Please note! Course description is confirmed for two academic years, which means that in general, e.g. Learning outcomes, assessment methods and key content stays unchanged. However, via course syllabus, it is possible to specify or change the course execution in each realization of the course, such as how the contact sessions are organized, assessment methods weighted or materials used.

LEARNING OUTCOMES

The aim of the course is to introduce the student the possibilities to use research on person-environment relationship in land use planning. The course explores the experiential world of an urban dweller or the user of urban places. After the course the student:

  • Can identify the main approaches on person-environment transactions and human experiences in various urban settings
  • Knows a variety of methodological approaches of environmental psychology and human-environmental research and has a capability to apply some of them in knowledge creation for land use planning projects
  • Knows how to gather and analyze information about urban experiences and how to search scientific knowledge from empirical person-environment research

In addition she/he also

  • Can critically evaluate the quality of urban spaces or the quality of plans from the point view of the human experience
  • Can apply person-environment research in land use planning

Credits: 5

Schedule: 12.01.2021 - 16.02.2021

Teacher in charge (valid 01.08.2020-31.07.2022): Marketta Kyttä-Pirjola, Marketta Kyttä-Pirjola

Teacher in charge (applies in this implementation): Marketta Kyttä-Pirjola, Marketta Kyttä-Pirjola

Contact information for the course (valid 23.12.2020-21.12.2112):

The course will be arranged in 2021 in hybrid mode, if possible. This means that the course can be attended either online or onsite. If it is possible to arrange the hybrid course, we will inform you in the beginning of January about the practical arrangements. We have, however, also prepared for the totally online mode.

Please contact me (Marketta Kyttä: marketta.kytta@aalto.fi, tel. 050 5124583) if there is anything you would like to ask about the course.

CEFR level (applies in this implementation):

Language of instruction and studies (valid 01.08.2020-31.07.2022):

Teaching language: English

Languages of study attainment: English

CONTENT, ASSESSMENT AND WORKLOAD

Content
  • Valid 01.08.2020-31.07.2022:

    The course focuses on the study of urban experiences in relation to the physical characteristics of the settings. During the course the student will learn about the classic approaches in person-environment research and environmental psychology. These themes include:

    • Aesthetic experiences
    • Sense of community
    • Perceived safety
    • Restorative environments
    • Childfriendly Environments
    • Place attachment

    Each theme will be studied both theoretically and empirically. In addition, the course will cover some more holistic themes, such as social sustainability and various urban lifestyles.

    When possible, a collaboration with a real-life planning case will be realized.

  • Applies in this implementation:

    This year we will focus especially on two aspects:

    1. Searching
    information about how the research knowledge about human-environment
    interaction can be used in urban planning solutions (e.g. how you can
    plan urban space that is perceived safe)

    2. The analysis of
    place-based datasets from users of urban space. You will be analyzing
    public participation datasets collected for research purposes as well as
    for real life public participation.

    These two tasks will be realized as group work.

    PLEASE NOTICE! There is a pretask! More information in the front page of the My courses.


Assessment Methods and Criteria
  • Valid 01.08.2020-31.07.2022:

    The course utilizes student-centered learning methods. The methods include online learning, group work and lectures. Assessment is based on the project work that is realized in groups as well as on individual performance and assignments.

  • Applies in this implementation:

    Course evaluation:

    40% Individual assignment & presentation

    10% Classroom activity

    50% Group work & presentations


Workload
  • Valid 01.08.2020-31.07.2022:

    Workload:

    • Lectures 24 h (6 x 4h)
    • Online sessions 6 h
    • Group work 50 h
    • Individual assignments 55 h

    Total 135 h (5 cr)

  • Applies in this implementation:

    This year the workload slightly differs from that of the previous years:

    Lectures 6 x 4 h = 24 h

    Group work = 20 h

    Individual course project work & course readings = 91 h

    Total 135 h (5 cr)

    Although part of the group work will be realized during the contact
    session, please be prepared to work quite a lot also between the contact
    sessions.


DETAILS

Study Material
  • Valid 01.08.2020-31.07.2022:

    Academic readings and datasets using smart methods like softGIS.

  • Applies in this implementation:

    This year the public participation GIS datasets collected both for
    research purposes as well as for the Master Plan process of the city of Espoo will comprise and
    important set of materials for the group work.

SDG: Sustainable Development Goals

    3 Good Health and Well-being

    10 Reduced Inequality

    11 Sustainable Cities and Communities

    13 Climate Action