In 2008, the Beijing Urban Design Studio will focus on the issue of Beijing's urban transformation under the theme of de-industrialization, by preparing an urban design and development plan for the Shougang (Capital Steel Factory) site. This studio will address whether portions of the old massive factory infrastructure can be preserved as a national industrial heritage site embedded into future new development; how to balance the cultural and recreational value of the site with environmental challenges; as well as how to use the site for urban development. A special focus of the studio will be to consider development approaches that minimize energy utilization.
To research these questions, students will be asked to interact with clients from the factory, local residents, city officials and experts on transportation, environment, energy and real estate. They will assess strategic options for the steel factory and propose comprehensive plans for the design and development of the brownfield site.

In this lab, students will discuss birthday parties and presents. They will also discuss where they would go to buy the presents and how they would decide which presents they would give to the friends. They will explain why they choose to buy the presents they do, explaining preferences to others.

Comment naviguer le métro parisien? Have you ever been lost in another city, another country? How would you ask for directions? Would you know how to navigate the French Metro to get from point A to point B? This activity relates to the theme of directions, navigation. Students will use their prior knowledge of vocabulary related to this theme, as well as the imperative form of verbs. Also, most likely students have all experienced being lost in a new city - it is less likely now because of cell phones and satellite maps. However, taking the wrong subway train, going in the wrong direction in a street can still happen regardless of cell phone availability. This activity teaches students how to ask and give directions in the imperative form.

This seminar-style class will focus on evaluating and recommending alternative commuter and business-related transportation policies for the MIT campus. Emphasis will be placed on reducing transportation-related energy usage in a sustainable manner in response to President Hockfield's "Walk the Talk" energy initiative. Students will explore the relative roles of MIT and the MBTA as transportation providers, as well as the efficiency and effectiveness of related subsidy policies currently in place for all modes of transportation.

In this lab, students will discuss birthday parties and presents. They will also discuss where they would go to buy the presents and how they would decide which presents they would give to the friends. They will explain why they choose to buy the presents they do, explaining preferences to others.

In this lab students will be able to provide and follow directions in groups of two. They will also learn how to interpret subway line network map and discuss when to get off at certain stations.