Towards Computational analysis methods and graphical displays in urban design education: case study site analysis course in Kafrelsheikh university

Abstract

A proper knowledge of computational methods is considered a key competence for future urban designers. But unfortunately, the integration of computational pedagogies in urban design education remains underexploited. This study aims to present an urban analysis course content that took place in the architectural department in the faculty of engineering in Kafrelsheikh University in 2020, applying computational analysis and graphical simulations of quantitative data. Through a selection of software tools for spatial and environmental analysis the course aided students to understand the challenges of the site in their graduation urban design project. The course exploited Geographic information system software (GIS), Space Syntax theory represented in DepthMap software, besides Ladybug plugin for Rhino Grasshopper. The course is presented though practical tasks and theoretical discourses. The paper concludes by developing a computational analysis tool-kit for urban studies education, with limitation only to the physical representation of urban morphology, rather than social/ cultural or economic studies.