The course provides students with an exploration of the main social and physical transformations that are peculiar of contemporary cities. Architecture plays a crucial role in the creation of spaces and opportunities for social integration. The course’s aim is giving the student some critical and practical instruments to consider the social impact of current spatial and economical transformations of the city.

The course will be split in two parts. The first part will consider the main social aspects characterizing contemporary cities. The main economic, social and morphologic changes occurring in contemporary cities will be studied. The second part will be based on students' work and their presentations in class.

Attending students are required to prepare a short paper in small groups according to the instructions given by the professor.

Invited speakers, field visits, movies or other materials for discussion will enrich the course. Active participation of students throughout the course will be encouraged and evaluated.

For attending students the evaluation will consist in:

• Students’ exercise and presentation in class
• Written paper to be prepared in groups
• Oral discussion of the written paper and the bibliography

For non attending students the evaluation will consist in:

• A witten exam and an oral discussion on the indicated bibliography.

See the syllabus for a selection of the chapters to be prepared

See the syllabus for the detailed list