Contemporary cities are characterized by widespread processes of gentrification through which specific neighborhoods are physically and socially transformed to make them more attractive. Architecture plays a crucial role in this process as it is called to contribute to change by providing new ideas about space and its association with sociality.

The course provides students with an exploration of the main social and physical transformations that are peculiar of gentrification processes taking place in contemporary cities. The course’s aim is giving the student 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 gentrification in contemporary cities. The main economic, social and morphologic changes occurring in contemporary cities will be studied. The second part will be based on students' group 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.

For attending students the evaluation will consist in:

• Case-study report to be prepared in groups (max. 4 students)
• Oral presentation of the case-study report
• Individual oral discussion of the case-study report and of the readings of the course

For non attending students the evaluation will consist in:

• An oral discussion on the bibliography

Assessment procedure

•        Oral presentation                               Group oral presentation of the main findings of the case-study
•        Case study report                               Assessment (group and individual) of the case-study report
•        Oral discussion                                   Individual discussion of the case-study report (only for attending students), theoretical questions on topics  covered  in the program

See the syllabus for the detailed list