University of Miami School of
Architecture
ARC 584
Community Building,
Sustainable Development and the New Urbanism
Spring 2001; 3 credits; Section T
Tuesdays and Thursdays 5.00 – 6.15 p.m., SOA Library
Dr Richard John [rjohn@arc.miami.edu]
Course
Syllabus
Catalogue Description A structured program of readings, presentations and essays developed in conjunction with the symposia of the Knight Program in Community Building
General Description Students will meet for bi-weekly seminar sessions to consider the history, theory and practice of the New Urbanism through the reading of texts and examination of case studies. They will also attend the two Knight Program symposia which will occur during the semester. The classroom meetings will be supplemented by field trips to examples of traditional neighborhood design.
The seminar’s weekly readings will consider
contemporary issues which communities face in planning for future growth including, for instance,
the needs of commercial and residential development, traffic, historic
preservation and environmental protection. The class will also examine texts
chosen to trace the theoretical pre-cursors of New Urbanism, in particular
looking at planning ideas from Ebenezer Howard to Leon Krier. Finally, in
addition to these texts, the seminar will study exemplary projects and model
proposals from early twentieth-century examples, such as those by John Nolen
and Parker and Unwin, to contemporary experiments in building sustainable
communities, ranging from Celebration to HUD’s Hope VI program.
Educational Objective To develop an awareness of the tools and methods of functional
analysis, sociological inquiry, and historical investigation with regard to the
urban environment. To foster an understanding of the critical urban development
issues affecting communities across the country, including inner-city decay,
suburban sprawl, inadequate zoning, traffic problems and lack of effective
policies for balanced growth. To familiarize students with the economic,
political and philosophical solutions to these challenges which are currently
being explored by practitioners.
Instructional Method Seminar-based discussions of readings and case studies, symposia, and field trips
Required text Readings will be set weekly for the whole class; in addition, students will be required to pursue individual programs of reading and research relating to their own presentations. A general bibliography is attached.
Term Project Students will be required to make two presentations. The first, just before Spring recess, will focus on a particular theme or issue; the second, at the end of the semester, will take the form of a case study of a town or development [either contemporary or historical]. These presentations will form the basis of mid term and final papers.
Mid Term Presentation 15%
Mid Term Paper 20%
Final Presentation 15%
Final Paper 20%
Attendance Policy The University of Miami has no provision for unexcused absences. Attendance at all classes is expected. All excuses are to be submitted in writing for the instructor’s approval.