Elective course (6 credits)

Viewed from afar, the Scandinavian capital cities look the same: safe, slow paced, expensive but democratic, high levels of income and virtually no poverty, low unemployment, well developed infrastructure, coastal and comparable size. The question the studio will address is whether and how this has enabled them to develop into model green cities and whether this model will develop also better quality of life. Can green cities also mean pleasant or attractive cities? Do the three cities comprise a model, a synthesis of the greatest number of sustainability indicators?

Students will conduct comparative analysis of the three cities, looking at both their historical structure, their very recent development but also at their sustainability urban policies. The students will develop design projects based on the identification of space generating sustainability policies.

The studio will organised in collaboration with the schools of architecture in Copenhagen and Powerhouse Company. The studio represents part of a wider research initiative, which will eventually result in a book. 

Viewed from afar, the Scandinavian capital cities look the same: safe, slow paced, expensive but democratic, high levels of income and virtually no poverty, low unemployment, well developed infrastructure, coastal and comparable size. The question the studio will address is whether and how this has enabled them to develop into model green cities and whether this model will develop also better quality of life. Can green cities also mean pleasant or attractive cities? Do the three cities comprise a model, a synthesis of the greatest number of sustainability indicators?

Students will conduct comparative analysis of the three cities, looking at both their historical structure, their very recent development but also at their sustainability urban policies. The students will develop design projects based on the identification of space generating sustainability policies.

The studio will organised in collaboration with the schools of architecture in Copenhagen and Powerhouse Company. The studio represents part of a wider research initiative, which will eventually result in a book.

Students will acquire contemporary references and skills in urban design, and a critical perspective on the ethics, objectives, and predominant methodologies of ‘sustainable architecture and urbanism’. Students will be acquainted with trends in sustainability policies. They will acquire up to date knowledge on the key issues of urban development being discussed at the moment and will be prompted to enter the debate on the future of their cities.

In teams, students will carry out mapping and comparative analysis of the three cities, identifying sites and driving forces leading to design proposals.

In addition the studio will consist of:

• Theoretical/research oriented seminar in Oslo
• Study trip to Stockholm and Copenhagen with associated research related seminars
• Interim reviews and final crit with an international censor.

Weekly reviews 

In teams, students will carry out mapping and comparative analysis of the three cities, identifying sites and driving forces leading to design proposals.

In addition the studio will consist of:

• Theoretical/research oriented seminar in Oslo
• Study trip to Stockholm and Copenhagen with associated research related seminars
• Interim reviews and final crit with an international censor.
• Weekly reviews

Participation in the following elements is mandatory:

• Introduction seminar (one week)
• Comparative mapping and analysis
• 8 scheduled supervisions

In addition, the handed in material for the following forms the basis for the evaluation of the student:

• Two interim reviews

Final presentation (With international censor) 

Participation in the following elements is mandatory:

•   Introduction seminar (one week)
• Comparative mapping and analysis
• 8 scheduled supervisions

In addition, the handed in material for the following forms the basis for the evaluation of the student:

• Two interim reviews
• Final presentation (With international censor)

The studio-work is evaluated with Pass – Fail, jf. “Regulation for Master Studies at AHO” pt. 6-14.

Compendium