spring 2007
ARC 350R/386M:
The City as Form and Idea in Europe and the US
Instructor:
Barbara Hoidn
Over the centuries a variety of important and influential city models and forms have developped, which became universal reference of human civilisation with regard to their historical, sociological, cultural and artistic context.
The cities we live in today are not the result of a continuous and homogenious history but are characterized by major interferences, transformations and planned interventions. Ideally, behind each of these interventions one may find an idea of the city, a contemporary philosophical concept or a theoretical construct, which is made visible by the form of the city.
PROGRAM
The history of cities is not scientifically documented or entirely researched in a holistic understanding of the topic which is part of the inconsistencies and speculative nature of urban design practice.
In this seminar we will seek to increase an interdicsiplinary insight and curiosity in judging urban design strategies rather then dentifying only formal patterns applicable in urban design practice.
The seminar will investigate the progression of significant developments in urban form beginning with the earliest documented metropolitan capitals ending with the most recent and prognosted trends. Astonishingly enough, in the light of a history of almost 10.000 years of human dwelling mankind has created only a few cities around the world to refer to as valid role models.
Cities and related Urban Theory will be discussed in a chronological order as well as thematically grouped to understand the cultural context of their existence.
A chronological historical sequence in a fairly conventional lecture format will introduce into the subject supplemented by related individual readings and oral presentations followed by discussions
EDUCATIONAL OBJECTIVES
Given the new urban explosions that are arising from growing urban, regional and global tensions and are felt mainly in metropolitan areas it becomes obvious that urban design practice cannot any longer be applied efficiently without an interdisciplinary approach.
The chronological approach to the history and theory of city form helps to reveal certain permanent phenomena inherent to the development of cities and - over the course of time- redundant patterns of change : such as density, slums, sanitary issues, security issues, exodus of cities, impact of existing or lacking transportation systems, lobbyism and partial interests.
An encyclpedic knowledge of the history of cities is the first condition for independent research, to obtain a critical opinion and to contribute to urban design debate.