SARK-E5035 - Researching Space, Lecture, 16.4.2025-30.5.2025

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 student gets familiar with current research topics and approaches in spatial design.
  • The student learns to apply systematic, research based methods in the spatial design process.
  • The student learns team working and argumentation skills and critical design thinking.

Credits: 9

Schedule: 16.04.2025 - 30.05.2025

Teacher in charge (valid for whole curriculum period):

Teacher in charge (applies in this implementation): Antti Pirinen

Contact information for the course (applies in this implementation):

CEFR level (valid for whole curriculum period):

Language of instruction and studies (applies in this implementation):

Teaching language: English. Languages of study attainment: English

CONTENT, ASSESSMENT AND WORKLOAD

Content

  • valid for whole curriculum period:

    The course introduces research-based approaches and methods for analysis and design of space. Emphasis is particularly on user-centred, collaborative and conceptual design as applied to interior space. Teaching comprises lectures and weekly reading and design assignments focusing on topical themes in spatial design studies and practice. Students complete a design project on a study case that combines space and services in the context of living, working, leisure or care. They map the current state and future trends in the topic area and research the user needs, identify a design problem to focus on, generate alternative solution concepts and produce a more detailed design of the most viable concept. Along the way, they learn about and rehearse the utilisation of research-based approaches and methods that are relevant to spatial designers.

Assessment Methods and Criteria

  • valid for whole curriculum period:

    Teaching comprises weekly lectures, reading assignments, discussions, presentations, tutoring sessions and design assignments done individually and in groups. Students produce design documentation including spatial diagrams, floor plans and 3D modellings.

    Passing the course requires 80% attendance and submission of all the assignments. Assessment is based on continuous evaluation of the weekly activities and assignments combined with summative evaluation of the final design documentation and final presentation. Assessment takes into consideration the student's individual contribution (participation in class, quality of the individual assignments and contribution to group work) and the design project (overall design skills and originality, justification, consistency and communication of the design concept). Application of the studied methods and approaches into design is emphasised.

Workload

  • valid for whole curriculum period:

    243 h: contact teaching 54 h, independent and group work 189 h.

DETAILS

Study Material

  • valid for whole curriculum period:

    Announced in the beginning of the course.

Substitutes for Courses
Prerequisites
SDG: Sustainable Development Goals

    3 Good Health and Well-being

    11 Sustainable Cities and Communities

FURTHER INFORMATION

Further Information

Rules of Conduct - Students´ Rights and Responsibilities (in force from 1 August 2020)

Aalto University Code of Academic Integrity and Handling Violations Thereof