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Luca Ortelli, Catarina Wall Gago, and Karen Zysman

Housing and Cities is a design-oriented architecture course that focuses on key moments of European urban housing history. It looks into ordinary or replicated housing types of different social classes that contributed to the definition of urban identity across borders and time.

Each topic is first introduced through a general overview that examines housing from an urban point of view. Secondly, each topic is illustrated through a typological analysis, aiming for a detailed vision of domestic life at each time.

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Housing and Cities is a design-oriented architecture course that focuses on key moments of European urban housing history. It looks into ordinary or replicated housing types of different social classes that contributed to the definition of urban identity across borders and time.

Each topic is first introduced through a general overview that examines housing from an urban point of view. Secondly, each topic is illustrated through a typological analysis, aiming for a detailed vision of domestic life at each time.

Students are encouraged to have an operative view of the course, appreciating how modern and contemporary architecture has reinterpreted and been influenced by different housing models.

What's inside

Learning objectives

  • Identify the cultural context and time of diffusion of housing types
  • Examine the plans of different housing examples and recognise types of distribution and spatial organisation
  • Estimate how a specific type of housing has influenced urban character
  • Contextualise different types of housing historically and socially

Good to know

Know what's good
, what to watch for
, and possible dealbreakers
Is taught by researchers who have published in peer-reviewed journals
Is cross-listed under Urban Planning and the Built Environment
Draws from historical examples and typological analysis to inform current design practices
Is suitable for Architecture and Urban Planning students
Develops an understanding of the relationship between housing and urban identity
Is offered in English, which may limit accessibility for learners who require a different language

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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 Housing and Cities with these activities:
Review Basic Architectural Concepts
Helps refresh foundational knowledge and ensure a solid understanding of architectural principles.
Show steps
  • Review textbooks or online resources on basic architectural concepts
  • Practice sketching and drawing basic architectural elements
  • Attend a workshop or seminar on architectural fundamentals
Participate in Class Discussions
Fosters collaboration and encourages critical thinking about the various topics covered in the course.
Show steps
  • Prepare by reviewing the assigned readings or topics
  • Participate actively in online discussions by sharing insights and engaging with others
  • Reflect on the perspectives and ideas presented by classmates
Explore Interactive Architectural Case Studies
Offers visual and immersive learning experiences that enhance understanding of housing design and its impact on urban environments.
Browse courses on Housing Design
Show steps
  • Access online architectural platforms that provide interactive case studies
  • Explore different housing projects and analyze their design features
  • Identify the key elements that contribute to the success or failure of housing designs
Four other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all seven activities
Gather Resources on Housing Sustainability
Promotes awareness and understanding of sustainable housing practices and their impact on the environment.
Show steps
  • Search for articles, videos, and websites related to housing sustainability
  • Compile the resources into a digital or physical collection
  • Share the compilation with classmates or online platforms
Design a Neighborhood Housing Model
Encourages a practical understanding of housing design principles and urban planning considerations.
Browse courses on Housing Design
Show steps
  • Research different housing types and their impact on urban character
  • Develop a concept for a neighborhood housing model that addresses specific social or environmental challenges
  • Create a detailed design proposal, including sketches, plans, and descriptions
Develop a Housing Policy Proposal
Requires a deep understanding of housing issues and urban planning principles to propose well-informed solutions.
Browse courses on Housing Policy
Show steps
  • Research housing policies and best practices
  • Identify a specific housing problem or challenge in a local or regional context
  • Develop a comprehensive policy proposal outlining potential solutions and their implementation
  • Present the proposal and justify recommendations based on research and analysis
Connect with Housing Experts
Provides an opportunity to seek guidance and learn from experienced professionals in the field.
Show steps
  • Identify potential mentors through professional organizations or networking events
  • Reach out to introduce yourself and express your interest in mentorship
  • Set up regular meetings or schedule consultations to discuss housing topics and career advice

Career center

Learners who complete Housing and Cities will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:
Architect
Architects design buildings and other structures, ensuring that they are structurally sound, aesthetically pleasing, and functional. Courses such as Housing and Cities provide a strong foundation in architectural history, theory, and practice. This course specifically focuses on the design and evolution of housing, which is a critical aspect of architecture. By studying the different housing types and their impact on urban character, students can gain valuable insights that will help them design better and more sustainable buildings.
Urban Planner
Urban planners develop plans and policies that guide the development and use of land in urban areas. Courses such as Housing and Cities provide a strong foundation in urban planning history, theory, and practice. This course specifically focuses on the relationship between housing and urban form, which is a critical aspect of urban planning. By studying the different housing types and their impact on urban character, students can gain valuable insights that will help them develop better and more sustainable plans for cities.
Landscape Architect
Landscape architects design outdoor spaces, such as parks, gardens, and plazas. Courses such as Housing and Cities provide a strong foundation in landscape architecture history, theory, and practice. This course specifically focuses on the relationship between housing and the surrounding environment, which is a critical aspect of landscape architecture. By studying the different housing types and their impact on urban character, students can gain valuable insights that will help them design better and more sustainable outdoor spaces.
Architectural Historian
Architectural historians study the history of architecture and the built environment. Courses such as Housing and Cities provide a strong foundation in architectural history, theory, and practice. This course specifically focuses on the history of housing, which is a critical aspect of architectural history. By studying the different housing types and their impact on urban character, students can gain valuable insights that will help them understand the evolution of architecture and the built environment.
Construction Manager
Construction managers oversee the construction of buildings and other structures. Courses such as Housing and Cities provide a strong foundation in construction management history, theory, and practice. This course specifically focuses on the construction of housing, which is a critical aspect of construction management. By studying the different housing types and their impact on urban character, students can gain valuable insights that will help them manage construction projects more effectively.
Real Estate Developer
Real estate developers acquire, develop, and manage real estate properties. Courses such as Housing and Cities provide a strong foundation in real estate development history, theory, and practice. This course specifically focuses on the development of housing, which is a critical aspect of real estate development. By studying the different housing types and their impact on urban character, students can gain valuable insights that will help them develop more successful real estate projects.
Housing Policy Analyst
Housing policy analysts research and analyze housing policies and programs. Courses such as Housing and Cities provide a strong foundation in housing policy history, theory, and practice. This course specifically focuses on the history of housing policy, which is a critical aspect of housing policy analysis. By studying the different housing types and their impact on urban character, students can gain valuable insights that will help them develop better and more effective housing policies.
Property Manager
Property managers oversee the day-to-day operations of residential and commercial properties. Courses such as Housing and Cities provide a strong foundation in property management history, theory, and practice. This course specifically focuses on the management of housing, which is a critical aspect of property management. By studying the different housing types and their impact on urban character, students can gain valuable insights that will help them manage properties more effectively.
Urban Designer
Urban designers design the physical environment of cities, towns, and other urban areas. Courses such as Housing and Cities provide a strong foundation in urban design history, theory, and practice. This course specifically focuses on the design of housing, which is a critical aspect of urban design. By studying the different housing types and their impact on urban character, students can gain valuable insights that will help them design better and more sustainable urban environments.
Historic Preservationist
Historic preservationists work to preserve and protect historic buildings and sites. Courses such as Housing and Cities provide a strong foundation in historic preservation history, theory, and practice. This course specifically focuses on the preservation of housing, which is a critical aspect of historic preservation. By studying the different housing types and their impact on urban character, students can gain valuable insights that will help them preserve and protect historic buildings and sites.
Real Estate Agent
Real estate agents help people buy, sell, and rent homes and other properties. Courses such as Housing and Cities may be useful to real estate agents by providing them with a better understanding of the different housing types and their impact on urban character. This knowledge can help real estate agents better serve their clients and make more informed decisions about which properties to recommend.
Construction Worker
Construction workers build and repair buildings and other structures. Courses such as Housing and Cities may be useful to construction workers as well, by providing them with a better understanding of the different housing types and their impact on urban character. This knowledge can help construction workers build better and more sustainable buildings.
Carpenter
Carpenters build and repair wooden structures, such as houses, furniture, and other objects. Courses such as Housing and Cities may be useful to carpenters as well, by providing them with a better understanding of the different housing types and their impact on urban character. This knowledge can help carpenters build better and more sustainable buildings.
Electrician
Electricians install and repair electrical systems in buildings and other structures. Courses such as Housing and Cities may be useful to electricians as well, by providing them with a better understanding of the different housing types and their impact on urban character. This knowledge can help electricians install and repair electrical systems more effectively.
Plumber
Plumbers install and repair plumbing systems in buildings and other structures. Courses such as Housing and Cities may be useful to plumbers as well, by providing them with a better understanding of the different housing types and their impact on urban character. This knowledge can help plumbers install and repair plumbing systems more effectively.

Reading list

We've selected six books that we think will supplement your learning. Use these to develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a deeper understanding of the topics covered in Housing and Cities.
Examines the social life of housing, exploring the different ways in which housing shapes and is shaped by social life.
Provides a collection of photographs and drawings of the details of contemporary housing, exploring the different ways in which architects and designers have used details to create innovative and inspiring housing.
Explores the relationship between architecture and the city. It helpful reference for understanding how housing types have shaped urban development.
Provides a comprehensive overview of housing and urban development in a changing world, covering the different types of housing and urban development policies and the different factors that affect the housing and urban development market.
Examines the social and economic factors that influence the production of housing. It useful reference for understanding the role of housing in society.
Provides a comprehensive overview of housing and the built environment. It useful reference for understanding the different factors that influence housing quality and affordability.

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