Aim of the course
The course provides extensive investigations about urban design principles in a sparsely populated areas.
Whereas the majority of urban population is going to live in cities, there is no clear evidence that, according to a common belief, the most important places for human settlement will be metropolises.
According with the United Nations (UN-HABITAT, State of the World’s cities 2006/2007) small cities, and not megacities, will absorb most of the world's urban population.
On the other hand proximity is one of the most important drives in urban life, and metropolises are increasingly attracting cultural events, talents, and capitals, at the expenses of lesser populated regions.
The course would then explore the most appropriate architectural means to enhance and intensify proximity in smaller cities and in the countryside, building the physical framework to activate polices of social equity.
The role of mobility, culture, and of immaterial networks should be carefully considered in designing a new vibrant urban environment in these places.
Sardinia is an interesting case study under this point of view, although Erasmus and foreign students are strongly encouraged to submit a case study from other countries.
