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.

Week 2: The vicious circle of segregation

The second week focuses on the connectedness of segregation in different domains of daily life: places of residence, work, schools and during leisure time. The concept of a vicious circle of segregation helps us to understand these connections. We further discuss the role of inequality in producing and reproducing segregation, and how place-based, people-based and connectivity-based policy responses can help to break this circle. You will find out that there are many ways to measure segregation and learn how to interpret segregation indices.

Week 3-5: Regional, city and neighborhood scale

In the parallel modules in weeks 3-5, you will be introduced to the multiple relationships between the physical form of cities and the creation of an inclusive living environment on three different urban scales: regional, city and neighborhood. Inclusive cities must provide all citizens with equal access to public resources, including opportunities to participate in the planning and governance of space. Dutch case studies in which methods of analysis are demonstrated will enable you to assess an urban environment’s potential for inclusivity.

The regional scale

On the regional scale we will introduce design principles and show how these may influence concrete proposals at the local level. Even though the term ‘regional design’ may seem overly ambitious or even impossible, examples are given that explain the scope of the term and its importance in policy making and design practice. With the help of practical examples you will become acquainted with long term effects of regional planning, the importance of developing and evaluating scenarios and other aspects of regional design processes.

The city scale

On the city scale we focus on the interdependencies of the physical form of cities and their inclusive qualities. Ensuring access to necessary public resources or services, such as education and affordable housing, is an essential part of inclusive city design. You will learn how to analyze and assess the physical form of the city and its qualities, employing methods of urban spatial analysis. The module will emphasize urban borders and connectivity between neighborhoods, the distribution of local urban centers, and the diversity of housing types.

The neighborhood scale

On the neighborhood scale we focus on creating inclusive public spaces and neighborhoods. The way the city is designed and experienced from a perspective at eye level is strongly related to design decisions on other scale levels and vice versa. You will learn how to analyze movement patterns within neighborhoods as well as interventions in the public domain.

Week 6: Final assignment

Our shared goal is to build inclusive cities all over the world. In week 6 you will work on the final assignment with reference to your own urban context. You will bring together challenges and solutions to address inequality and segregation, using theories and tools presented during the course.

Week 7: Re-connect

In the last week we will re-connect and learn even more from each other. We will look back at the methods and design concepts offered in the course, at the solutions you developed for your own urban context, your vision of an inclusive city and your views on the role that urban design can play in breaking the vicious circle of inequality and segregation.

Good to know

Know what's good

, what to watch for

, 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

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

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.

See salaries and explore the career path for Urban Policy Advisor

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.

See salaries and explore the career path for Fair Housing Advocate

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.

See salaries and explore the career path for Urban Revitalization Specialist

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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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.

See salaries and explore the career path for Housing Policy Researcher