Shaping The Urban Environment

(4 Credits)

Introduces basic concepts of Western urbanism, focusing primarily on Europe and the United States. Lectures, readings, and course work present both a survey of city form since antiquity and an analysis of contemporary urban issues. Students investigate key elements of urban development, including roads, walls, water, housing, transportation, and open space, as well as factors influencing these elements, such as types and shapes of cities, engineering, and architectural form as an expression of political systems. Special attention is given to real estate development, landmark preservation, city planning, and community participation in New York City.