Course Description

This course focuses on the urban challenges predominantly found in developing countries, referred to as the Global South. With growing cities facing numerous socio-economic and environmental issues, the course explores alternative urban strategies encompassing three pivotal themes: Spatial Justice, Housing Provision and Management, and Sustainable Urban Transitions. The course incorporates academic insight, case studies from various global regions, practitioner testimonies, and theoretical lessons, aiming to offer a comprehensive understanding and new insights into addressing urban issues in the Global toouth.

What Students Will Learn

• Concepts of spatial justice and measures for achieving socio-economic equality in urban areas.
• Alternative methods for housing provision and management tuned to the specific needs of rapidly growing urban populations.
• Strategies for sustainable urban transitions that respect both environmental imperatives and socio-economic fairness.
• Critical analysis skills to evaluate urban environments and apply these insights to real-world scenarios.

Prerequisites or Skills Necessary

The course is primarily designed for undergraduate and master’s level students in architecture, urban planning, and related fields. However, it welcomes anyone interested in urban development topics, such as spatial justice and urban resilience. No prior knowledge of urban planning or specific regional expertise is needed, just a readiness to engage with the material.

Course Coverage

• Introduction to the major challenges in urban contexts within the Global South.
• Detailed examination of spatial justice and its relevance to cities with intense socio-economic disparities.
• Exploration of alternative housing management and provision strategies.
• Understanding the path towards sustainable urban transitions emphasizing the social, economic, and cultural contexts.

Who This Course Is For

This course is tailored for students and professionals in the fields of architecture and urban planning, as well as for anyone keen on learning about and addressing the urban challenges faced by cities in the Global South. It is also suitable for policymakers, urban development practitioners, and activists looking to deepen their knowledge and improve their practical skills.

Application of Skills in the Real World

Learners can apply the insights and analytical skills gained from this course to a variety of real-world contexts. This includes roles in urban planning departments, non-governmental organizations (NGOs) focusing on urban development, international development agencies, and as independent consultants or researchers aimed at creating more equitable and sustainable urban spaces.

Syllabus

• Week 1: Introduction to the course and peers, setting the urban context.
• Week 2-4: Parallel Modules: Students will engage with specific modules on Spatial Justice, Housing Provision and Management, and Sustainable Urban Transitions through lecture videos, quizzes, and assignments.
• Week 5-6: Compilation and presentation of a final assignment that involves critical analysis of the learner’s local urban environment, enriched by insights from the course.