Master of Science in Urban Design
In a time of unprecedented global challenges, the need for sustainable and healthy cities has become more obvious. As the world is becoming increasingly aware of the fragility of our ecosystems, human and planetary health, there is a renewed urgency to explore urban design solutions that incorporate principles of social and environmental sustainability, as well as the capacity to adapt to societal changes.
The MSUD programme aims to address these challenges through rigorous research and design projects, focusing on the economic, cultural and regulatory processes that shape cities and the human interactions and experiences that constitute urban life. The courses engage with theoretical and scientific literature, international and regional case studies, and new advanced methods for the analysis, simulation and visualisation of urban areas. The 16-month programme features a connected studio approach, using research and design scenarios to explore strategies for Hong Kong’s urban regeneration and development.
This year, studio 1 will focus on Tai Po, engaging with the collaborative social processes, function mixing, activity and behavioural patterns that take place in the existing high-density urban fabric of Hong Kong. Studio 2 will expand this research towards re-visioning the development of the ‘Northern Metropolis’, a series of ‘new’ new towns in the region bordering Shenzhen. Using international case studies, field research and speculative urban design proposals, we will reflect on the challenges of planning new urban neighbourhoods for a healthy and sustainable future, while incorporating opportunities for community-led initiatives, entrepreneurialism and the improvement of social capital. Using data-driven studies to gather insights into the dynamics of everyday urban life, we adopt integrated approaches towards improving our current and future urban environments.
About us
Launched in 2012, the M.Sc. in Urban Design programme of the School of Architecture at the Chinese University of Hong Kong aims to prepare committed designers to engage with these challenges. Through a multidisciplinary combination of design studios and focused modules, students develop design skills while integrating new knowledge about essential areas for urban design, such as community participation, ecosystems and transport networks.
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Admission
Contact us
Ms. Sindy Tang
Tel. +852 3943 6517
Fax. +852 3942 0982
sindytang@cuhk.edu.hk
http://www.arch.cuhk.edu.hk