705-438 Comparative Cities: Asian Planning

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Subject Description

Singapore, Jakarta and Calcutta provide fascinating contrasts for planners. Calcutta has evolved from below by the activities of many thousands of individuals and groups, resulting in a chaotic but vibrant environment. Singapore, by contrast, has been shaped from above by a power elite who has known where it wanted to take the city and set about efficiently achieving that goal. Jakarta falls somewhere in between - it resembles a type of Asian Los Angeles superimposed on a big sprawling, low-lying village. What can town planners learn from these three contrasting cases? Which of these is the city of the future? The course explores Jakarta, Singapore and Calcutta in terms of people, place, the past and problems, with special focus on urban poverty and its potential alleviation. Students will work together in teams, share knowledge and observe these cities in a holistic way. Key issues in urban planning will be explored - history and population, economics and livelihoods, land, housing, and amenities, transport, social and environmental impacts, politics and the law. The three cases provide the context for evaluation and development of urban theory. The course shows students the need to observe what exists and what has evolved from the past before they can plan for the future.

Assessment

Participation (15%). Three short papers of 1300 words each (40%). A long paper of 3500 words (45%).