URP 357

An introduction to the design of the built environment, society’s largest investment and biggest consumer of energy, the course’s focus will range from the room to the building to the city to the metropolis, including spaces and places that are consciously planned and intentionally designed, as well as ones that are vernacular and informal. In addition to Western history, theory and practice of architecture and urban planning, case studies of buildings and cities of different cultures and periods will be presented to deepen the student’s understanding of the environmental, economic, socio-cultural and aesthetic impacts of design and urbanism. Contemporary problems and opportunities in sustainable/resilient building and urban design will be considered, including renewable energy, resource and water conservation, and waste management. Livability, walkability, bikeability and transit, as well as the importance of a vibrant, diverse public realm in a healthy community will also be studied.