Building Inclusive Cities: Tackling Urban Inequality and Segregation from edX

Urban design, inequality and segregation are strongly connected.

Cities around the world, from the Global South to the Global North, are facing a rise in inequality and socio-economic segregation. The wealthy are increasingly concentrating in the most attractive urban areas and poverty is spreading to the suburbs. Rising levels of segregation have major consequences for the social sustainability of cities and leads to unequal life opportunities depending on where in the city you live.

In this course, aimed at a broad range of professionals, from urban planners and architects to geographers, you will learn what the main drivers and indicators of urban inequality and segregation are, using examples from cities from all over the world. You will learn how segregation is measured, how to interpret the results of the analyses of segregation and how to relate these insights to urban design. With this knowledge, you will be able to analyze how these issues may be affecting your local environment.

Additionally, we will present some historical examples of how urban design has played a role shaping spatial inequality and segregation in a selection of case study cities. This will help you to get a better understanding of how urban design can reduce spatial inequality and segregation.

The course is taught by the editors of the new SpringerOpen book “Urban socio-economic segregation and income inequality. A global perspective” and senior experts from the Urban Design section of TU Delft, which is ranked number 2 in the QS World University Rankings in the field of Architecture.

What's inside

Learning objectives

Identify the main drivers of urban inequality and socio-economic segregation and the links between them
Understand how segregation can be measured
Examine the consequences of urban inequality and segregation based on the case studies presented

Evaluate the urban inequality and segregation aspects of your own urban context
Develop urban design and policy solutions to suit your own urban context
After taking this course you will be able to:

Identify the main drivers of urban inequality and socio-economic segregation and the links between them
Understand how segregation can be measured
Examine the consequences of urban inequality and segregation based on the case studies presented
Evaluate the urban inequality and segregation aspects of your own urban context
Develop urban design and policy solutions to suit your own urban context
After taking this course you will be able to:

Syllabus

Week 1: Introduction

In the first week you will learn about the key concepts of this course – inequality, segregation, the inclusive city and urban design, as well as how these concepts relate to each other. Global segregation trends will be explained and illustrated through case studies. We will discuss how urban design can help to reduce spatial inequality in cities. By sharing the experiences of your peers, you will find out about differences in various parts of the world.

Traffic lights

Read about what's good

what should give you pause

and possible dealbreakers

Builds a foundation for urban planners, architects, and geographers

Taught by senior experts from TU Delft, which is highly regarded in the field

Explores the impact of urban design on inequality and segregation

Provides case studies from cities around the world, adding context

Hands-on assignments help students apply methods and concepts

Introduces practical methods for analyzing segregation and urban inequality

Reviews summary

Practical insights for inclusive urban development

According to students, this course offers a comprehensive and insightful exploration of urban inequality and segregation, providing a strong theoretical foundation coupled with practical tools for urban design. Learners especially appreciate the global case studies and the opportunity to apply concepts directly to their own urban contexts through the final assignment. The expert instruction from TU Delft faculty is consistently highlighted as a major strength. While the forum discussions can vary in engagement, the course equips professionals with a valuable framework for building inclusive cities.

Provides strong theoretical framework with practical application.

"The course provided a robust theoretical foundation necessary for understanding the drivers of segregation."

"While I gained a strong conceptual understanding, I sometimes wished for more detailed, 'how-to' practical tools for immediate implementation."

"It strikes a good balance between academic rigor and strategies that can be applied in real-world scenarios."

Benefit from the deep knowledge of leading TU Delft faculty.

"The instructors from TU Delft were clearly experts, making complex topics accessible and engaging."

"I gained immense value from the senior experts; their insights into urban design and inequality were invaluable."

"The course material felt highly credible and well-researched, reflecting the instructors' deep academic background."

Empowers learners to apply theories to their own urban settings.

"The final assignment was very practical; I could directly analyze and propose solutions for my own city's urban issues."

"I appreciated learning methods to assess an urban environment's potential for inclusivity, directly applicable to my work."

"This course truly helped me develop actionable urban design and policy solutions relevant to my local context."

Offers a broad, multi-scalar view with international examples.

"I found the course's exploration of segregation across regional, city, and neighborhood scales incredibly insightful."

"The inclusion of diverse global case studies significantly enriched my understanding of urban inequality challenges worldwide."

"This course provided a holistic perspective, linking theory with practical applications in various international contexts."

Peer interaction quality can vary depending on active participation.

"I found the forum discussions valuable when peers were active, but engagement was sometimes inconsistent."

"While the course content was excellent, I felt that more consistent instructor presence in the forums could enhance learning."

"Connecting with peers globally in the forums was insightful, though some weeks were quieter than others."

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Building Inclusive Cities: Tackling Urban Inequality and Segregation with these activities:

Practice spatial analysis

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Enhance your existing spatial analysis skills by working on practice problems.

Browse courses on GIS

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Refer to your notes or study materials to review the concepts and techniques of spatial analysis.
Find online datasets or use case studies to practice applying spatial analysis techniques.
Utilize free or paid software tools such as QGIS, ArcGIS, or Google Earth Pro.

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Career center

Learners who complete Building Inclusive Cities: Tackling Urban Inequality and Segregation will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Urban Designer

As an Urban Designer, you are responsible for designing and planning urban areas, ensuring they are livable, sustainable, and equitable. This course aligns perfectly with your profession, providing a deep understanding of urban inequality and segregation. You will gain insights into the drivers and consequences of these issues, empowering you to create urban designs that promote social justice and reduce disparities. The course also covers practical design solutions, equipping you with tools to implement inclusive urban planning strategies.

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Urban Planner

As an Urban Planner, you play a crucial role in designing and shaping cities, towns, and other urban areas. This course can be highly beneficial for you, providing a comprehensive understanding of urban inequality and segregation, key issues you will encounter in your work. By learning about the causes and consequences of these issues, you can develop effective strategies to create more inclusive and equitable urban environments. Additionally, the course offers practical insights into urban design solutions, empowering you to design cities that promote social justice and reduce disparities.

See salaries and explore the career path for Urban Planner

Community Development Specialist

As a Community Development Specialist, you work to improve the well-being of communities, often focusing on underserved and marginalized populations. This course can be highly beneficial for your work, providing insights into the root causes of urban inequality and segregation. By understanding the complex factors that contribute to these issues, you can develop and implement effective community development strategies that promote social justice and reduce disparities. The course also covers the role of urban design in shaping spatial inequality, offering valuable knowledge for your work in community revitalization and empowerment.

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Architect

As an Architect, your designs have a significant impact on the built environment and the communities that inhabit it. This course can provide valuable knowledge for your profession, delving into the relationship between urban design and socio-economic inequality. By understanding the causes and consequences of segregation, you can design buildings and urban spaces that foster inclusivity and reduce disparities. The course also covers historical examples of urban design's role in shaping spatial inequality, offering valuable insights for your practice.

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Urban Revitalization Specialist

As an Urban Revitalization Specialist, you are responsible for developing and implementing strategies to revitalize distressed urban areas and promote community well-being. This course can provide a solid foundation for your work, offering insights into the root causes of urban inequality and segregation. By understanding the complex factors that contribute to these issues, you can develop effective revitalization strategies that address social and economic disparities and create more vibrant and equitable communities. The course also covers the role of urban design in shaping spatial inequality, offering valuable knowledge for your work in community redevelopment and empowerment.

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Urban Policy Advisor

As an Urban Policy Advisor, you provide expert advice to policymakers on urban issues, including inequality and segregation. This course can provide a strong foundation for your work, offering a comprehensive understanding of the causes and consequences of urban inequality and segregation. By learning about the complex factors that contribute to these issues, you can provide evidence-based policy recommendations and advocate for policies that promote social justice and reduce disparities.

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Fair Housing Advocate

As a Fair Housing Advocate, you work to ensure equal access to housing for all, regardless of race, color, national origin, religion, sex, familial status, or disability. This course can provide valuable knowledge for your work, offering insights into the root causes and consequences of urban inequality and segregation. By understanding the complex factors that contribute to these issues, you can develop and advocate for policies and practices that promote fair housing and reduce disparities.

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Community Organizer

As a Community Organizer, you play a vital role in empowering communities to address social issues, including urban inequality and segregation. This course can provide valuable knowledge for your work, offering a comprehensive understanding of the root causes and consequences of these issues. By learning about the complex factors that contribute to inequality and segregation, you can effectively organize and mobilize communities to advocate for change and create more just and equitable neighborhoods.

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Sociologist

As a Sociologist, you study human societies and interactions, including urban communities. This course can be highly beneficial for your research, providing a framework for understanding urban inequality and segregation. You will learn about the social and economic factors that contribute to these issues, enabling you to conduct in-depth research and contribute to theoretical knowledge. Furthermore, the course explores the role of urban design in shaping spatial inequality, offering valuable insights for your analysis of urban dynamics.

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Nonprofit Program Manager

As a Nonprofit Program Manager, you play a vital role in designing and implementing programs that address social issues, including urban inequality and segregation. This course can provide valuable knowledge for your work, offering a comprehensive understanding of the root causes and consequences of these issues. By learning about the complex factors that contribute to inequality and segregation, you can develop and manage programs that effectively address these issues and promote social justice. The course also covers the role of urban design in shaping spatial inequality, offering valuable knowledge for your work in community development and empowerment.

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Geographer

As a Geographer, you study the physical and human characteristics of the Earth, including urban areas. This course can complement your knowledge by providing insights into the spatial dimensions of inequality and segregation in cities. You will learn about the methods used to measure and analyze segregation, enabling you to conduct research and contribute to evidence-based policymaking. Furthermore, the course explores the role of urban design in shaping spatial inequality, providing valuable perspectives for your understanding of urban dynamics.

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Housing Policy Researcher

As a Housing Policy Researcher, you focus on studying and developing policies related to housing, including affordable housing and fair housing. This course can provide valuable knowledge for your work, offering a comprehensive understanding of urban inequality and segregation, particularly as they relate to housing issues. By learning about the causes and consequences of these issues, you can contribute to evidence-based policymaking and advocate for policies that promote housing equity and reduce disparities.

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Policy Analyst

As a Policy Analyst, you play a vital role in developing and evaluating policies that impact urban areas. This course can provide a strong foundation for your work, offering insights into the complex issues of urban inequality and segregation. By understanding the causes and consequences of these issues, you can contribute to evidence-based policymaking and advocate for policies that promote social justice and reduce disparities. The course also covers the role of urban design in shaping spatial inequality, providing valuable knowledge for your analysis and recommendations.

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Social Impact Investor

As a Social Impact Investor, you seek to invest in organizations and projects that create positive social and environmental change. This course can provide valuable knowledge for your work, offering insights into the root causes and consequences of urban inequality and segregation. By understanding the complex factors that contribute to these issues, you can make informed investment decisions and support organizations that effectively address these issues and promote social justice.

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Real Estate Developer

As a Real Estate Developer, you play a significant role in shaping the built environment and influencing urban dynamics. This course can provide valuable insights for your work, offering a comprehensive understanding of urban inequality and segregation. By learning about the causes and consequences of these issues, you can make informed decisions about development projects and contribute to creating more inclusive and equitable communities. The course also covers the role of urban design in shaping spatial inequality, providing valuable knowledge for designing and implementing sustainable and socially responsible development projects.

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