02.548: Advanced Urban Analysis – Environmental Sustainability

Implying that sustainable use of natural resources involves social justice and economic development as well as environmental concerns, the notion of sustainability has led away from narrower conceptions of urban environmentalism, toward more consideration for the future, greater integration of social and economic goals with environmental and ecological objectives, and hence a fundamental rethinking of how cities should be theorised, planned and managed.

This course introduces graduate students to the emerging field of urban sustainability from a combined academic-practical perspective. The course provides students with the theoretical and methodological tools with which to explore the potential for a sustainable urbanism. Approaches to foster more sustainable and resilient forms of urbanisation and urban life in different sectors of urban operation (i.e. building, energy, transportation, land use, water, etc.) will be introduced and evaluated.

Course deliverables include a mid-term essay, a group case-project, and in-class activities. A Climate Fresk Workshop as well as a field trip to Bishan Park and meetings with experts also form course components.

The course is divided into four sequential sections:

1. Conceptual Foundations of Urban Environmental Sustainability (Week 1-4);
2. Cities and Climate Change (Week 5-8);
3. Solutions and Applications (including field trip) (Week 9-13); and
4. Synthesis and Reflection (Week 14).

Instructors: Dr Jennifer Li & Ms Karen Tham
Time: Tuesday (9.30AM-12.30PM)
Venue: Think Tank 6 (1.408)

Week 1: Introduction and Background
Week 2: Blue and Green Infrastructures II — Urban Greenery
Week 3: Blue and Green Infrastructures I — Water
Week 4: Chinese New Year (no class)
Week 5: Site Visit
Week 6: Regenerative City
Week 7: Spring Break (no class)
Week 8: Grey Infrastructures I — Energy & Buildings
Week 9: Grey Infrastructures II — Transportation and Land Use
Week 10: Cities and Climate Change: Mitigation
Week 11: Cities and Climate Change: Adaptation
Week 12: Governance of Urban Environmental Sustainability
Week 13: Frameworks for Studying Urban Environmental Sustainability
Week 14: Final Presentation