Module manager: Professor Gehan Selim (interim)
Email: G.Selim@leeds.ac.uk
Taught: Semester 1 (Sep to Jan) View Timetable
Year running 2026/27
BA/BEng Architecture, Architectural Engineering or related degrees
This module is not approved as an Elective
This module provides an in-depth exploration of architecture and urban design within a global context, focusing on how cultural, social, and environmental factors shape urban environments. It aims to equip students with the skills to address complex urban challenges by integrating local identities with global best practices. Students will engage with contemporary urban design theories through lectures, seminars, and discussions, applying these concepts to global case studies.
This module introduces students to key concepts and practices in urban design. This curriculum examines the foundational principles of urban design, providing a historical perspective on city development, public space creation, and the ways cultural, social, and environmental factors shape urban forms.
Develop critical understanding of key theoretical frameworks in architecture and urban design, situating them within socio-cultural, economic and environmental contexts across diverse international settings.
Examine how historical, political and cultural forces shape urban form and development patterns, enabling comparative global analysis of cities and urban strategies.
Interrogate the impacts of globalisation on urban morphology, governance and socio-economic dynamics, and evaluate theoretical responses to these transformations.
Analyse the role of international organisations, policy agendas and transnational frameworks in influencing urban development discourse and practice.
Strengthen critical reading, analytical writing and scholarly argumentation skills through engagement with primary and secondary theoretical texts.
On successful completion of the module students will have demonstrated the following learning outcomes relevant to the subject:
1. Demonstrate understanding of the socio-cultural, economic, and environmental factors that influence urban design in diverse international contexts, and their implications for architecture and urban planning.
2. Analyse and critically evaluate historical, political, and cultural contexts to understand how they shape urban form, function, and development patterns globally.
3. Critically evaluate the impact of globalisation on urbanisation, urban morphology, and socio-economic dynamics, drawing conclusions that inform sustainable and contextually responsive urban design.
4. Evaluate the influence of international organisations, policy frameworks, and collaborative initiatives on urban development.
5. Demonstrate cultural awareness, adaptability, and responsiveness to the needs, values, and aspirations of diverse communities.
Skills Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of the module students will have demonstrated the following skills :
a. critical thinking
b. problem-solving.
c. Define problems systematically.
d. Evaluate policy interventions.
e. Communicate complex urban development concepts.
Global Urbanism
Sustainability and resilience
Cultural identity and place-making
Social equity and public space
Urban policy and governance
Methods of assessment
The assessment details for this module will be provided at the start of the academic year
| Delivery type | Number | Length hours | Student hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fieldwork | 1 | 8 | 8 |
| Lecture | 10 | 2 | 20 |
| Seminar | 1 | 1 | 10 |
| Private study hours | 112 | ||
| Total Contact hours | 38 | ||
| Total hours (100hr per 10 credits) | 150 | ||
- Oral feedback from convener following in-class presentations (formative)
- Summative feedback via Minerva 21 days after submission
Check the module area in Minerva for your reading list
Last updated: 30/04/2026
Errors, omissions, failed links etc should be notified to the Catalogue Team