DESIGN FOR DEVELOPMENT ARCHITECTURE, URBAN PLANNING AND HERITAGE IN THE GLOBAL SOUTH - ed.4

Program Overview

This 18-month Master's program in Design for Development Architecture, Urban Planning, and Heritage focuses on inclusive and sustainable urban development in the Global South. Through a design-oriented approach, students learn to navigate the challenges of urbanization in emerging economies, drawing on architecture, planning, and heritage protection. The program includes a five-week design workshop and an internship in the Global South, providing practical experience and preparing graduates for careers in urban planning, design, and development consulting.

Program Outline

Design for Development Architecture, Urban Planning and Heritage in the Global South - Master's Program

Degree Overview:

This 18-month Master's program, offered by the Politecnico di Milano's Department of Architecture and Urban Studies (DAStU), focuses on inclusive and sustainable urban development in the Global South. It aims to equip professionals with the skills and knowledge to address the challenges of urbanization in these regions, particularly in countries with emerging economies. The program emphasizes a design-oriented approach, integrating architecture, planning, and heritage protection at various scales. It also incorporates practical experience through a five-week design workshop and an internship at an organization operating in the Global South.

Objectives:

The program aims to:

• Train professionals with an international outlook capable of tackling the challenges of contemporary urban development.
• Develop skills and expertise in navigating the complex contexts of the Global South.
• Foster an understanding of the governability and quality of urban and regional development.
• Equip graduates with the ability to develop effective strategies for defending and developing regions in environmental and social terms.
• Prepare professionals/consultants in the area of development-related spatial issues for employment in the public, private, or third sector at the supranational, national, or local scale.

Outline:

The program is structured into six modules: It covers topics such as:

• Globalisation and its impacts on cities and regions.
• Socio-spatial imbalances and environmental emergencies.
• Complex urban management problems.
• Inclusive and sustainable urban development.
• The United Nations 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, Goal 11.

Module B: Tools (6 ECTS)

This module introduces students to the tools and methodologies used in design for development. It covers topics such as:

• Design thinking and participatory design.
• Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and spatial analysis.
• Sustainable design principles and practices.
• Urban planning and design software.

Module C: Design Studios (12 ECTS)

This module provides students with hands-on experience in designing solutions for urban development challenges. It includes:

• Design projects focused on specific urban contexts in the Global South.
• Workshops and seminars led by experts in the field.
• Critical analysis and evaluation of design proposals.

Module D: On the Ground Design Workshop (16 ECTS)

This five-week intensive workshop provides students with practical experience in a real-world setting. It includes:

• Site visits and field research in a specific location in the Global South.
• Collaborative design projects with local communities and stakeholders.
• Development of design solutions that address local needs and priorities.

Module E: Internship/Project Work (14 ECTS)

This module provides students with the opportunity to gain practical experience in a professional setting. It includes:

• A 300-hour internship at an organization operating in the Global South.
• Development of a final project that integrates the knowledge and skills acquired throughout the program.

Assessment:

The program's assessment methods include:

• Continuous evaluation of coursework and participation in workshops and seminars.
• Mid-term and final exams for theoretical modules.
• Presentation and critique of design projects.
• Evaluation of the internship experience and final project.
• Defense of the final thesis.

Teaching:

The program is taught by a team of DAStU faculty and researchers specializing in architecture, urban planning, and heritage protection. It also features guest lectures and workshops by renowned experts from other universities, research centers, multilateral organizations, and national and international NGOs operating in the Global South. The program emphasizes a learning-by-doing approach, integrating theory and practical application.

Careers:

Graduates of the program are well-prepared for careers in:

• Urban planning and design.
• Architecture and heritage conservation.
• Development consulting.
• Non-profit organizations working in the Global South.
• International organizations and agencies.

Other:

The program is open to candidates with a Laurea Specialistica/Magistrale (equivalent to Master of Science) in Architecture, Engineering, Urban Planning, Design, or other related scientific disciplines. Equivalent foreign qualifications will be considered valid. The program is taught in English.