Science and Solutions for Cities on a Changing Planet

Undergraduate catalogue

This course examines the future of cities. The focus is on the intersection of rapid urbanization with the global grand challenges: climate, water, and energy. We start with an introduction to urbanization, how to characterize the shape and scale of cities, and the role they play at the global scale geophysically and socio-economically. We then examine heat, air and water flow in urban areas, focusing on how they induce urban heat islands, exacerbate floods, modify power consumption, and reduce thermal comfort. We conclude the course with an examination of how buildings and cities can be designed to be more sustainable, resilient and livable.