Universitat Politècnica de Catalunya · BarcelonaTech

Elements of Urban Sustainability (2500045) – Course 2023/24 PDF

Syllabus

Learning Objectives

Introduction to the concept of sustainable urbanism. Mechanisms and processes for the management of urban systems from sustainability. Constructive Elements of urbanization associated with a sustainable model. 1 Ability to manage urban services associated with a reading of urban ecology and the cycles of water, energy and materials, from the principles of sustainability. Introduction to the concept of sustainable urban planning. Introduction to urban models and urban services associated with a reading of urban ecology and the cycles of water, energy and materials. Mechanisms and processes of management of urban systems from sustainability. Construction elements of urbanization associated with a sustainable model. The elements of the urbanization. Graduality and survival in the construction of networks. Referential levels of urbanization. Functionalist approach of networks versus complementarity of services. Social and environmental economic costs of the management of low-density urbanization. Processes of social segregation in access to urban infrastructures and services. Urban sustainability and criteria for a more sustainable urbanism. Environmental assessment of urban planning. Sustainability indicators. Ecobarris of reference. Introduction to the water cycle in urban systems. Technologies for reducing water consumption and water reuse in urban environments. Urban infrastructures for energy efficiency and local use of renewable energy resources. The cycle of materials and their impacts on urbanism. Technologies and systems for the collection of urban waste. Criteria for the organization of active mobility and public transport. Public space, urban landscape and green infrastructure. Noise management and air quality. Policies and forms of urban intervention and management. Concertation and participatory processes.

Competencies

Especific

Knowledge of the urban management regulation framework. (Specific technology module: Urban Transport and Services)

Knowledge of the influence of infrastructure in the planning of the territory and to participate in the urbanization of urban public space, such as water distribution, sanitation, waste management, transport systems, traffic, lighting, etc. (Specific technology module: Urban Transport and Services)

Generic

Scientific-technical training for the exercise of the profession of Technical Engineer of Public Works and knowledge of the functions of advice, analysis, design, calculation, project, construction, maintenance, conservation and exploitation.

Ability to project, inspect and direct works, in their field.

Ability to carry out territorial planning studies and environmental aspects related to infrastructure, in its field.

Capacity for maintenance, conservation and exploitation of infrastructure, in its field.

Knowledge of the history of civil engineering and training to analyze and assess public works in particular and construction in general.

Identify, formulate and solve engineering problems. Pose and solve construction engineering problems with initiative, decision-making skills and creativity. Develop a systematic and creative method of analysis and problem solving. (Additional school competition).

Total hours of student work

Hours Percentage
Supervised Learning Large group 45h 100.00 %
Self Study 67.5h

Teaching Methodology

The course consists of 2 hours per week of theoretical sessions and 1 hours weekly of workshop sessions. The 1.5 hours are devoted to theoretical lectures, in which the teacher introduces the basic concepts and topics of the subject, and 0,5 hours for evaluation and support activities. The methodology is active and participatory. The 1 hour weekly is devoted to solving 4 practical problems with greater interaction with the students. The objective of these practical exercises is to consolidate the general and specific learning objectives. Support material in the form of a detailed teaching plan is provided using the virtual campus ATENEA: content, program of learning and assessment activities conducted and literature. Although most of the sessions will be given in the language indicated, sessions supported by other occasional guest experts may be held in other languages.

Grading Rules

The evaluation calendar and grading rules will be approved before the start of the course.

The grade for the subject is obtained from the continuous assessment grades based on classroom exercises and urban planning workshops. Continuous assessment consist in several activities, both individually and in group, of additive and training characteristics, carried out during the year (both in and out of the classroom). The final assessment is: 40% (deliverables of assignments carried out in class) + 50% (4 workshops) + 10% active participation in the classroom. Criteria for re-evaluation qualification and eligibility: students that failed the ordinary evaluation and have regularly attended all evaluation tests will have the opportunity of carrying out a re-evaluation test during the period specified in the academic calendar. Students who have already passed the test or were qualified as non-attending will not be admitted to the re-evaluation test. The maximum mark for the re-evaluation exam will be five over ten (5.0). The non-attendance of a student to the re-evaluation test, in the date specified will not grant access to further re-evaluation tests. Students unable to attend any of the continuous assessment tests due to certifiable force majeure will be ensured extraordinary evaluation periods. These tests must be authorized by the corresponding Head of Studies, at the request of the professor responsible for the course, and will be carried out within the corresponding academic period.

Test Rules

The final grade consists of a written test that counts 40%, four practical works + the exit that correspond to 50%, the remaining 10% will correspond to the participation and attendance in the classroom. The four practical exercises will be considered essential to pass the course. There will be a course trip to a work / neighborhood in transformation and a review must be submitted. It is a mandatory activity to pass the course. At the end of the course, there will be an extraordinary test for those who, having delivered the 4 practical exercises, have not been able to pass the course with continuous assessment.

Office Hours

Contact the teachers by email to agree on consultation hours.

Bibliography

Basic