Module manager: Justin Lunn
Email: J.S.Lunn@leeds.ac.uk
Taught: Semester 2 (Jan to Jun) View Timetable
Year running 2025/26
This module is not approved as a discovery module
Cities are investigated and critically evaluated as models for sustainable living, developing knowledge & understanding of urban infrastructure and social forms
The aim of the module is to develop critical awareness and understanding of how cities work as interacting systems by investigating examples in different locations globally.
Students will investigate cities from a given list, assembling information on infrastructure systems including utilities and transportation, social forms and economic profiles.
Characteristic forms of government and policy will be outlined
Analysis of information will be used to develop critical evaluations of sustainability of each city
On successful completion of the module students will have demonstrated the following learning outcomes relevant to the subject:
Students will analyse and evaluate;
1. How patterns of urban settlement are affected by policy with regard to infrastructure provision.
2. How diverse global, cultural, social, technological, economic factors and building technology influence aspects of architecture, the built environment and urbanism (CK1 part)
3. The principles and relevance of social sustainability, social value and inclusive design in the context of urban settlement patterns (CK3)
4. The principles of climate change and biodiversity as relevant to design and construction (CK4 part)
5. Consider the relationship between people and built environment, between buildings and their context, and the need to relate buildings and the spaces between them to human needs, inclusivity, user experience and scale (D6 part)
6. Understand the implications and benefits of regenerative design solutions and ethical sourcing and supply chains throughout the life cycle of architectural projects that meet or go beyond minimum standards (D9 part) including the impacts and implications of circular economy principles.
7. Understand the implications and benefits of working with existing buildings including potential for re-use and retrofit, and the resulting environmental impact (D10)
Skills Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of the module students will have demonstrated the following skills learning outcomes:
a. Academic skills in collection, analysis evaluation and synthesis of data sources.
b. Digital skills to assemble, collate and organise information in technical and graphic communication
c. Identification of key issues within a diverse set of contexts and ability to develop themes from these.
d. Team and individual working showing initiative and collaboration
The module uses a case study approach to allow students to investigate different models of city operations and social forms in different locations worldwide. Factors such as transportation and travel systems and use patterns, utilities provision and management forms, spatial patterns and economic characteristics will be analysed together with social patterns to develop an understanding of the case study subject in sustainable terms. Issues such as sustainable resource use, circular economy and social sustainability are used as the focus of a critical evaluation.
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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Supervision | 9 | 1 | 9 |
| Lecture | 5 | 2 | 10 |
| Seminar | 5 | 2 | 10 |
| Private study hours | 121 | ||
| Total Contact hours | 29 | ||
| Total hours (100hr per 10 credits) | 150 | ||
Group seminars provide opportunities for student and academic feedback on work in progress, with tutorials providing more focused feedback
There is no reading list for this module
Last updated: 30/04/2025
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