History of architecture

History of urban planning: doctrines, projects and urban policies

The aim of this course is to explore the history of urban planning both thematically and chronologically, a term that we question and restore in a broader lexicon (urban art, planning, town planning, urban design, Städtebau, etc.). Since its emergence at the turn of the 20th century, urban planning has remained an unstable, unified field. In the face of successive urban crises and changing political contexts, architects have contributed to the definition of this field through their theoretical and project-based contributions. One of the challenges of this course is to take a critical look at these responses, in order to provide elements of analysis for current situations.

Targeted skills
-Consolidation of fundamental knowledge of architectural culture.
-Acquire knowledge specific to urban culture, integrating more complex issues.
-Ability to adopt the multidisciplinary approach inherent in urban project analysis.
-Ability to demonstrate a critical and synthesizing spirit that enhances the value of the training acquired, in written and oral expression and in the link with the introductory course in urban design.

After an introductory session, the course is structured around a series of major themes (the big city, city and nature, etc.) that address a number of important issues and their evolution, enabling us to consider the architect’s place among the various players involved in the discipline of urban planning. The evolution of theoretical and critical discourse throughout the twentieth century is analyzed in parallel with the study of projects from different geographical areas, supported by a series of text extracts from the bibliography. Within these broad themes, all sessions follow a chronological order and are supported by a historiographical discourse.

Written exam.
For Erasmus students: possibility of taking the written exam in English.

Readings throughout the semester

Transmitted during the first session.