Asia's Past and Present Urban Planning and Development

This course explores the evolution of city form and urban development across Asia, with a focused study of West Asia, South Asia, and East Asia. Through historical timelines, cultural influences, and planning paradigms, learners will understand how cities in these regions have evolved—from ancient civilizations to contemporary megacities.

Beginning with early urban settlements, the course examines the birth of cities, the role of religion, empire, trade, and colonialism, and the transformative impact of industrialization, globalization, oil economies, and hyper-density. Special attention is given to iconic urban systems such as the Indus Valley cities, Islamic urbanism, Mughal planning principles, port cities, colonial public spaces, and modern East Asian megacities.

The course is designed to help learners read cities as cultural, political, and spatial artifacts, offering a comparative understanding of urban form and planning traditions across Asia.

Who this course is for:

• Architecture and urban planning students

• Urban design and geography learners

• Researchers and professionals interested in Asian cities

• Anyone curious about the historical forces shaping cities

  
  

• Prerequisites:
  No prior knowledge required. A basic interest in cities, history, or urban studies is sufficient.

By the end of the course, learners will gain a foundational understanding of Asian urban form development and the ability to critically analyze cities within their historical and regional contexts.