705-338 Planning Asian Cities

The growth of mega-urban regions in the Asia-Pacific requires a challenge to theoretical frameworks as well as planning, government structures and community relations. An understanding of local life makes management and planning decisions meaningful. However, to focus entirely on the local ignores the complexity of the immense challenges of the regional and global. In this course we will examine this interrelationship and the opportunities and problems this creates for planning within the Asia-Pacific. Specifically, students will develop skills and tools to undertake a project planning exercise which links conceptual and practical planning issues in the Asia-Pacific, on such issues as shelter and infrastructure, environment and sustainability, poverty, urbanization, migration, population, transport, and community based planning.

One essay of 2500 words, major project and in-class exercises.