VVZ API is not affiliated with ETH Zurich. Data might be outdated or incorrect. Please view the official ETHZ Vorlesungsverzeichnis for binding information.
History and Theory of Architecture VIII: Global Theories of Urban Design
Last Updated: 2026-06-03 00:14:00
Abstract
This course foregrounds non-Eurocentric paradigms and perspectives in the history and theory of urban design. By highlighting different urban logics and experiences, the course aims to broaden our understanding of the heterogeneity of urbanisms around the world.
Objective
Upon completion of the course, students will have: (1) identified the existence of alternative canons of knowledge which have been previously marginalised or dismissed, yet whose inclusion and discussion are essential to expanding the canon; (2) acquired in-depth knowledge of multiple urban theories developed in the Global South; (3) learnt to contextualise non-Western histories and knowledge within the framework of their broader sociopolitical contexts including imperial and (neo)colonial histories. (4) strengthened their analytical skills by engaging in in-class discussions and weekly assignments.
Content
Our understanding of how urban designers and architects can design cities is still largely affected by Western urban conditions and perspectives. The European city, in particular, with its steady and controlled growth, has served for a long time as the background against which new urban design methods and instruments are developed. As scholars who advocate a decentring and reframing of the widest conceptualisations of the urban have argued, urban design history is still based upon the dichotomy of “First World” model cities that generate new theories versus problematic “Third World” cities in need of correction. However, if our urban theorisations remain anchored in this Euro-American experience, we will be incapable of analysing and understanding the heterogeneity of urbanisms around the world. This course sets out to overcome this asymmetry by recalibrating the gaze. Course reading, lectures and in-class discussions centre around urban theories developed in cities in the Global South to illustrate that urban design and urbanisation are not prerogatives of the Western world. The course will highlight alternative canons of knowledge which have been hitherto marginalised or dismissed, yet are crucial in understanding the design and production of cities. Through studying urban theories based on cities that develop according to other logics and generate different urban experiences, this course seeks to extend our knowledge of urban design, interrogate its assumptions, and enlarge our intellectual horizons to include a wider range of perspectives.
Resources
Lecture Notes
This course is curated by senior staff of the Chair of the History and Theory of Urban Design (gta), who will ensure a wide range of voices and perspectives are represented. The course is based on a series of input lectures by invited scholars from or working on the Global South, whose work will bring fresh perspectives to the realm of urban theory. Each input lecture will be followed by a critical reflection and in-class discussion.'History and Theory of Architecture VIII: Global Theories of Urban Design' is an ongoing series. The focus of the required reading and the invited guests changes each year.
Literature
During this course different texts will be discussed. Required reading will be made available to students in digital format at the start of the semester.
General Information
- Language
- English
- Levels
- MSC
- Frequency
- Yearly recurring
Examination
- Type
- graded semester performance
Registration & Places
- Max Places
- 70
- Signup End
- 18.02.2026
Course Components
| Type | Title | Time & Place | Hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| lecture |
History and Theory of Architecture VIII: Global Theories of Urban Design
No course on 19.3.2026 (seminar week), Easter and in the last two weeks of the semester (final critiques).
|
|
2 h weekly |
Offered In
-
-
-
-
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.)
-
Specialized Courses (The specialized courses are freely selectable and offer students the opportunity to acquire in-depth knowledge in certain areas of landscape architecture. The details for the performance assessments are regulated in Art. 27.)
-