Urban Design Theories

Description

Urban design is mainly concerned with cities. It focuses on the creation of places where buildings relate to each other in a meaningful way to enhance and inspire the human lives. Cities are places where human civilizations were made in the first place. It is the place where writing was invented, the rule of law manifested and where architecture was established, meeting with others (civilizations, foreigners) was possible. In a world that is growing with more than 50% of the population already living in cities rising to 75% in the near future, cities become the prime destinations for human beings. Cities are also the place where the major advances in science and technology occurs causing an unprecedented development since the industrial revolution. This comes with a high price of environmental degradation that threatens the very existence of the humankind. Cities are not bound to their local conditions, in fact history and current situation points to the importance and the amount of influence that other cultures, places inflict in every aspect of our cities. Cities are now competing in a global scale to attract not only tourists, but rather to attract investments. In such circumstances it is important that any attempts to intervene in our cities and especially the public places to be grounded on a solid understanding of the urban context. This proper understanding has to explore the origins of urban form, the relevant theories dealing with urban places and spaces and appreciate the amount of challenges facing the human beings in our cities and how are they driven by the political, social and economical situation. It is also important to examine the most recent trends in urban design to critically review the possible scenarios of the urban future being lead before us.

Program

M.Sc. In Architectural Engineering and Environmental Design

Objectives

•  To be aware of contemporary urban design theories.  To be able to critically examine and review contemporary urban design theories.  To relate urban design realities to the global and theoretical context.  To be able to identify challenges of urban design in the Egyptian city.  To develop personal views regarding these urban challenges