13799 - Informal Urbanism Modulübersicht

Module Number: 13799
Module Title:Informal Urbanism
  Informelle Stadtplanung
Department: Faculty 6 - Architecture, Civil Engineering and Urban Planning
Responsible Staff Member:
  • Prof. Dr. phil. Gribat, Nina
Language of Teaching / Examination:English
Duration:1 semester
Frequency of Offer: Every summer semester
Credits: 6
Learning Outcome:
  • Students gain an overview over the academic debates of informal urbanism (particularly in the Global South) and they are able to differentiate between different approaches to urban informality
  • Students are able to critically assess the role of planning and of planners in the context of informal urbanism
  • Students are able to apply critical analysis by examining context-specific manifestations of informal urbanism and interrogating multiple forms of urban production
Contents:This seminar reviews key debates on informal urbanism and examines the social, economic, political, and spatial dimensions of this phenomenon. The focus is on exploring modes of urban production across different contexts, which emerge as expressions of inequality and marginalisation while simultaneously coexisting with what is known as formal planning. The aim of the course is to develop a critical understanding of informal urbanism by analysing the multiple discourses, spatial practices and materialities associated with it.

Throughout the seminar, students are introduced to foundational theories and postcolonial scholarship dedicated to the critical exploration of various dimensions behind the manifestations of informal urbanisation. They will become familiar with prominent authors and theories that focus primarily on the Global South, while also delving into the growing literature devoted to forms of informal urbanism in the Global North.
Recommended Prerequisites:None
Mandatory Prerequisites:None
Forms of Teaching and Proportion:
  • Seminar / 4 Hours per Week per Semester
  • Self organised studies / 120 Hours
Teaching Materials and Literature:Specific literature will be provided during the seminar
Module Examination:Continuous Assessment (MCA)
Assessment Mode for Module Examination:Presentation 15 minutes (30%), written report including illustrations, 3.000 words (70%)
Evaluation of Module Examination:Performance Verification – graded
Limited Number of Participants:None
Part of the Study Programme:
  • Master (research-oriented) / Urban Design and Sustainable Revitalization / PO 2024
Remarks:None
Module Components:Seminar Informal Urbanism
Components to be offered in the Current Semester:
  • no assignment