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Urban Systems
Last Updated: 2026-02-05 15:54:50
Abstract
A combination of lectures and excursions will provide the tools to understand the landscape systems that structure and support the urban condition. Lectures will present global examples of systems of water supply and drainage, soil, urban forests, wilds and production. Through a series of excursions and exercises the students will discover and document the urban systems of Zurich.
Objective
Students will learn how the territory, climate and geology create potentials and constraints for the development of cities around the world, and students will also engage with the field Urban Ecology. By looking closely at the condition of the city, students will produce knowledge about the state of landscape systems close to home. Lastly, students will understand how this methodology informs the design process.
Content
The course is organized around core landscape systems, including water supply, water drainage, soil, urban forests, wilds and production. There are three types of lectures. The first category consists of several introductory lectures that give an overview of the topics and methodology. These lectures will provide a coherent series of examples of urban systems throughout the world. The second category of lectures are presentations from experts in each specific topic covered in the course. The third category consists of excursions around Zurich that will reveal the landscape systems of our region.
Resources
Lecture Notes
Course material will be provided.
Literature
The course material includes a reading list.
Learning Materials (Links)
- Main link
- Information
General Information
- Language
- English
- Levels
- MSC
- Frequency
- Yearly recurring
Examination
- Type
- graded semester performance
Course Components
| Type | Title | Time & Place | Hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| lecture |
Urban Systems
No course on 22.3. (seminar week), during Easter Holidays and public Holidays (s. room reservations!)
|
|
2 h weekly |
Offered In
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Core Courses (The core courses build on the basic courses and convey basic, broad knowledge in the core areas of landscape architecture in relation to design lessons. Some of the core courses are compulsory and some are freely selectable. Further details, in particular about taking these subjects, for performance assessments and for compensating for failed subjects, are regulated in Art. 27 and Art. 31 Paragraph 4.)
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