Socio-Spatial Analysis in Pre-Design Urban Planning Research in Course Design

Abstract

The formation of modern residential structures and the design of new residential areas must take into account the latest results of sociological research; it is necessary to solve current issues of organizing social processes in the existing and designed residential environment. The developed directions and latest publications on the subject of social research in urban planning and the possibilities of their implementation in the training of students of architects and urban planners are considered. The methodology of socio-spatial research within the framework of the cognitive approach to urbanism has been studied in more detail. The possible development of the methodology is analyzed on the main aspects of sociocultural changes in society and their impact on urban planning. The need for students to master various methods of socio-spatial analysis, to obtain skills in assessing the socio-spatial structure of established residential areas and urban planning solutions is substantiated. The main directions of studying methods of socio-spatial analysis by urban planning students are considered. An example of a socio-spatial analysis of a residential area in the city of Syktyvkar, carried out as part of the course “Pre-design urban planning research”, is presented. A socio-spatial analysis of the residential area under consideration helped to identify the problems of this territory and identify possible ways to solve them. Examples are given of the possible use of socio-spatial analysis in course design, in final qualifying works of bachelors and masters. The main directions for applying the methodology of socio-spatial research in teaching urban planning students are proposed.