Teaching Urbanism

Conceived as a compendium and reference for students, teachers, researchers, and practitioners of architecture and urbanism, this book looks into current topics in urban design and development: What is the role of architecture in urban transformation? How can architectural practice respond to challenges such as climate change, migration, social segregation, or technology and mobility? And above all, how to teach urbanism and urban design in a timely way and make it relevant for research? As a written dialogue between participants of the 2023 Lucerne Talks conference, the texts offer a shared understanding of applying different, multidisciplinary approaches, attitudes, and methods in tackling these challenges.

Teaching Urbanism is also a call for taking responsibility and position in political, social, and cultural matters and with regard to planning policies. Living spaces and buildings must be designed collectively rather than individually. The essays and brief texts expand the discussions at the 2023 Lucerne Talks on how to achieve this and what architecture can contribute to these complex processes.