A31SFA Urban Morphology and Urban Design Theories 6.0 credits

This course is an introduction to urban morphology—its fundamental concepts and components and the analytical theories and methods for describing and critically discussing them. The key concepts and components that are introduced, discussed, and tested in exercises are: density, accessibility, diversity, landscape, place, and typology. Central to the course is giving students a deeper understanding of urban morphology as the key medium for architects engaged in urban development, but also how it interacts with and influences other fundamental urban phenomena such as public character, market segments, and ecosystems. In lectures and readings, the course presents the fundamental importance of urban space for social sustainability through for example social integration, economic sustainability through local markets, and ecological sustainability through establishing and strengthening urban ecological systems. These aspects are also applied in concrete exercises.

The course also introduces different traditions in urban theory from a global perspective. Students confront many examples with various points of departure, approaches, and methods to help them critically reflect and evaluate the consequences of each in relation to various urban planning traditions. The course aims to develop a frame of reference made up of various viewpoints and strategies that are relevant to contemporary urban development. It includes fundamental discussions about power theory perspectives, and how socioeconomic conditions and political systems and practices influence the role of the architect and the practice of urban planning.

The course is divided into two parts.

You should pass the course A11HIB History and Theory of Architecture 1: Introduction to European Architecture 7.5 credits and A21HIC History and Theory of Architecture 2: Architecture and Modernity 9.0 credits

To be announced at course start.

If the course is discontinued, students may request to be examined during the following two academic years.

• MOM1 - Moment 1, 3.0 credits, grading scale: P, F
• MOM2 - Moment 2, 3.0 credits, grading scale: P, F

Based on recommendation from KTH’s coordinator for disabilities, the examiner will decide how to adapt an examination for students with documented disability.

The examiner may apply another examination format when re-examining individual students.

The learning outcomes are examined through the records of the design process, and through the outcomes of the course specified assignments. To achieve the approved level (pass) students must have approved tasks, including 80% attendance at lectures, seminars, tutorials and reviews.

A reflection on the individual learning process must be handed in.

Special regulations for completion apply. The rules for completion can be found on the programme web.

Catharina Gabrielsson

• All members of a group are responsible for the group's work.
• In any assessment, every student shall honestly disclose any help received and sources used.
• In an oral assessment, every student shall be able to present and answer questions about the entire assignment and solution.