The course provides participants with an epistemologically deepened understanding of the subject of urban design, grounded in both well-established and emerging perspectives in architectural and urban design theory and urban studies. By looking at the historical development of cities, mainly in the modern era, and by relating to trends, opportunities and challenges identified with contemporary processes of urbanisation in a global context, the subject of urban design is placed in a broader and more problematised context. The course adopts a critical, relational and forward-looking perspective to discuss the conditions, possibilities and limitations of city making and urban design. Participants are given the opportunity to focus on specific themes and to apply the knowledge in practical exercises or cases related to their own research topic.
FAD3117 Urban histories, theories and practices 7.5 credits
Information per course offering
Information for Spring 2026 Start 4 Mar 2026 programme students
- Course location
KTH Campus
- Duration
- 4 Mar 2026 - 1 Jun 2026
- Periods
Spring 2026: P4 (7.5 hp)
- Pace of study
50%
- Application code
10993
- Form of study
Normal Daytime
- Language of instruction
English
- Course memo
- Course memo is not published
- Number of places
Places are not limited
- Target group
- No information inserted
- Planned modular schedule
- [object Object]
- Schedule
- Schedule is not published
- Part of programme
- No information inserted
Contact
Course syllabus as PDF
Please note: all information from the Course syllabus is available on this page in an accessible format.
Course syllabus FAD3117 (Spring 2026–)Content and learning outcomes
Course contents
Intended learning outcomes
After completing the course, the student should
• be familiar with the main features of how cities have been shaped historically, with an emphasis on the modern era, and be able to apply this knowledge in critical analyses of local environments.
• be able to describe current trends, opportunities and problems related to contemporary processes of urbanisation with reference to the main strands of urban research.
• be familiar with the foundations and practices of contemporary paradigms of urban design and be able to discuss their application in different contexts.
• be able to conduct a critical and theoretically grounded discussion on different aspects of urban design from a long-term perspective on sustainability.
• be able to reflect on the knowledge contribution of their own research to the subject and in relation to sustainable urban design.
Literature and preparations
Specific prerequisites
Basic eligibility for doctoral studies and a Master's degree in architecture or related subjects. English 6/English B.
Literature
Examination and completion
Grading scale
Examination
- SEM1 - Seminars, lectures and workshop , 5.0 credits, grading scale: P, F
- UPP1 - Written report or research presentation, 2.5 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. If the course is discontinued, students may request to be examined during the following two academic years.
Examiner
Ethical approach
- 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.