Courses 2012

The Organic City: method or metaphor?

ORGANISATION

International New Town Institute

COURSE DESCRIPTION

Almere is a New Town created 30 years ago; it has plans to double its size within the next twenty years. A large part of this extension will be planned by using experimental methods, aiming to create a city that is just as much shaped by its inhabitants as by its planners. Almere calls this ´The Organic City´. What does this exactly mean? Does an organic ciity have an organic shape; does it function like an organism or does it grow in an organic way? Is there such a thing like organic infrastructure, organic housing, organic finances, or organic economy? Is ´Organic´ just a metpahor for a democratic city, or a real alternative method for urban development?

The design, the program and the organization of an ´Organic City´ are all aspects of this Summer School, that is aimed at architects, planners and students and professionals in the real estate business. It will be taught by an élite team of specialists in many disciplines, and coordinated by Michelle Provoost, director of the International New Towns Institute.

'The Organic City: method or metaphor?' is an interdisciplinary design and research course which is organized by the International New Town Institute for the program of the Summer School Almere.

The chosen theme is connected with the expected development of the Almere Hout Noord region and existing plans to start an organic urban development. The program of The Organic City will present and critically analyze the concept of organic city planning. The general goal is to have participating students reflect on and contribute to the design possibilities, opportunities and chances of an organic city. This process is closely linked to the existing situation and conditions of a case study from Almere Hout. A first attempt to understand the principle of organic in relation to urban planning will be provided by a keynote essay, specially written for the course.

The students will receive an assignment to react and reflect on the concept and possible problems of the Organic City. The plans and specific case of Almere Hout will have to be used as starting point. Students are free to use and incorporate other views and knowledge from other disciplines in their final project of the course.

The students are expected to produce a final project that will be presented during semi-public meetings in the presence of several visiting critics. The final project may vary from an essay, design, business case, strategic plan or other forms. Students will have to decide on both the topic and the form of the final project on the third day of the course.

» Download day-to-day programme
» Download the poster

COURSE DIRECTOR

JaapJan Berg, Program Manager INTI

TARGET GROUP

Architects, planners, students as well as professionals in the real estate business. Level: MA, PhD.

COURSE AIM

Exploring and reflecting on the theme of the ´Organic City´ as a workable model for the future of Almere. The idea of Organic Planning was introduced by alderman Adri Duivesteijn as one of the main goals for the future growth of the city.

LEVEL

Professional level, further education for professionals as well as MSc and PhD students.

PERIOD

01-08-2010 - 12-08-2010 (2 weeks)

CREDITS

3 ECTS credits + Certificate of Attendance (to be confirmed)

FEE

» € 500 - Course + course materials

» € 875 - Course + course materials + housing

SCHOLARSHIPS

Summer School Almere doesn't offer scholarships for this course.

MORE INFORMATION

JaapJan Berg (INTI)
E: j.berg@newtowninstitute.org
P: +31 (0) 6 26 348903