PLAN40200 Nature-Based Solutions

Academic Year 2024/2025

Increasing attention is given to delivering sustainable urban environments by enhancing the relationship between nature and the city. In this studio-based module we will investigate the intersection between people and their environments by considering the city as a social-ecological system. Specifically, we will examine the benefits and constraints of 'nature-based solutions' as a means to address a number of pressing urban design challenges. Nature-based solutions emphasise spatial multi-functionality for the provision of such services as: drainage management, habitat provision, ecological connectivity, health and well-being, energy reduction, as well as climate change mitigation and adaptation. This implies a range of scalar interventions, from the design of city-wide ecological networks to multi-functional pocket parks at the neighbourhood level. Students will gain a comprehensive understanding of how nature-based solutions may be employed to resolve a number of pressing urban challenges through a combination of complementary case study analysis and design based work.

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Curricular information is subject to change

Learning Outcomes:

On successful completion of the module, students should be able to:
- demonstrate a clear knowledge of the nature-based solutions approach in urban design and planning;
- exhibit analytical skills in the social-ecological assessment of urban environments;
- demonstrate a clear capacity to deploy nature-based solutions in the urban design and planning of existing and new urban spaces.

Indicative Module Content:

Nature Based Solutions; Sustainable Design; Placemaking; Water Sensitive Design; Biodiversity Sensitive Design; Green Infrastructure; Ecosystems Services; Climate Responsive Design (mitigation and adaptation); Concept 'Pitching'; Report Construction; Visioning-Strategising-Implementing.

Student Effort Hours: 
Student Effort Type Hours
Studio

24
Autonomous Student Learning

76
Total

100
Approaches to Teaching and Learning:
task-based learning;
peer and group work;
lectures;
studio work; enquiry & problem-based learning;
case-based learning;
student presentation 
Requirements, Exclusions and Recommendations

Not applicable to this module.


Module Requisites and Incompatibles
Incompatibles:
PLAN40230 - Governing Nature, PLAN40610 - Environment & Sustainability

Equivalents:
Nature-Based Solutions (PEP40860)


 
Assessment Strategy  
Description Timing Component Scale Must Pass Component % of Final Grade In Module Component Repeat Offered
Assignment(Including Essay): Individual Report Week 9 Graded No

100

 No

Carry forward of passed components
No
 
Resit In Terminal Exam
Summer No
Please see Student Jargon Buster for more information about remediation types and timing. 
Feedback Strategy/Strategies

• Feedback individually to students, post-assessment
• Group/class feedback, post-assessment

How will my Feedback be Delivered?

Not yet recorded.