New types of spaces have been created, historical forms have been obliterated, and there have been widely different effects on different groups, apparently increasing horizontal homogeneity while accentuating vertical division. Elements of the complex process have produced an apparent similarity of physical, social, and cultural patterns in cities around the world, yet individual cities retain unique characteristics . The course will examine concretely what characteristics of globalization affect cities, by what mechanisms they operate, and what results they produce. It will conclude by looking at how those in the design professions and in the policy arena can influence these results.
Readings reflect a wide variety of viewpoints, from historical to modern to post-modern.
The class will be run as a seminar, with a combination of lectures, class discussion, and student presentations. Time will be allocated in the final sessions for student presentation of specific case studies. Presentations of the case studies in class 3. It will be available at Labyrinth. A reader for the course will be available at cost after the first session.