Magazine. https://www.designworkshop.com/docs/news/measured-response.pdf  

Nesbitt, L., Meitner, M. J., Girling, C., & Sheppard, S. R. J. (2019). Urban green equity on the ground: Practice-based models of urban green equity in three multicultural cities. Urban Forestry & Urban Greening, 44, 126433. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ufug.2019.126433  

 

DES430 2022 Student Examples:  

Cole Quist, Kristina Kozlitina, Zacharie Lauziere-Fitzgerald: https://blogs.ubc.ca/des430x2022w1/2022/11/16/a_05-cole-kristina-and-zach/  

April Liu, Jenny Ye, Nicola Chau, Soyeon Park: https://blogs.ubc.ca/des430x2022w1/2022/11/08/assignment-5-april-jenny-nicola-soyeon/ 

Assignment 06: Case Study Part II 

Group – Delivery Time 3 Weeks 

 

In this assignment, students will introduce & develop ideas for cities of the future.  

 

Objective: Work collaboratively to  enhance spatial attributes and urban phenomena through your group’s design proposal. Generate bold ideas on the future of urban living. Create a compelling argument to support your design.  

 

Process:  

• Building from the previous assignment, integrate the strategy developed by your team into your design proposal for the future of the built urban environment.  

• Visualize changes to the environment, urban form, and infrastructure. 

• Describe how systems interact with one another; visualize flows of information, people, structures, etc.   

 

 

Deliverables*:  

• Use annotated diagrams, animations, GIFs, or other graphic devices, to visualize how the city will evolve.  
• Prepare a 10-minute presentation to share in class on Wednesday, December 6th. 

Ensure the scale of your drawing is clear. Include a scale bar and north arrow when appropriate. The deliverables can be drawn analog, digitally or as a combination of both.  

Please submit your work to the blog by Tuesday, December 5th at 11:59 pm.   

* In general, the number of deliverables is flexible for this course. We encourage students to make their own decision about what drawings are needed; the deliverables are a suggestion.  For example, students may wish to alter the scale or add additional drawings to explain their observations.  

 

References: 

Required:  

Bloch, S. (2019). Shade. Places. https://placesjournal.org/article/shade-an-urban-design-mandate/?cn-reloaded=1  

Holmes, R. (2020). The problem with solutions. Places. https://placesjournal.org/article/the-problem-with-solutions/  

 National Geographic. (2019, April 26). Cities of the future. https://www.nationalgeographic.co.uk/cities-of-the-future  

TED Conferences [TED]. (2018, July 16). How we can design timeless cities for our collective future | Vishaan Chakrabarti [Video]. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hItQZfVU6-g 

 

Recommended:  

Rogers, A. (2020, January 8). 8 Cities that show you what the future will look like. Wired. https://www.wired.com/2015/09/design-issue-future-of-cities/ 

Inspiring podcasts on urbanism, design, architecture + city planning. reSITE.  https://www.resite.org/stories/the-most-inspiring-podcasts-on-urbanism-design-and-architecture 

  

DES430 2022 Student Examples: 

Bea Benidy, Liana Zheng, Shelly Ugalino: https://blogs.ubc.ca/des430x2022w1/2022/12/03/assignment-6-found-haven-bea-benidy-liana-zheng-shelly-ugalino/ 

Ghazal Torkaman, Avin Alimohammadi, Elizabeth Gin: https://blogs.ubc.ca/des430x2022w1/2022/12/07/ghazal-torkaman-avin-alimohammadi-elizabeth-gin/