Educational Potential of Eco-Design of the Metropolis Urban Environment

Abstract

Background: The study was carried out in scientific research laboratory of Urban Eco-design as part of research project Theory and Methodology of Research on Eco-design of Metropolis Urban Environment: Scientific and Educational Discourse, done at Minin Nizhny Novgorod State Pedagogical University in framework of state project N 2014/362. Methods: The methodological tools used in research include interconnected system of synergetic, environmental, ecological, cultural and historical approaches, seen from perspective of sustainable development, as well as corresponding basic methods: information search, system structural analysis, methods of functional integration, retrospective reflection, expert diagnostics, scientific forecasting. Findings: The article presents results of conducted research which enabled to determine educational potential of a new cultural integrative area - eco-design of a metropolis. The article states relevance of eco-design as it allows implementing environmental approach when designing urban environment for purpose of harmonizing relations in urban system the man and nature and increasing man's responsibility for it. These scientific findings are of certain theoretical and practical value, they can also become basis for further research regarding conceptual development of theoretical and methodological grounds and methods of studying eco-design from perspective of pedagogical innovations. This research is first attempt to provide a scientific definition of categories and educational mission of eco-design of urban environment, and it is understood as an instructional setting with a high potential for forming values, developing cognitive abilities and skills as well as creativity and personality in general. The authors identify and prove conceptual framework, which include leading ideas and principles of ecological design of metropolis urban environment. The article presents a pedagogical model for studying eco-design of urban environment on three levels: theoretical and methodological, psychological and pedagogical, individual and didactic. The authors have devised software and methodological support for study of eco-design in metropolis urban environment including original programs and manuals. Applications/Improvements: The study findings can be used by professionals working in field of environmental education and can be implemented in course of urban eco-design by bachelors of environmental, architectural and construction university programs.