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Placemaking and Public Space Design: Unlocking Design Potential

ProviderLuleå University of Technology (FutureLearn)
Duration3 weeks (~3 hours/week)
CostFree (with limited access; upgrade available)
LevelBeginner
Enrollfuturelearn.com — Unlocking Design Potential

What You'll Learn​

How to use computer-aided modelling in placemaking for better residential and public space planning. This course applies integrated urban planning — a holistic approach to the built environment design process — using climate analysis and 3D modelling tools.

Key Topics​

  • Solar access and shading — how sun and shadow affect public space usability
  • Wind effects — understanding wind patterns in urban spaces and designing for comfort
  • Climate-responsive design — using climate data to shape better public spaces
  • 3D modelling for placemaking — visualising design proposals with computer-aided tools
  • Sustainable destination design — creating attractive, sustainable spaces for people

Tools You'll Use​

This course teaches you to use free modelling tools to analyse and design public spaces. See also our Design Tools collection in Resources for more tools you can use alongside this course.

Why This Matters for She Cycles​

In Indian cities, shade and wind comfort are critical — a public space without shade is unusable for 8 months of the year. This course teaches you to analyse sun and wind patterns so you can design cycling rest stops, parking areas, and gathering spaces that actually work in Indian heat.

See Also​