"Les communs urbains : Repenser la ville à l'ère du changement" is an advanced-level course offered by LouvainX that delves into the fascinating world of urban commons and their role in shaping our cities and communities. This course explores the emerging collective initiatives of inhabitants, users, and citizens who are inventing innovative solutions to fundamental needs such as food, housing, mobility, income generation, education, and health preservation. It also examines how these collectives are reimagining consumption, production, work, and coexistence in response to climate change and resource scarcity challenges.
By the end of this course, students will be able to:
This is a master's level course with no specific disciplinary prerequisites. However, a general understanding of urban planning and development is considered an asset. The course is conducted in French, so proficiency in the language is essential.
The skills acquired in this course will enable learners to critically analyze and contribute to urban development projects with a focus on community-driven initiatives. They will be able to identify and assess the potential of urban commons in transforming territories, which is invaluable for urban planners, policymakers, and community organizers. These skills can be applied to create more sustainable, inclusive, and resilient urban environments that address the pressing challenges of our time, such as climate change and resource scarcity.
This course offers a unique blend of social sciences and urban planning approaches, providing students with methodological tools to identify active commons in their environment, describe their various dimensions critically, and evaluate their potential for territorial transformation. With numerous examples and an evolving exercise related to individual experiences, students pursuing the certificate will have the opportunity to create an audiovisual narrative on the topic of commons.
As one learner on Class Central testifies, "Of great richness without being inaccessible to non-specialized audiences, it certainly requires an effort from the participants, which is accomplished with pleasure!"
Join us in this enriching exploration of urban commons and discover how they are reshaping our cities and communities for a more sustainable future.