Topic outline

  • Welcome to the "Gov" course in 2022!


    The 5 cr course MUO-E8026 (USP-323) Designing for Urban Governance and Services provides an overview of the current and emerging uses and roles of design in the public sector. It introduces core terminologies, theories, methods and examples of design, planning and other creative professional roles in the context of urban governance and public services. The aim is to familiarise students with recent knowledge in the design field and to develop their skills in applying design in the public sector. The main topics in the course are:

    • Introduction to present and future approaches, issues and trends in public governance and service provisioning, with focus on design and planning implications.
    • Introduction to design theories, methods and approaches relevant in the public sector, including design for policy and governance, design for civil society and activism, and participatory design in the urban context.
    • Examples of design activities, cases and experts from the field.
    • Critical analysis of the value, potential and challenges of design in the public sector.

    The course consists of three elements:
    • Series of lectures
    • Reading circle done in groups
    • Individual essay and final presentation

    COURSE COOPERATION (DfG)
    The course is held in cooperation with the Aalto University CS course MUO-E8012 Design for Government (DfG). Both courses are held on Mondays, with some shared sessions. DfG is a project-based course in which students address policy challenges commissioned by the Finnish government ministries. Both courses can be taken at the same time for a total of 15 cr. The DfG course lasts for two periods (IV & V). Note that there is an application process for the DfG course.

    The course is offered by Department of Design within the joint Aalto University and Helsinki University Master's Programme in Urban Studies and Planning (USP). The course is also available as an elective for students in other master's programmes.


    LOCATION & COURSE START

    • On site in Aalto campus, Väre building, Otaniementie 14 (rooms F102 & M202)
    • We start Mon 28 Feb at 10:15 in lecture hall F102 (next to the main lobby in Väre building)
    • We follow the university instructions about teaching in the pandemic situation – please wear a face mask!

    WEEKLY SCHEDULE

    Teaching hours are Mondays at 9:15–15:15, with part of the day reserved for independent and group work. The lectures are sometimes shared with the DfG course. The general structure is like this:

    • Lectures in the morning between 9:15-11:15
    • Mid-day allocated for groupwork and independent work (sometimes including a teaching session)
    • Sharing session in the afternoon at 14:15-15:15


    Contacts

    Antti Pirinen
    D.Arts, University Lecturer
    Spatial and Service Design
    Aalto ARTS, Department of Architecture
    antti.pirinen@aalto.fi
    +358 40 5300828

    María Ferreira Litowtschenko
    MA, Doctoral Candidate
    Aalto ARTS, Department of Design
    maria.ferreiralitowtschenko@aalto.fi