Urban Shelter - Theory
Urban Shelter, teori

ABAN06, 7.5 credits, A (Second Cycle)

Valid for: 2026/27
Faculty: Faculty of Engineering LTH
Decided by: PLED A
Date of Decision: 2026-04-13

General Information

Depth of study relative to the degree requirements: Second cycle, in-depth level of the course cannot be classified
Elective mandatory for: MSUD2
Elective for: A4, MARK2
Language of instruction: The course will be given in English

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.

Learning outcomes

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
• in writing, and with reference to relevant literature: identify the most important factors shaping urban shelter design internationally
• in writing, and with reference to relevant literature: analyse the role of the architect in complex international situations and processes
• in writing, and with reference to relevant literature: propose criteria for the design of shelter and neighborhoods that promote sustainable development.

Competences and skills
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.

Examination details

Grading scale: UG - (U, G) - (Fail, Pass)
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.

The examiner, in consultation with Disability Support Services, may deviate from the regular form of examination in order to provide a permanently disabled student with a form of examination equivalent to that of a student without a disability.

Modules
Code: 0112. Name: Urban Shelter - Theory.
Credits: 7.5. Grading scale: UG - (U, G).

Admission

Admission requirements:

• (ATHA10 The Theory and History of Architecture II (Year 2) or ATHA25 The Theory and History of Architecture IV (Year 2))
    and
  ATHF01 The Theory and History of Architecture V
    and
  AADA20 Digital Tools 5
    and
  ASBF05 The Fundamentals of Urban Design
    and
  AAHF01 Sustainable Technology in the Built Environment
    and
  AAHF10 Sustainable Architectural Design
    and
  ATHF01 The Theory and History of Architecture V
    and
  ATHF05 The Theory and History of Architecture VI
    and
  VBEA05 The Construction Process, Basic Course
    and
  AADA25 Digital Tools 6
    and
  (
    (AAHF35 Documentation and Communication and (AAHF20 Architecture - In Time and Space or AAHF26 Architecture - In Urban Contexts or AAHF30 Architecture - In the Contemporary) )
  or
    (AFKF05 Architecture - In Time and Space or ASMF01 Architecture - In Urban Contexts or AFKF01 Architecture - In the Contemporary)
  )

Reading list

• Davis, M: Planet of Slums. Verso London, New York, 2006, ISBN: 1-84467-022-9. Reference literature.
• Tannerfeldt, G & Ljung, P: More Urban Less Poor - An introduction to urban development and management. Earthscan, 2006, ISBN: 978-1-84407-381-8. Reference literature.
• Jenkins, P (et al.): Planning and Housing in the Rapidly Urbanising World. Routledge, New York, 2007, ISBN: ISBN 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. Reference literature.
• Åstrand, J (et al.): 11 Succesful Housing Projects. SADEL, 1990, ISBN: 91-86596-11-X. Reference literature.
• Åstrand, J (et al.): Construction in Developing Countries. Swedish Mission Council, 1996, ISBN: 91-85424-44-7. Reference literature.
• Acioly, C & Davidson, F: Density in Urban Development. Lund University, 1996. Building Issues, Vol 8, No 3 Reference literature.
• UN-Habitat: Urbanization and Development - Emerging Futures. United Nations Human Settlements Programme, 2016.
• Correa, C: Housing and urbanization. Thames & Hudson Ltd London New York, 1999, ISBN: 0-500-28210-2.

Contact

Course coordinator: Ivette Arroyo, ivette.arroyo@abm.lth.se
Course coordinator: Laura Liuke, laura.liuke@abm.lth.se
Examinator: Ivette Arroyo, ivette.arroyo@abm.lth.se
Examinator: Laura Liuke, laura.liuke@abm.lth.se
Course homepage: https://www.abm.lth.se/english/

Further information

This course should be taken together with ABAN11 Urban Shelter, 15 hp.

Any optional study trips or study visits are to be paid for by the student.