The city and its new spaces 1900-SM-3-MiJNP-MP
The aim of the course is to provide insight into the ways in which contemporary cities adapt to the changing needs of their residents. Particular emphasis is placed on identifying new expectations regarding urban space, related to quality of life, inclusivity, environmental changes, and new forms of work, production, leisure, and living.
The course analyzes examples of spaces that are being given new functions and meanings, including brownfield sites, industrial spaces, areas undergoing gentrification, tourist destinations, and residential environments.
Students prepare simple diagrams, concept maps, or graphics and work on micro-projects concerning the adaptation of selected parts of the city.
The workshop component may include a research walk, independent fieldwork, or the analysis of selected examples.
The course concludes with a reflection on the city’s inclusivity, the social consequences of spatial transformations, and the role of various interest groups in shaping urban space.
Student workload: 2 ECTS = 2 × 25h = 50h (1.3 ECTS in direct contact)
(N) – work in direct contact with the instructor,
(S) – student’s independent work.
Classes (workshops) = 30h (N)
Review of additional materials and completion of assignments = 20h (S)
TOTAL = approx. 50h
Course coordinators
Type of course
Mode
Learning outcomes
Learning outcomes (codes): K_W01, K_W02, K_W03/K_U01, K_U03, K_U05/
K_K01, K_K03
Upon completion of the course, the student:
KNOWLEDGE
- is familiar with selected contemporary processes of urban space transformation and their social, economic, and environmental determinants;
- understands the significance of residents’ changing needs in shaping the functions and meanings of urban spaces;
- is familiar with examples of adapting urban spaces to the new needs of city users;
- understands the social consequences of spatial transformations and the role of various interest groups in shaping the city.
SKILLS
- can identify the needs of city users and point out their spatial manifestations;
- can analyze selected parts of the city in terms of functions, meanings, users, and adaptation possibilities;
- can use various sources of information, including field observation, to analyze contemporary urban transformations;
- is able to prepare a micro-project concerning the adaptation of a selected urban space;
- is able to participate in a discussion regarding the social consequences of urban transformations.
SOCIAL COMPETENCIES
- is prepared to critically evaluate knowledge and interpretations regarding contemporary urban transformations;
- is prepared to participate responsibly in the debate on urban development.
Assessment criteria
Class participation (evaluation of participation in discussions and mini-projects)
Bibliography
Bråten L. N., 2025, Temporary temporariness? The (mis)use of tactical urbanism from the ‘open city’ framework, Urban Studies, 62(5), 809–827.
Gehl J., Svarre B., 2013, How to Study Public Life, Island Press, Washington.
Lees L., Slater T., Wyly E., 2008, Gentrification, Routledge, London–New York.
Viljoen A., Bohn K., Howe J. (eds.), 2005, Continuous Productive Urban Landscapes: Designing Urban Agriculture for Sustainable Cities, Architectural Press, Oxford.
Stevens Q., Dovey K., 2023, Temporary and Tactical Urbanism: (Re)Assembling Urban Space, Routledge, New York–London.
Cocola-Gant A., 2023, Place-Based Displacement: Touristification and Neighborhood Change, Geoforum, 138.