architecture - Sam Fox School - Washington University in St. Louis

URBAN THEORY & CITIES IN LATIN AMERICA A46 563E ARCH
This course proposes to explore the relationship between urban theories and the spatial construction
of the city by using a number of Latin American cities as case studies. Some of the theories that will
be examined here have been proposed as a way of reading and explaining the form, structure and
functioning of existing cities. Others have been put forward as models for the planning of new ones.
In one way or another, all of these urban theories have influenced and shaped the form and structure
of our current cities and our abillity to conceptualize them. The urban theories and cases reviewed
will span from the colonial city to the contemporary metropolis and urban region. The disciplines from
which this course will draw upon will include urban planning, architecture, geography, urban sociology
and anthropology. The scope of this course is intentionally broad and diverse as it aims to reflect the
multitude of factors that are involved in urban phenomena. Some of the themes that will be examined
include: the Spanish and Portuguese Colonial City; planned cities in the nineteenth century (the case of
La Plata); modernization in Latin America; modernism and planned cities in the twentieth century (the
case of Brasilia); the ‘favelas’ in Brasil and ‘villas miseria’ in Argentina; postmodernism and globalization
in urban studies; urban fragmentation in the contemporary metropolis (using the cases of Sao Paulo and
Buenos Aires), and the debate on the sustainable urban form. The aim of this course is to provide a forum
in which to discuss general theories and issues in urban thought, using primarily the cases of the cities
that students will visit and experience first-hand over the course of the program. Fulfills Urban Issues
elective requirement. 3 units
SECT 01: This course is available only to students in the graduate Buenos Aires Study Abroad program.
01 TBA Kozak
THEORY & CRITICISM IN CONTEMPORARY KOREAN ARCHITECTURE A46 563F ARCH
3 units.
01 TBA Faculty
RECONSIDERING THE MARGINS:
CREATIVE PRACTICE ON THE FRINGE A46 563H ARCH
The economic crisis of 2008 underscored the frailty of conventional modes of practice. The effects
caused by cessation of credit curtailed increasingly bureaucratized creative fields such as architecture
and fine arts and led to massive underemployment. This extreme disruption coincides with an ongoing
governmental disengagement from social assistance. The combination of the surplus of talent left
by immobilized corporate practice and the terrain left empty by a retreating government presents a
significant opportunity to redesign practice for a new generation. If Frank Gehry and Jeff Koons are
emblematic symptons of easy credit and globalized practice, then how can we change the game? This
seminar challenges traditional modes and focuses of creative effort to arrive at a radical new form for
creative practice. By challenging common assumptions and using creative production to confront the
challenges facing residents and decision-makers, the course seeks to break down physical and disciplinary
boundaries to achieve a radical new production. The seminar builds upon existing relationships and a
body of previous engagement while laying the ground work for new action. The seminar will include
the following: examination of entrenched assumptions by students and community members through
reading and discussion; involvement in the community, including volunteer work and civic participation;
research into pressing issues that will culminate in a creative project; and dissemination of information to
both classmates and the community as a whole. This course is open to disciplines outside of architecture.
Students in Art and Social Work are encouraged to register. This course fulfills the Urban Issues elective
requirement. The course will meet periodically in the community. 3 units
01 Th 6:00p-9:00p Faulkner
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