Online interactive sessions with critical appraisal of basic concepts of Urban Design conducted by Urban Design graduates or assistant professors and visiting lecturers from the top Urban Design graduate programs in the world - Columbia University GSAPP, New York City; Massachusetts Institute Of Technology, Cambridge; Harvard University Graduate School of Design, Cambridge; School of Planning and Architecture, New Delhi; Bartlett Development Planning Unit, UCL, London, KU Leuven Belgium, working in internationally renowned Urban Design offices across the world, from North and South America, Europe and Asia.
Conductors
Online interactive classes with critical appraisal of basic concepts of urban design conducted by Urban Design graduates or associate professors from the top Urban Design graduate programs in the world - Columbia University GSAPP, New York City; Massachusetts Institute Of Technology, Cambridge; Harvard University Graduate School of Design, Cambridge; School of Planning and Architecture, New Delhi; Bartlett School of Architecture UCL, London working in internationally renowned Urban Design offices across the world, from North and South America, Europe and Asia.
Organized by Sreyash Dasgupta, Master of Science in Architecture and Urban Design from Columbia University GSAPP, New York City.
About
Register
Introduction to Digital Techniques in Urban Design
Drawing: Borderfield II Jordan River Valley II Huai Kuan Chung, Bridgett Cruz, Shuman Wu, Jiahong Lu II Columbia GSAPP
Drawing: Huai Kuan Chung II Columbia GSAPP
About
The City Craft- Digital Storytelling for Urban Designers program aims to introduce contemporary representational techniques for urban design. It helps to understand how urban designers think, work, and communicate. The primary role of this program is to provide an entry point into digital software that explores innovative approaches for urban design. Participants learn the basics of geographic information systems, 3d modeling and design communication techniques including the use of Artificial Intelligence while gaining experience with efficient cross-platform workflows for collaboration. The program accommodates beginners and individuals with low digital skills.
By combining the conventions of representational techniques, participants are offered opportunities to discover the value of spatial data exploration and analysis (GIS); descriptive and generative 3d modeling (Rhino, Grasshopper), multimedia storytelling through videos and social media along with the use of AI in design into new constructs for envisioning urban space.
The instruction and use of multiple formats broadens possibilities for idea creation, development and articulation.
Program Discourse
Registrations now open for batch starting
May 2nd 2026
(Duration of sessions: 60 to 90 minutes minutes including lectures and live/recorded video presentation and Q&A)
SCHEDULE OF THE PROGRAM
WEEKEND 01
Session 01
2nd May 2026
Saturday I 6 pm IST onwards (1 hour session)
Storytelling in Urban Design
Understanding how compelling narratives shape urban design ideas and communicate visions effectively
Lecturer: Renata Carvalho, UK
Session 02
2nd May 2026
Saturday I 8 pm IST onwards (1 hour session)
Drawings in Urban Design & the tools we use
Exploring the role of diagrams, analytical drawings, and visual tools in the urban design process.
Lecturer: Debayan Chatterjee, Germany
Session 03
3rd May 2026
Sunday I 6 pm IST onwards (1.5 hour session)
Using GIS in Urban Design
Introduction to spatial analysis and how GIS informs urban design decision-making
Lecturer: Ashim Manna, Germany
Session 04
3rd May 2026
Sunday I 8 pm IST onwards (1.5 hour session)
GIS hands-on Exercise 01
Practical introduction to GIS tools and spatial data workflows
Lecturer: Ashim Manna, Germany
WEEKEND 02
Session 05
9th May 2026
Saturday I 6 pm IST onwards (1.5 hour session)
GIS hands-on Exercise 02
GIS applications for urban analysis and mapping
Lecturer: Ashim Manna, Germany
Session 06
10th May 2026
Sunday I 6 pm IST onwards (1.5 hour session)
Rhino & Grasshopper in Urban Design
Parametric tools for generating and testing urban form
Lecturer: Thoufiq Ahmed, Germany
Session 07
10th May 2026
Sunday I 8 pm IST onwards (1.5 hour session)
Rhino & Grasshopper Hands on Exercise 01
Lecturer: Thoufiq Ahmed, Germany
WEEKEND 03
Session 08
16th May 2026
Saturday I 6 pm IST onwards (1.5 hour session)
Rhino & Grasshopper Hands on Exercise 02
Lecturer: Thoufiq Ahmed, Germany
Session 09
17th May 2026
Sunday I 6 pm IST onwards (1 hour session)
Sketching for Urban Designers
Using hand sketching as a powerful tool for thinking, observing and communicating urban ideas
Lecturer: Debayan Chatterjee, Germany
WEEKEND 04
Session 10
23rd May 2026
Saturday I 6 pm IST onwards (1.5 hour session)
Artificial Intelligence in Design
Exploring emerging AI tools and their role in analysis, visualization and design exploration
Lecturer: Joy Mondal, India
Session 11
24th May 2026
Sunday I 6 pm IST onwards (1.5 hour session)
Communicating urban design through videos, reels and social media
Learning how digital media can transform urban design narratives and public engagement
Lecturer: Vivi Tiezzi, Brazil
WEEKEND 05
Session 12
31st May 2026
Sunday I 6 pm IST onwards (2 hour session)
Final presentations
Participants present their work and reflect on the digital workflows explored throughout the program.
Drawing and graphics: Huai Kuan Chung II Columbia GSAPP
Batch strength
Minimum 30 participants I Maximum 50 participants
Incase a batch does not have the minimum number of participants, we may postpone the date of start of the batch.
Medium + Language of instruction
Online (Zoom) I English
Take-aways/ benefits of the program
-
A knowledge of digital techniques used in urban design and their applications
-
Introduction to spatial data exploration and analysis using Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and it's applications in urban design
-
Introduction to 3d modeling using Rhino in urban scenarios
-
Introduction to Grasshopper in conjunction with Rhino to create scenario building and design analysis of urban issues
-
Introduction to multimedia storytelling with motion graphics
-
Introduction to digital publishing
-
Introduction to sketching as a tool in Urban Design
-
Introduction and applications of Artificial Intelligence in Design
-
Interaction with Urban Design graduates from some of the top Urban Design graduate programs in the world, working in internationally renowned Architecture and Urban Design offices across the world.
-
On completion of the program, a certificate will be issued and emailed from AUDA
Drawing,: Huai Kuan Chung II Columbia GSAPP
Instructors
Online sessions introducing digital storytelling in Urban Design conducted by Urban Design graduates from some of the top Urban Design graduate programs in the world working in internationally renowned Architecture and Urban Design offices across the world.
-Founder, WEsearch Lab -B.Arch, Jadavpur University
-Senior Planner, AS+P -MA, Advanced Architecture, Stadelschule, Frankfurt
-Manager, Global Designing Cities Initiative
AUDA network
 The AUDA Network25 countries I 55+ cities |  AUDA Network_India50 colleges I 25 cities |
|---|
500+ students I 25 countries I 55+ cities
Certification
On successful completion of all 12 sessions and the exercises, a certificate will be issued from the AUDAcademy.
Soft copy of certificates will be emailed to the students.
Registration fees: INR 2500 for participants in India I USD 50 for participants outside India
Registration will be closed once batch is full! Register today for batch starting May 2nd 2026!
Frequently asked questions
When is the final date of registration?
The final date of registration is May 1st 2026
What is the registration fee?
INR 2500 for participants in India I 50 USD for participants outside India
What is the duration of each session?
60 to 90 minutes with interaction
Will I be getting a certificate for the program?
Yes, on successful completion of all 12 sessions and the exercises for each software, a certificate will be issued from the AUDAcademy.
Soft copy of certificate will be emailed to the participants. No hard copy will be issued.
What is the maximum batch size?
The maximum batch size is 50. Registrations will be closed once the batch is full.
Can we register as a group?
Each individual has to register separately.
Do I need prior knowledge in any of the softwares to participate?
The program is for beginners and accommodates individuals with low digital skills.
Will materials/ tutorials be shared?
Yes, video tutorials and materials regarding the sessions will be shared.
I am a student. Can I participate?
Yes! We welcome all students from architecture, design, planning, and other related fields involved in the process of city study and making.
I am a professional. Can I participate?
Yes! Professionals in the field of architecture, design, planning, and other related fields are welcome to participate!
Where can I ask further questions?
Please email us at audacademy020@gmail.com with any other questions that you may have!