Syllabus academic year 2011/2012
(Created 2011-09-01.)
URBAN SHELTERABAN11
Credits: 15. Grading scale: UG. Cycle: A (Second Cycle). Main field: Architecture. Language of instruction: The course will be given in English on demand. ABAN11 overlaps following cours/es: ABAN10. 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 and submission of exercises and final project. Further information: This course requires parallel participation in the elective course Urban Shelter Theory, 7.5 hp. Home page: http://www.hdm.lth.se.

Aim
The main aim of the course is to give deeper understanding of urban shelter design in an international perspective with focus on the urban poor. The course also 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:

* 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 neighbourhoods that promote sustainable development.

Skills and abilities
For a passing grade the student must

in writing, and with reference to course literature:

* describe urban shelter design from a problem-oriented perspective

in drawings, and with reference to course literature:

* design a high-density neighbourhood based of concepts and theories in urban shelter and urban planning

* design a functional, comfortable and aesthetic building within a neighbourhood

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 the design of a housing area in a country in Africa, Asia or Latin America, where a field study will be carried out.

Sub-themes include use of public space, issues of safety and security, gender and physical planning, urban segregation, energy use and passive climatization of buildings and urban space, slum-upgrading, finance for low-income housing, organized self-help housing and the role of the architect in an international perspective.

The course is divided into three phases:
1 Preliminary studies (Lund).
2 Field study.
3 Applications and design (Lund).

Field studies of approximately four weeks will be done in a city in Africa, Asia or Latin America in cooperation with local authorities, companies and universities.

The design exercise includes planning a neighbourhood and designing a building. Presentation will be designs with descriptions and a short illustrated paper.

Literature
Correa, C: Housing and urbanization. Thames & Hudson Ltd London New York 1999. ISBN: 0-500-28210-2
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
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