History and Theory in Architecture IX (Avermaete)

Abstract

This survey course offers an introduction to urban theory for students of architecture and urban design, by exploring the past and current discourses on cities and urban development.

Objective

It is often said that we live in an ‘urban age’: cities are the most common habitat for the inhabitants of the world, today. Moreover, while more than half the global population lives in cities according to the reports of the UN, it is expected that within the next few decades this amount will increase to two-thirds. This ‘urban’ condition, however, cannot be generalized. Within the term ‘city’ a broad range of different urban conditions are taken together: from metropolises to suburban neighborhoods, and from shrinking (old industrial) cities to the new cities that prosper under the conditions of globalization. Nevertheless, because of the increase of the urbanized environments, the development of cities forms the topic of discussion among a wide range of people. Urban developments do concern politicians, economists, anthropologists, philosophers, citizens and activists, developers and designers. In turn, the urban realm has provoked theorists, citizens, politicians, artists and designers to think and write about its form and functioning, appearance and structure. The discourse regarding the current growth of cities has a long pedigree in history, going back to the establishment of Greek and Roman city-states. In turn, urban planners have made valuable contributions to these discussions, in writings and in actual urban design projects and proposals. This survey course aims to offer an introduction to urban theory for students of architecture and urban design, by exploring the past and current discourses on cities and urban development. By investigating a range of topics, from politics to poverty, and from modernization to commodification, it aims to show how urban and architectural design are related to theory. The aim of the course is to challenge the question how architects and urban designers can have an influence on urban development. With this question, also students are urged to reflect upon their own position regarding architectural interventions in the urban fabric. This course aims to offer a survey of the history and current state of urban theory for students of urban design and architecture. Weekly, one-hour lectures address one particular topic at a time (e.g. politics, public space, capital). In each lecture, this theme is investigated through three case-studies (either of particular cities or seminal contributions by theorists or designers) that highlight crucial moments in the history and developments of cities. At the same time, the case studies will be structured so as to bridge between urban theories and concrete urban situations, design reflections and political ambitions. This will help convey to students the historical pedigree of current discourses on cities, whether simultaneously gain insight the role of designers in respect to the chosen topic. Students will prepare the meetings by reading fragments from core texts on the forehand.

Content

Lecture 01 - Introduction Lecture 02 - Politics Lecture 03 - Public Space Lecture 04 - Capital Lecture 05 - Technology Lecture 06 - Justice Lecture 07 - Housing Lecture 08 - Tourism Lecture 09 - Immigration Lecture 10 - Urban Form

Resources