Cities by Design I

Cities by Design I is concerned with in-depth longitudinal examination of urban conditions in and among selected cities in the world. The broad aims are: to engage in both comparative study for the purpose of broadening definitions of what it is to be ‘urban’; to identify characteristics that render particular cities distinct; to understand the manner in which geography, locational circumstances and related infrastructural improvements both constrain and promote opportunities for city devel-opment; and to gain insight into the role of human agencies, planning institutions and design cul-tures in shaping cities and their role in broader regions. The cities under examination are Barcelona, Boston, Berlin, Mumbai, Quito and Shanghai. Each will be the subject of three lectures, followed by student-led presentations around four pre-assigned projects, themes or events of consequence for the city in question and how these projects, themes or events are reflective of the city’s broader narratives. Both semesters of the year-long ‘Cities by Design’ course is mandatory for and limited to all incoming Master of Architecture or Landscape Architecture in Urban Design students. Grading in this Fall semester will be based on performance in the student-led presentations, attendance, general class participation, and a final response essay.