Creative Networked Urban Design Studio: Transforming Elaionas through research-based pedagogical approaches

O. Ioannou, Nelly Marda

Research output: Contribution to conferencePaperpeer-review

Abstract

The paper describes a research and practice teaching methodology developed for an urban design studio at undergraduate and postgraduate level and how it transformed the teaching and learning experience. The area considered in both cases was Elaionas: a degraded; chaotic; post-industrial landscape near the Athens centre. The aim was to engage students in city planning creatively using innovative tools of academic research and collaborative field work to interpret and manage urban complexity. A series of transdisciplinary analytic tools were employed for mapping such as tracking technologies and spatial analysis, design software and programming, while at the same time artists engaged students in the lived experience of the place. Live encounters were also realized with public sector representatives and other stakeholders. Course content was set up as a network of researchers and resources where learning is rhizomatic and therefore collaborative and contextual. In this framework, students were required to choose the resources they were interested in pursuing further and to form their own strategies; they were asked to establish connections with the local community; they were also encouraged to share and compare their findings and their respective representations via blogging and social networks thus creating their own creative networked research community. Enhancing communication between students, experts and stakeholders raised student awareness and created an environment of possibilities. As a result, their plans for the regeneration of Elaionas demonstrated a positive attitude by involving local communities and other institutional agents toward the creation of sustainable urban environments.
Original languageEnglish
Publication statusUnpublished - Jul 2018
Externally publishedYes
EventAESOP Annual Congress 2018 "Making Space for Hope" - Gothenburg, Sweden
Duration: 10 Jul 201814 Jul 2018

Conference

ConferenceAESOP Annual Congress 2018 "Making Space for Hope"
Country/TerritorySweden
CityGothenburg
Period10/07/1814/07/18

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