A series of events : Reflective Summary

My final semester at Newcastle University had two design projects. It was hectic but was a transformative period that deeply enriched my understanding of urban design.

Academic Insight

One of these projects was focused on Housing Alternatives. Throughout the semester, the module was a blend of theoretical knowledge, followed by one-on-one design discussions from the lecturers. My most insightful exploration included Mixed use developments. Through comprehensive case studies and urban design projects, I learned to integrate residential, commercial, and recreational spaces can create vibrant and sustainable communities.

Collaborative Learning

Working on designing, I collaborated with my peers from diverse backgrounds, into analysis and discussions about our site. The advantage and disadvantage of a riverfront, going on site visits, each of them bringing their unique perspectives. This collaborative environment fostered a deeper appreciation of difference in opinions. The emphasis on community engagement and stakeholder collaboration was highlighted in various lectures, reinforcing the importance of designing for social cohesion and accessibility.

Fig1. Analyzing the site with my peers

 Research skills

Conducting research for this project was very essential as we’re all used to of developing housing projects very differently. I engaged in extensive literature reviews and case studies to understand housing projects like co-housing, eco villages, and adaptive reuse of existing buildings.

Fig2. Planning on design principles for site based on literature reviews and case studies

Challenges and solutions

One of the challenges that I encountered was the planning of housing and integrating urban spaces for community building and social cohesion, in mixed use development. This required understanding of local policies, space requirements, expectations and innovative design solutions. Through the process of design development and feedbacks from professors and peers, I developed my strategies and design principles to find a solution and a flexible approach to multi-functional spaces.

Fig3. Design evolution from Left to Right over a period of the semester

Personal Growth

This semester was a period of significant personal growth. The intensive coursework and collaborative project taught me the value of resilience and effective communication. My understanding of inclusive urban design had deepened, and I feel more committed into designing vibrant urban spaces.

Fig4. Creating conceptual diagrams for better design understanding

Conclusion

The second semester at Newcastle was a profound and enriching one. It provided me with the knowledge, skills and perspectives needed to tackle contemporary urban housing challenges. The blend of academic rigor, practical application, and collaborative learning has equipped me with a comprehensive understanding of housing alternatives, which I am eager to apply in my future career as an urban designer.