Keine Lehrveranstaltung am 23.10. (Seminarwoche) sowie am 11. und 18.12.2020 (vor Schlussabgaben). ONLINE-Veranstaltung mit Ausnahme vom 25.9. und 4.12.2020: Raum HIL E 71.1/71.2! Die genauen Unterrichtszeiten von ONLINE - Veranstaltungen werden von den Dozierenden kommuniziert.
In the last decades, urbanization has become a planetary phenomenon, leading to an intense debate about a new conceptionalization of urbanization. This theory seminar aims at giving an introduction into the actual debate on planetary urbanization, into urban theory, theoretical thinking and the work with scientific texts.
Learning objective
In this research seminar, we will present some of the most recent and cutting-edge research investigations into planetary urbanization and discuss some of the most exciting articles in this fascinating new field of urban research.
Content
Today, urban research is increasingly confronted with large-scale urbanization processes that unfold far beyond the realm of agglomerations, urban regions, and even mega city-regions. Urbanization has achieved a planetary reach; novel patterns of urbanization are crystallizing across diverse environments, in agricultural areas, in the space of what may appear to be wilderness, and even in the oceans. This challenges inherited conceptions of the urban as a bounded zone and a dense settlement type. The process of extended urbanization includes the formation of complex and multi-scalar relationships between centers and peripheries, the blurring and re-articulation of the urban fabric, the production of a functionalized logistical space, and the progressive operationalization of landscapes around the world. These observations suggest a radical rethinking of inherited concepts and cartographies of the urban, at all spatial scales, encompassing both built and unbuilt spaces.
Literature
The relevant texts will be distributed in the seminar. A very good overview is provided in the following edited volume: Brenner, Neil (ed.): Implosions / Explosions: Towards a Study of Planetary Urbanization. Jovis, Berlin, 2014.
Prerequisites / Notice
The course will be held in English. Participants must be able to speak and write in English. The course is restricted. Please send a motivation letter to Lindsay Howe (howe@arch.ethz.ch) until September 1st.
This is a theory course; it includes the compulsory reading of about 12 scientific articles or book chapters during the semester. Part of the performance assessment is giving a presentation and a written summary or report. Details will be announced at the beginning of the course.
Performance assessment
Performance assessment information (valid until the course unit is held again)
Performance assessment as a semester course