Search result: Catalogue data in Autumn Semester 2020
Science, Technology, and Policy Master  | ||||||
 Minor in Natural Sciences and Engineering (ONLY for Regulations 2019) | ||||||
| Urbanization and Planning | ||||||
| Number | Title | Type | ECTS | Hours | Lecturers | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 101-0577-00L | An Introduction to Sustainable Development in the Built Environment | W | 3 credits | 2G | G. Habert, D. Kaushal | |
| Abstract | In 2015, the UN Conference in Paris shaped future world objectives to tackle climate change. in 2016, other political bodies made these changes more difficult to predict. What does it mean for the built environment? This course provides an introduction to the notion of sustainable development when applied to our built environment | |||||
| Learning objective | At the end of the semester, the students have an understanding of the term of sustainable development, its history, the current political and scientific discourses and its relevance for our built environment. In order to address current challenges of climate change mitigation and resource depletion, students will learn a holistic approach of sustainable development. Ecological, economical and social constraints will be presented and students will learn about methods for argumentation and tools for assessment (i.e. life cycle assessment). For this purpose an overview of sustainable development is presented with an introduction to the history of sustainability and its today definition as well as the role of cities, urbanisation and material resources (i.e. energy, construction material) in social economic and environmetal aspects. The course aims to promote an integral view and understanding of sustainability and describing different spheres (social/cultural, ecological, economical, and institutional) that influence our built environment. Students will acquire critical knowledge and understand the role of involved stakeholders, their motivations and constraints, learn how to evaluate challenges, identify deficits and define strategies to promote a more sustainable construction. After the course students should be able to define the relevance of specific local, regional or territorial aspects to achieve coherent and applicable solutions toward sustainable development. The course offers an environmental, socio-economic and socio-technical perspective focussing on buildings, cities and their transition to resilience with sustainable development. Students will learn on theory and application of current scientific pathways towards sustainable development. | |||||
| Content | The following topics give an overview of the themes that are to be worked on during the lecture. - Overview on the history and emergence of sustainable development - Overview on the current understanding and definition of sustainable development Methods - Method 1: Life cycle assessment (planning, construction, operation/use, deconstruction) - Method 2: Life Cycle Costing - Method 3: Labels and certification Main issues: - Operation energy at building, urban and national scale - Mobility and density questions - Embodied energy for developing and developed world - Synthesis: Transition to sustainable development | |||||
| Lecture notes | All relevant information will be online available before the lectures. For each lecture slides of the lecture will be provided. | |||||
| Literature | A list of the basic literature will be offered on a specific online platform, that could be used by all students attending the lectures. | |||||
| 063-0703-00L | Architecture of Territory: Territorial Design in Histories, Theories and Projects | W | 2 credits | 2V | M. Topalovic | |
| Abstract | This lecture series sets up an agenda for widening the disciplinary field of architecture and urbanism from their focus on the city, or the urban in the narrow sense, to wider territorial scales, which correspond to the increasing scales of contemporary urbanization. It discusses the concepts of territory and urbanisation, and their implications for the work of architects and urbanists. | |||||
| Learning objective | The course will enable students to critically discuss concepts of territory and urbanisation. It will invite students to revisit the history of architects’ work engaging with the problematic of urbanising territories and territorial organisation. The goal is to motivate and equip students to engage with territory in the present day and age, by setting out our contemporary urban agenda. The lectures are animated by a series of visual and conceptual exercises, usually on A4 sheets of paper. All original student contributions will be collected and bound together, creating a unique book-object. Some of the exercises are graded and count as proof of completion. | |||||
| Content | Within the program, the five guest speakers are invited to open up perspectives on territory as Earth and the manifold meanings it embodies: Earth as a living world, a world-system, earth as soil, as land, as field, and even as dirt. By looking at the Earth and its ecologies, the guest speakers will propose novel and urgent approaches to territory and urbanisation: from “Gaia-graphy” of Earth's critical zones, and emergence of urban soil mapping as tool in urban design, to working with "dirt” in order to develop an ethics of care and maintenance for precarious environments. 17. 09. 2020 On Territory 24. 09. 2020 Architecture and Urbanisation 01. 10. 2020 Critical Zones: Sensors for Ghost Landscapes Guest lecture by ALEXANDRA ARÈNES 08. 10. 2020 Methods in Territorial Research and Design 15. 10. 2020 Urban Soils Mapping: Case West Lausanne Guest lecture by ANTOINE VIALLE 29. 10. 2019 Linking Soils Across the Urban-Rural Nexus Guest lecture by JOHAN SIX 05. 11. 2020 Planetary Urbanisation: Hinterland 12. 11. 2020 Arable Lands Lost Lands Guest lecture by CHARLOTTE MALTERRE-BARTHES 19. 11. 2020 Disappearance of the Countryside 26. 11. 2020 Dirty Theory: Dirt and Decolonisation Guest lecture by HÉLÉNE FRICHOT 03. 12. 2020 Our Common Territories: An Outlook | |||||
| Prerequisites / Notice | The lectures will take place on Thursdays, 10.00-12:00, over ZOOM (https://ethz.zoom.us/j/97460528881). For this course, students live ‘online’ participation is required. Lecturer: Prof. Milica Topalovic Team: Charlotte Malterre Barthes, Metaxia Markaki, Gyler Mydyti, Nazli Tümerdem Contact: Metaxia Markaki markaki@arch.ethz.ch Our website: Link | |||||
| 701-1453-00L | Ecological Assessment and Evaluation | W | 3 credits | 3G | F. Knaus | |
| Abstract | The course provides methods and tools for ecological evaluations dealing with nature conservation or landscape planning. It covers census methods, ecological criteria, indicators, indices and critically appraises objectivity and accuracy of the available methods, tools and procedures. Birds and plants are used as main example guiding through different case studies. | |||||
| Learning objective | Students will be able to: 1) critically consider biological data books and local, regional, and national inventories; 2) evaluate the validity of ecological criteria used in decision making processes; 3) critically appraise the handling of ecological data and criteria used in the process of evaluation 4) perform an ecological evaluation project from the field survey up to the descision making and planning. | |||||
| Lecture notes | Powerpoint slides are available on the webpage. Additional documents are handed out as copies. | |||||
| Literature | Basic literature and references are listed on the webpage. | |||||
| Prerequisites / Notice | The course structure changes between lecture parts, seminars and discussions. The didactic atmosphere is intended as working group. Suggested prerequisites for attending this course are skills and knowledge equivalent to those taught in the following ETH courses: - Pflanzen- und Vegetationsökologie - Systematische Botanik - Raum- und Regionalentwicklung - Naturschutz und Naturschutzbiologie | |||||
| 363-1047-00L | Urban Systems and Transportation | W | 3 credits | 2G | G. Loumeau | |
| Abstract | This course is an introduction to urban and regional economics. It focuses on the formation and development of urban systems, and highlight how transport infrastructure investments can affect the location, size and composition of such systems. | |||||
| Learning objective | The main objective of this course is to provide students with some basic tools to analyze the fundamental economic forces at play in urban systems (i.e., agglomeration and congestion forces), and the role of transport networks in shaping the structure of these systems. Why do urban areas grow or decline? How do transport networks affect the location of individuals and firms? Does the location of a firm determine its productivity? Can transport infrastructure investments reduce economic disparities? These are some of the questions that students should be able to answer after having completed the course. | |||||
| Content | The course is organized in four parts. I start with the key observation that economic activity (both in terms of population density and productivity) is unevenly distributed in space. For instance, the share of the population living in urban centers is increasing globally, from 16% in 1900 and 50% in 2000 to about 68% by the year 2050 (UN, World Economic Prospects, 2014). The goal of the first part is then to understand the economic forces at play behind these trends, looking at the effects within and across urban areas. I will also discuss how natural or man-made geographical characteristics (e.g., rivers, mountains, borders, etc.) affect the development of such urban systems. In the second part, I discuss the planning and pricing of transport networks, moving from simple local models to more complex transport models at a global scale. The key aspects include: the first and second best road pricing, the public provision of transport networks and the demographic effects of transport networks. In the third part, I combine the previous two parts and analyze the interaction between urban systems and transportation. Thereby, the main focus is to understand the economic mechanisms that can lead to a general equilibrium of all actors involved. However, as the study of the historical development of urban systems and transport networks provides interesting insights, I will discuss how their interaction in the past shapes today’s economic geography. Finally, I broaden the scope of the course and explore related topics. There will be a particular emphasis on the relation between urban systems and fiscal federalism as well as environmental policies. Both aspects are important determinants of the contemporary developments of urban systems, and as such deserve our attention. In general, this class focuses on the latest research developments in urban and regional economics, though it does not require prior knowledge in this field. It pays particular attention to economic approaches, which are based on theoretical frameworks with strong micro-foundations and allow for precise policy recommendations. | |||||
| Lecture notes | Course slides will be made available to students prior to each class. | |||||
| Literature | Course slides will be made available to students. | |||||
| 101-0509-00L | Infrastructure Management 1: Process | W | 6 credits | 3G | B. T. Adey, C. Kielhauser | |
| Abstract | The course provides an introduction to the steps included in the infrastructure management process. | |||||
| Learning objective | Upon completion of the course, students will - understand the steps required to manage infrastructure effectively, and - understand the complexity of these steps. | |||||
| Content | The lectures are structured as follows: - Introduction - Setting goals and constraints - Predicting the future - Determining and justifying interventions - Determining and justifying monitoring - Converting programs to projects - Analysing projects - Ensuring good information - Ensuring a well run organisation - Describing the IM process - Evaluating the IM process | |||||
| Lecture notes | Appropriate reading / and study material will be handed out during the course. Transparencies will be handed out at the beginning of each class. | |||||
| Literature | Appropriate literature will be handed out when required. | |||||
| 103-0347-01L | Landscape Planning and Environmental Systems (GIS Exercises)  | W | 3 credits | 2U | A. Grêt-Regamey, M. Galleguillos Torres, A. Stritih | |
| Abstract | The course content of the lecture Landscape Planning and Environmental Systems (103-0347-00 V) will be illustrated in practical GIS exercises (e.g. habitat modelling, land use change, ecosystem services, connectivity). | |||||
| Learning objective | - Practical application of theory from the lectures - Quantitative assessment and evaluation of landscape characteristics - Learning useful applications of GIS for landscape planning - Developing landscape planning measures for practical case studies | |||||
| Content | - Applications of GIS in landscape planning - Landscape analysis - Landscape structural metrics - Modelling habitats and land use change - Calculating urban ecosystem services - Ecological connectivity | |||||
| Lecture notes | No script. The documentation, consisting of presentation slides are partly handed out and are provided for download on Moodle. | |||||
| Literature | Will be named in the lecture. | |||||
| Prerequisites / Notice | Basic GIS skills are strongly recommended. | |||||
| 103-0347-00L | Landscape Planning and Environmental Systems | W | 3 credits | 2V | A. Grêt-Regamey | |
| Abstract | In the course, students learn about methods for the identification and measurement of landscape characteristics, as well as measures and policies for landscape planning. Landscape planning is put into the context of environmental systems (soil, water, air, climate, flora and fauna) and discussed with regard to socio-political questions of the future. | |||||
| Learning objective | The aims of this course are: 1) To illustrate the concept of landscape planning, the economic relevance of landscape and nature in the context of the environmental systems (soil, water, air, climate, flora and fauna). 2) To show landscape planning as an integral information system for the coordination of different instruments by illustrating the aims, methods, instruments and their functions in landscape planning. 3) To show the importance of ecosystem services. 4) To learn basics about nature and landscape: Analysis and assessment of the complex interactions between landscape elements, effects of current and future land use (ecosystem goods and services, landscape functions). 5) To identify and measure the characteristics of landscape. 6) Learn how to use spatial data in landscape planning. | |||||
| Content | In this course, the following topics are discussed: - Definition of the concept of landscape - Landscape metrics - Landscape change - Landscape planning - Methods, instruments and aims of landscape planning (policy) - Socio-political questions of the future - Environmental systems, ecological connectivity - Ecosystem services - Urban landscape services - Practice of landscape planning - Use of GIS in landscape planning | |||||
| Lecture notes | No script. The documentation, consisting of presentation slides are partly handed out and are provided for download on Moodle. | |||||
| Prerequisites / Notice | The contents of the course will be illustrated in the associated course 103-0347-01 U (Landscape Planning and Environmental Systems (GIS Exercises)) or in Project LAND within the Experimental and Computer Lab (for Environmental Engineers). A combination of courses is recommended. | |||||
| 101-0427-01L | Public Transport Design and Operations | W | 6 credits | 4G | F. Corman, F. Leutwiler | |
| Abstract | This course aims at analyzing, designing, improving public transport systems, as part of the overall transport system. | |||||
| Learning objective | Public transport is a key driver for making our cities more livable, clean and accessible, providing safe, and sustainable travel options for millions of people around the globe. Proper planning of public transport system also ensures that the system is competitive in terms of speed and cost. Public transport is a crucial asset, whose social, economic and environmental benefits extend beyond those who use it regularly; it reduces the amount of cars and road infrastructure in cities; reduces injuries and fatalities associated to car accidents, and gives transport accessibility to very large demographic groups. Goal of the class is to understand the main characteristics and differences of public transport networks. Their various performance criteria based on various perspective and stakeholders. The most relevant decision making problems in a planning tactical and operational point of view At the end of this course, students can critically analyze existing networks of public transport, their design and use; consider and substantiate possible improvements to existing networks of public transport and the management of those networks; optimize the use of resources in public transport. General structure: general introduction of transport, modes, technologies, system design and line planning for different situations, mathematical models for design and line planning timetabling and tactical planning, and related mathematical approaches operations, and quantitative support to operational problems, evaluation of public transport systems. | |||||
| Content | Basics for line transport systems and networks Passenger/Supply requirements for line operations Objectives of system and network planning, from different perspectives and users, design dilemmas Conceptual concepts for passenger transport: long-distance, urban transport, regional, local transport Planning process, from demand evaluation to line planning to timetables to operations Matching demand and modes Line planning techniques Timetabling principles Allocation of resources Management of operations Measures of realized operations Improvements of existing services | |||||
| Lecture notes | Lecture slides are provided. | |||||
| Literature | Ceder, Avi: Public Transit Planning and Operation, CRC Press, 2015, ISBN 978-1466563919 (English) Holzapfel, Helmut: Urbanismus und Verkehr – Bausteine für Architekten, Stadt- und Verkehrsplaner, Vieweg+Teubner, Wiesbaden 2012, ISBN 978-3-8348-1950-5 (Deutsch) Hull, Angela: Transport Matters – Integrated approaches to planning city-regions, Routledge / Taylor & Francis Group, London / New York 2011, ISBN 978-0-415-48818-4 (English) Vuchic, Vukan R.: Urban Transit – Operations, Planning, and Economics, John Wiley & Sons, Hoboken / New Jersey 2005, ISBN 0-471-63265-1 (English) Walker, Jarrett: Human Transit – How clearer thinking about public transit can enrich our communities and our lives, ISLAND PRESS, Washington / Covelo / London 2012, ISBN 978-1-59726-971-1 (English) White, Peter: Public Transport - Its Planning, Management and Operation, 5th edition, Routledge, London / New York 2009, ISBN 978-0415445306 (English) | |||||
| 103-0307-00L | Multi-Criteria Decision Analysis | W | 3 credits | 2G | A. Grêt-Regamey, M. J. Van Strien | |
| Abstract | Planners need to make decisions about the best possible mix of land uses. With increasing availability of spatial databases and the analytical capabilities of GIS, more effective decision support systems can be developed. The goal of the course is to provide the basics of spatial analysis and to teach the integration of spatial data into multicriteria decision-making systems. | |||||
| Learning objective | This course will: 1) introduce students to techniques and issues associated with spatial modeling and decision support systems, including analytical techniques that are unique to spatial analysis 2) provide hands-on training in the use of these spatial tools in R while addressing real planning problems. The emphasis is on concepts, resources, and analysis tools that students can use in science, private companies and government careers. | |||||
| Lecture notes | - Handouts of the lectures - Script - Exercise material Download: Link | |||||
| Prerequisites / Notice | The course will presume basic knowledge of the R software package. RE&IS Master students will acquire this knowledge during the "Basics of RE&IS" (103-0377-10L) course. Provided there are still available places, students from other disciplines can also join the part of "Basics of RE&IS" in which R is taught (i.e. first five lectures; no credit points will be awarded). These students can register for "Basics of RE&IS" by e-mailing Maarten van Strien (vanstrien@ethz.ch). Alternatively, they can acquire basic R knowledge with online tutorials, such as "Introduction to R" by W. N. Venables and D. M. Smith available online at http://cran.r-project.org/doc/manuals/R-intro.pdf. | |||||
| 851-0252-08L | Evidence-Based Design: Methods and Tools For Evaluating Architectural Design Number of participants limited to 40 Particularly suitable for students of D-ARCH | W | 3 credits | 2S | M. Gath Morad, C. Hölscher, C. Veddeler | |
| Abstract | Students are taught a variety of analytic techniques that can be used to evaluate architectural design. The concept of evidence-based design is introduced, and complemented with theoretical background on space syntax and spatial cognition. This is a project-oriented course, students implement a range of methods on a sample project. The course is tailored for architecture design students. | |||||
| Learning objective | The course aims to teach students how to evaluate a design project from the perspective of the end user. The concept of evidence-based design is introduced through a series of case studies. Students are given a theoretical background in space syntax and spatial cognition, with a view to applying this knowledge during the design process. The course covers a range of methods including visibility analysis, network analysis, conducting real-world observations, and virtual reality for architectural design. Students apply these methods to a case study of their choice, which can be at building or urban scale. For students taking a B-ARCH or M-ARCH degree, this can be a completed or ongoing design studio project. The course gives students the chance to implement the methods iteratively and explore how best to address the needs of the eventual end-user during the design process. The course is tailored for students studying for B-ARCH and M-ARCH degrees. As an alternative to obtaining D-GESS credit, architecture students can obtain course credit in "Vertiefungsfach" or "Wahlfach". | |||||
| 151-8007-00L | Urban Physics | W | 3 credits | 3G | J. Carmeliet, D. W. Brunner, A. Rubin, C. Schär, D. A. Strebel, H. Wernli, J. M. Wunderli, Y. Zhao | |
| Abstract | Urban physics: wind, wind comfort, pollutant dispersion, natural ventilation, driving rain, heat islands, climate change and weather conditions, urban acoustics and energy use in the urban context. | |||||
| Learning objective | - Basic knowledge of the global climate and the local microclimate around buildings - Impact of urban environment on wind, ventilation, rain, pollutants, acoustics and energy, and their relation to comfort, durability, air quality and energy demand - Application of urban physics concepts in urban design | |||||
| Content | - Climate Change. The Global Picture: global energy balance, global climate models, the IPCC process. Towards regional climate scenarios: role of spatial resolution, overview of approaches, hydrostatic RCMs, cloud-resolving RCMs - Urban micro climate and comfort: urban heat island effect, wind flow and radiation in the built environment, convective heat transport modelling, heat balance and ventilation of urban spaces - impact of morphology, outdoor wind comfort, outdoor thermal comfort, - Urban energy and urban design. Energy performance of building quarters and cities, decentralized urban energy production and storage technologies, district heating networks, optimization of energy consumption at district level, effect of the micro climate, urban heat islands, and climate change on the energy performance of buildings and building blocks. - Wind driving rain (WDR): WDR phenomena, WDR experimental and modeling, wind blocking effect, applications and moisture durability - Pollutant dispersion. pollutant cycle : emission, transport and deposition, air quality - Urban acoustics. noise propagation through the urban environment, meteorological effects, urban acoustic modeling, noise reduction measures, urban vegetation | |||||
| Lecture notes | The course lectures and material are provided online via Moodle. | |||||
| Prerequisites / Notice | No prior knowledge is required. | |||||
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