If we are to create sustainable peace and global security, it is becoming increasingly imperative that the challenges posed by rapid urbanization in the South be confronted both through the development of relevant theoretical understanding, empirical research and grounded and well focused practice. The countries in the South are experiencing significant growth in urbanization and they are all in their own ways trying to confront the challenges posed by the growth of slums, the problems of urban sprawl and the growing need for good design with which to develop sustainable urban settlements. Architects, urban designers and planners play a crucial role in addressing the challenges that rapid urban development, urban sustainability and poverty alleviation present.

In this course we will examine underlying reasons for these processes, different efforts at addressing these challenges and look at the role of architects, urban and landscape designers as well as planners in this effort.

Particular emphasis will be placed on cases from East Africa as case examples for analysis and discussion.

Theoretical insight into the issues and challenges facing the South.

Practical knowledge of different approaches to alleviating poverty, sprawl and other urban problems.

The course will include both theoretical texts, descriptive accounts of particular urban contexts as well as discussion by practitioners about efforts to address the critical challenges of rapid urbanization.

The course will include short reviews of relevant readings as well as one design or policy based project which will, using the relevant material from the class readings and discussion, address a particular challenge or issue.

The course is assessed as pass/fail, subject to the Regulations for Master's degree programmes at Oslo School of Architecture and Design, § 6-14.

Mandatory reading  

Will be provided at the beginning of semester

Recommended reading  

Will be provided at the beginning of semester