This interdisciplinary course introduces students to urban design including its history, principles and processes, and impacts on people, places, and communities.

Over the course of the semester, students will gain a foundational understanding of the history and evolution of the field and the modes and methods of practice through readings and presentations, conversations with practitioners, interactive class discussions and workshops, and site visits. Students will acquire knowledge about the field, learn about professional resources and tools, and develop skills to navigate and participate in urban design processes and projects.

Throughout the course, we will explore the role of urban design in cities and society. We will consider the actors involved and intersections with architecture, landscape architecture, public policy, real estate development, urban planning, and other disciplines. We will examine the influence of culture and history, economics, and politics, and the benefits of advocacy and public engagement to advance ambitious civic visions and create beautiful, inclusive, and resilient places.

Each student will develop, practice, and refine skills of observation, inquiry, and critique via the semester-long research, evaluation, and documentation of a completed Boston development. Weekly prompts will help students integrate and apply ideas and lessons learned from readings and discussions and communicate them verbally, visually, and in writing. Students will share and discuss their progress with the class via informal presentations and pin-ups throughout the semester. Instructor and peer feedback on these and weekly assignments will contribute to and inform each student’s production of a detailed, illustrated case study about their project which is due at the conclusion of the semester.

This course is open to anyone interested in learning about design and the urban environment. Urban design is, by nature, experiential and visual. Prior experience with design, planning, and visual representation is not required, however a keen curiosity and desire to observe, explore, and learn is expected.