Politics of Urban Design

Politics of Urban Design

This module explores the political agency of design in contemporary cities. Through a detailed study of theoretical texts and practical case studies, as well as developing design interventions, we critically reflect on urban design as a political praxis. We engage with the troublesome legacies of spatial design disciplines and make an attempt to engage with non-Western ways of approaching urban design for alternative urban futures. A specific focus is on discussions about and experiments with drawing as a political praxis, which includes several different dimensions such as drawing as an ethico-political praxis and drawing as a process that is linked to a generative understanding of vulnerability. The module covers the following aspects: The end(s) of urban design; Drawing as a political praxis; Drawing against neoliberalism; Drawing the post-capitalist city; Drawing antifascism; Drawing the anti-racist city; Drawing feminisim; Drawing and queering the city; Drawing intersectionality.

Date

2024-2025

Language

English

Author

Günter Gassner

Keywords

Queer

Commodification

Racism

Drawing

Spatial practices

© 2026 Günter Gassner
© 2026 Günter Gassner