OpenCourser brand icon
Sign in
Sorry, this page is no longer available
Sorry, this page is no longer available
We may earn an affiliate commission when you visit our partners.
Course image
FutureLearn logo

Enhancing the Quality of Urban Life

Fifteen Winning Projects of the Aga Khan Award for Architecture

Mohammad al-Asad, Reef Qubailat, Lara Zuriekat, Zaid Wahbeh, and Sama Gaith

Architectural projects premiated by the Aga Khan Award for Architecture that belong to the following categories: Most FutureLearn courses run multiple times. Every run of a course has a set start date but you can join it and work through it after it starts. Find out more This course will be of interest to: You can use the hashtag #FLqualityofurbanlife to talk about this course on social media.

Topics Covered

Read more

Architectural projects premiated by the Aga Khan Award for Architecture that belong to the following categories: Most FutureLearn courses run multiple times. Every run of a course has a set start date but you can join it and work through it after it starts. Find out more This course will be of interest to: You can use the hashtag #FLqualityofurbanlife to talk about this course on social media.

Topics Covered

  • Public buildings as urban landmarks.
  • Urban infrastructure: Transcending the utilitarian.
  • Co-existing with the surrounding natural context.
  • Developing public spaces in the city.
  • Improving housing conditions for the urban poor.
  • Protecting and revitalizing the city’s built heritage.
  • Addressing the needs and challenges relating to post-conflict cities.
  • Architecture and planning university students.
  • Architects and planners.
  • Municipal decision makers and staff.
  • High school students who wish to continue their studies in architecture and planning.
  • The general public.
Enroll now

Save this course

Create your own learning path. Save this course to your list so you can find it easily later.
Save

Reviews summary

Insightful urban architecture case studies

Learners say this course offers a fascinating and comprehensive exploration of fifteen award-winning architectural projects from the Aga Khan Award for Architecture. Students widely praise the stunning visuals, insightful case studies, and passionate instructors. It's highlighted for its unique perspective on global urban challenges and the transformative power of design, often inspiring new ways of thinking. While generally highly engaging and accessible, some find the lectures occasionally brief or the course more descriptive than analytical, which may give pause to professionals seeking deep technical insights or skill development. It is widely considered a strong overview for a broad audience interested in urban design.
Instructors are knowledgeable and convey course content with passion.
"The instructors are clearly experts and convey their knowledge with passion."
"The visuals were stunning and the instructors passionate."
"I appreciated the expert interviews within the course."
Provides unique perspectives on global architectural solutions and urban challenges.
"Absolutely fascinating! The case studies from the Aga Khan Award for Architecture provided such rich detail and context."
"The analysis of the award-winning projects was insightful, highlighting innovative approaches to urban challenges."
"It really inspired me to think differently about public spaces."
The course is highly praised for its high-quality videos and captivating visuals.
"The visuals were stunning and the instructors passionate."
"The video quality was superb, and the interviews with the architects and planners added a valuable dimension."
"This course offers a fantastic visual journey through significant architectural projects."
Some learners desired more engaging elements or supplementary materials.
"I wished there was more interaction or discussion opportunities, perhaps some quizzes to test understanding. It felt a bit passive at times."
"I would have loved to see some downloadable resources or case study documents to go along with the videos for deeper study."
"My main suggestion would be to add more interactive elements or perhaps an opportunity for peer review of ideas."
Ideal for general understanding; less for in-depth technical analysis.
"I felt it lacked depth in certain areas. It's great for an introduction, but as someone with prior knowledge, I was hoping for more technical analysis or design principles."
"The course is more descriptive than analytical, which might be fine for a general audience but less so for professionals seeking advanced insights."
"It's good for general knowledge but not for skill development. I expected more analytical rigor."

Activities

Coming soon We're preparing activities for Enhancing the Quality of Urban Life: Fifteen Winning Projects of the Aga Khan Award for Architecture. These are activities you can do either before, during, or after a course.

Career center

Learners who complete Enhancing the Quality of Urban Life: Fifteen Winning Projects of the Aga Khan Award for Architecture will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Reading list

We haven't picked any books for this reading list yet.
Cover image
Complexity and Contradiction in Architecture
Save
This influential work of architectural theory argues that architecture is not simply about form and function but also about complexity, contradiction, and ambiguity.
Complexity and Contradiction in Architecture
Paperback
$$
Complexity and Contradiction in Architecture by...
Paperback
$$$
Robert Venturi : Complexity & Contradiction in...
Paperback
$$$
Cover image
A Global History of Architecture
Save
This classic textbook provides a comprehensive overview of the principles and elements of architecture, covering topics such as form, space, order, and structure.
A Global History of Architecture
Paperback
Check
A Global History of Architecture
Kindle Edition
Check
Cover image
The Production of Space
Save
This Marxist analysis of space argues that space is not a neutral backdrop but a social and political construct that shapes our interactions with the world.
The Production of Space
Paperback
Check
The Production of Space
Kindle Edition
Check
Cover image
Learning from Las Vegas, revised edition
Save
This seminal work of postmodern architecture challenges the modernist orthodoxy, arguing that popular culture and vernacular architecture can be sources of inspiration for contemporary design.
Learning from Las Vegas - Revised Edition: The...
Paperback
$$
Cover image
Towards a New Architecture
Save
This manifesto for modern architecture argues for the use of new technologies and materials to create a more efficient and functional built environment.
Towards a New Architecture (Dover Architecture)
Paperback
$$
Le Corbusier Towards a New Architecture
Paperback
$
Towards a New Architecture; 0
Hardcover
$$
Towards a new architecture 1946 [Leather Bound]
Leather Bound
$$$
Towards a New Architecture
Kindle Edition
$
Cover image
The Timeless Way of Building
Save
This influential book argues for a more humane and sustainable approach to architecture, based on the principles of pattern language and natural order.
The Timeless Way of Building
Hardcover
$$
(Español) El modo atemporal de construir
Paperback
$$
Cover image
The Architecture of Happiness
Save
Explores the relationship between architecture and well-being, arguing that buildings can have a significant impact on our happiness.
The Architecture of Happiness
Paperback
$$
The Architecture of Happiness by Alain de Botton...
Paperback Bunko
$$
The Architecture of Happiness (Vintage...
Kindle Edition
$$
Cover image
The Image of the City
Save
This classic work of urban planning explores how people perceive and navigate cities, arguing that mental maps are essential for understanding the built environment.
The Image of the City
Paperback
Check
The Image of the City
Kindle Edition
Check
Cover image
The Architecture of the City
Save
Explores the relationship between architecture and the city, arguing that architecture is not simply a collection of buildings but a complex system that shapes our urban environments.
The Architecture of the City
Paperback
Check
The Architecture of the City
Kindle Edition
Check
Cover image
The Architecture of Community
Save
Argues for a return to traditional urbanism, based on the principles of human scale, walkability, and mixed-use development.
The Architecture of Community
Paperback
$$$
The Architecture of Community
Kindle Edition
$$
Cover image
Ten Shades of Green
Save
This collection of essays explores the environmental implications of architecture, arguing for a more sustainable approach to design and construction.
Ten Shades of Green: Architecture and the Natural...
Paperback
$$
Cover image
The Man in the Glass House
Save
Explores the work of Philip Johnson, one of the most influential architects of the 20th century, and his relationship to landscape and modernity.
The Man in the Glass House: Philip Johnson,...
Hardcover
$$
The Man in the Glass House: Philip Johnson,...
Kindle Edition
$$
Cover image
Building Time
Save
Explores the historical and contemporary relationship between architecture and the sciences, arguing that architecture is not simply a technical discipline but also a scientific one.
Building Time
Paperback
Check
Building Time
Kindle Edition
Check
Cover image
The Poetics of Space
Save
This philosophical exploration of the concept of space argues that space is not simply a physical entity but a fundamental aspect of human experience.
The Poetics of Space
Paperback
$$
The Poetics of Space by Bachelard Gaston (2014-12...
Unknown Binding
$$
The Poetics of Space
Kindle Edition
$$
Cover image
The Death and Life of Great American Cities
Save
Foundational text in urban studies, critically examining post-war urban planning and its impact on city life. It provides essential background knowledge on how urban environments function and the role of infrastructure within them. While not solely focused on infrastructure, its insights into urban dynamics are crucial for understanding the context in which infrastructure is planned and used. It is widely considered a must-read classic in urban planning and is often referenced in academic settings.
The Death and Life of Great American Cities
Paperback
$$
Governance and Getting the Private Sector to...
Save
Provides a case study of urban infrastructure and water management in Chennai. It covers a wide range of topics, including the challenges facing urban infrastructure in Chennai and the impacts of urban infrastructure on water management.
Governance and Getting the Private Sector to...
Paperback
Check
Governance and Getting the Private Sector to...
Kindle Edition
Check
Cover image
Sustainable Transport for Chinese Cities
Save
Provides a sustainable approach to urban infrastructure and transportation. It covers a wide range of topics, including the planning, design, and construction of sustainable urban infrastructure and transportation systems.
Sustainable Transport for Chinese Cities (Transport...
Kindle Edition
$$$$
Cover image
Urban Poverty in the Global South
Save
Provides a comparative perspective on urban infrastructure and governance. It covers a wide range of topics, including the different ways in which urban infrastructure is governed and the challenges facing urban infrastructure governance in the 21st century.
Urban Poverty in the Global South: Scale and Nature
Kindle Edition
$$$
Reducing Urban Poverty in the Global South
Kindle Edition
$$$
Cover image
Climate Change and U.S. Cities
Save
Provides a global perspective on the impacts of climate change on urban infrastructure. It covers a wide range of topics, including the risks and vulnerabilities of urban infrastructure to climate change and the adaptation and mitigation strategies that can be implemented to reduce these risks.
Climate Change and U.S. Cities: Urban Systems,...
Paperback
$$
Climate Change and U.S. Cities: Urban Systems,...
Kindle Edition
$$
Cover image
Reducing Urban Poverty in the Global South
Save
Provides a comprehensive overview of urban infrastructure from a global perspective. It covers a wide range of topics, including the history of urban infrastructure, the different types of urban infrastructure, and the challenges facing urban infrastructure in the 21st century.
Reducing Urban Poverty in the Global South
Paperback
Check
Reducing Urban Poverty in the Global South
Kindle Edition
Check

Share

Help others find this course page by sharing it with your friends and followers:
Facebook
LinkedIn
Reddit
X
Link
Email

Similar courses

Here are nine courses similar to Enhancing the Quality of Urban Life: Fifteen Winning Projects of the Aga Khan Award for Architecture.
Financing the development and evolution of infrastructure
Most relevant
SOLID Programming: Interface Segregation Principle in...
Most relevant
Adapting to the Effects of Climate Change on Quality of...
Most relevant
Sustainable Business Enterprises
Most relevant
Consumption, Marketing and Culture
Most relevant
Sustainable Fashion
Most relevant
Real Estate Development: Building Value in Your Community
Most relevant
Understanding justice and fairness in energy transitions
Most relevant
Carbon Aware Computing for GenAI Developers
Most relevant

Futurelearn Buyer Protection & Guarantee

Verified partner policies & purchase protections

UK & International University Partner
Free Trial & Audit

Free Access on Short Courses

Free access option on most short courses for the duration of the course plus 14 days; free trial available on select subscriptions and tracks.

Return & Refund Policy

14-Day Cooling-Off Refund Window

14-day statutory cooling-off refund window from the date of purchase for course upgrades, Unlimited subscriptions, and ExpertTracks, provided no tests have been attempted and no certificates have been downloaded. Renewals are non-refundable.

Buyer Protections

Verified Academic & Industry Partner

Accredited university microcredentials and certificates from top institutions (British Council, leading UK and global universities), with secure payment safeguards.

Key Purchase Protections
Free access track on many short courses
14-day cooling-off refund window on initial purchases
Refund eligible if no tests completed and no certificate issued
Accredited certifications from top UK & global universities
OpenCourser Verified Partner Policy details last reviewed: 2026-10-22
Course image
Time
21 hours
Via
FutureLearn
Institutions
Center for the Study of the Built Environment (CSBE)
Aga Khan Trust for Culture
Instructors
Mohammad al-Asad
Reef Qubailat
Lara Zuriekat
Zaid Wahbeh
Sama Gaith
Share this
Share to help others discover this course.
Facebook LinkedIn X Reddit Link Email
Begin learning today
Enroll now to gain full access to Enhancing the Quality of Urban Life.
Enroll now
Save for later
Add this course to your list. Find it anytime.
Save
Our mission

OpenCourser helps millions of learners each year. People visit us to learn workspace skills, ace their exams, and nurture their curiosity.

Our extensive catalog contains over 50,000 courses and twice as many books. Browse by search, by topic, or even by career interests. We'll match you to the right resources quickly.

Find this site helpful? Tell a friend about us.

Affiliate disclosure

We're supported by our community of learners. When you purchase or subscribe to courses and programs or purchase books, we may earn a commission from our partners.

Your purchases help us maintain our catalog and keep our servers humming without ads.

Thank you for supporting OpenCourser.

© 2016 - 2025 OpenCourser