Syllabus academic year 2011/2012
(Created 2011-09-01.)
URBAN SHELTER, THEORYABAN06
Credits: 7,5. Grading scale: UG. Cycle: A (Second Cycle). Main field: Architecture. Language of instruction: The course will be given in English on demand. ABAN06 overlaps following cours/es: ABAN05. Optional for: A4. Course coordinator: Johnny Åstrand, johnny.astrand@hdm.lth.se, Housing Development and Management. Prerequisites: At least three years approved full time education at university level (or a Bachelor degree) in architecture, landscape architecture, design, urban planning, or the equivalent. The course might be cancelled if the number of applicants is less than 10. The number of participants is limited to 20 Selection criteria: Previous credits and interview. Assessment: For a passing grade the student must attend at least 80% of the lectures, seminars, reviews and examinations. Approved presentation, active participation in seminars and approved short paper. Further information: This course requires parallel participation in the elective course Urban Shelter, 15 hp. Home page: http://www.hdm.lth.se.

Aim
The aim of the course is to give deeper understanding of urban development, -design and -shelter design in an international perspective with focus on the urban poor. The course aims to develop and synthesize knowledge from previous courses by linking concepts and theories in architecture and planning to the current discourse on development and urban shelter.

Knowledge and understanding
For a passing grade the student must

in writing, and with reference to relevant literature:

* describe the development of urban shelter design during recent decades

* identify the most important factors shaping urban shelter design internationally

* analyse the role of the architect in complex international situations and processes

* propose criteria for the design of shelter and neighborhoods that promote sustainable development.

Skills and abilities
For a passing grade the student must

in writing, and with reference to course literature:

* describe and analyze urban shelter design from a problem-oriented perspective.

Judgement and approach
For a passing grade the student must

* discuss actively the role of the architect in an international perspective

* dare to test new work areas, and even to work internationally.

Contents
The course deals with urban shelter design in an international perspective with focus on the conditions of the urban poor. How should architects work with urban shelter design now and in the future? The focus of the course is on theory and literature studies.

The course presents the historical development of urban housing design and discusses the formal and informal sectors, planned new construction, site and services, self-help housing, spontaneous settlements and improvement of slum areas. The process of urban shelter design in countries with different cultures, climates, socio-economic conditions, architecture and built environments is discussed.

The course aims to deepen knowledge and understanding of the theme and developments during recent decades through literature, lectures, seminars and a paper written by the students.

Literature
Davis, M: Planet of Slums. Verso London, New York 2006. ISBN: 1-84467-022-9.
Tannerfeldt, G & Ljung, P: More Urban Less Poor, an introduction to urban development and management. Earthscan 2006. ISBN-13: 978-1-84407-381-8.
Jenkins, P (et al.): Planning and Housing in the Rapidly Urbanising World. Routledge, New York 2007. ISBN10: 0-415-35797-7
Wakely, P (et al.): Implementing the Habitat Agenda: In Search of Urban Sustainability. DPU/University College London 2001. ISBN: 874502-00-5
Åstrand, J (et al.): 11 Lyckade bostadsprojekt: En inventering av genomförda bostadsförbättringar i tredje världen. SADEL 1988. ISBN: 91-86596-10-1
Åstrand, J (et al.): Construction in Developing Countries. Swedish Mission Council 1996. ISBN 91-85424-44-7
Acioly, C & Davidson, F: Density in Urban Development, Building Issues, Vol 8, No 3. 1996.
Sida Policy: Fighting Poverty in an Urban World, support to urban development. Department for Infrastructure and Economic Cooperation, Division for Urban Development. 2006.
United Nations Human Settlements Programme: http://www.unhabitat.org/
United Nations Millenium Development Goals: http://www.un.org/millenniumgoals/
United Nations World Urban Forum: http://www.wuf3-fum3.ca/
Building issues: http://www.hdm.lth.se/bi/INDEX.HTM