To promote an understanding of cities as complex ecological and cultural systems. T o explain different morphological features of cities in relation to their unique socio-cultural political and economic contexts. To stimulate students' critical thinking on the roles architects, urban designers and planners play in the transformation process of cities. To allow students to learn basic urban design principles, philosophies and obtain skills appropriate to urban design practice. To make students be aware of current debates and measures on urban sustainability. This module complies with RIBA mapping criteria as described in the following document: http://www.liv.ac.uk/media/livacuk/architecture/downloads/ARB,Mapping,per,criterion.pdf

(LO1) After this module, students will be able to: understand how cities emerged and the diverse socio-cultural, political and ecological factors that have shaped their histories – including the ways in which cities have been represented.

(LO2) Students will be familiar with key issues in urban design (including such issues as complexity of human – environmental relationships; history and theory of urban architecture; politics and material culture; heritage conservation and the diversity of meanings of ‘place’ and ‘public space’).

(LO3) Students will be informed on current debates about sustainable development and urban quality of life; and be able to apply their knowledge of these debates and other issues in the module to other aspects of their degree programme.

(S1) Improving own learning/performance - Reflective practice.

(S2) Communication (oral, written and visual) - Presentation skills - written.

(S3) Communication (oral, written and visual) - Academic writing (inc. referencing skills).

(S4) Critical thinking and problem solving - Creative thinking.

(S5) Research skills - All Information skills.

(S6) Global citizenship - Cultural awareness.

The lectures are divided into 3 themes. City design in History: an introduction of general urban history, using European, Middle Eastern, North African and Asian cities as case studies to illustrate how cities are shaped by various socio-cultural, economic, political and ecological factors; Urban design theories and practice: a general overview of urban design history, philosophy and theories, including modern and post-modern urbanism, various design approaches such as responsive environment and urban morphology; City design in the future: a brief introduction on current debate on city sustainability, globalisation, urbanisation and regeneration. 

Teaching Method 1 - Lecture
Description: Lectures to gain general knowledge of city formation and transformation; urban design theories and principles; and urban sustainability.
Attendance Recorded: Yes