Taking advantage of studio design work for much needed canal side change

This introductory note deals with teaching complexity of urban and architectural design that reflects the several levels of studio design projects, mostly delivered and defined by post graduates/masters students. Proposed projects, especially when students are working in teams to develop “live projects" as the Haarlemmertrekvaart in Amsterdam, should raise awareness of how urban form is produced with sustainable principles. Additionally, awareness of how issues of mobility, connectivity, public space quality, facilities and services can allow better integration within the different types of knowledge and education. The paper stresses that the work of a studio design of postgraduate course has to explore the strategy of intervention carefully and from the very beginning. Therefore, the analysis of the existing context is essential to enhance options and findings within the masterplanning process.