An introduction to urban design at the undergraduate level

Abstract

This paper presents an undergraduate approach to introducing urban design within an architecture curriculum, responding to the National Architecture Accrediting Board (NAAB) requirement that all accredited programs incorporate foundational urban design knowledge. At Kent State University’s College of Architecture & Environment Design, the third-year spring design studio was designated as the primary vehicle for meeting this requirement, with the author coordinating the semester based on his expertise in urban design. Drawing on the pedagogical principles of Colin Rowe, the studio framework integrates five core components: (1) analysis and diagramming, (2) collage and precedents, (3) urban and architectural typologies and morphologies, (4) the design of exterior urban space, and (5) structured readings. The paper outlines the exercises developed to operationalize these principles, each supported by lectures introducing key concepts and methods. Examples of student work accompany the exercises to demonstrate how these foundations collectively shape students’ understanding of urban design at the undergraduate level.