Syllabus updated: Jan.

10, 2022

ARC 515.001 / UED 651.001 – Seminar: Good City Form

Spring 2022

Course Meeting: Tuesdays, 10:00 – 12:30 | Pence 204

Office Hours: Thursdays, 12:45 – 2:00 | Pence 113 or https://uky.zoom.us/j/87567978680

Prof. Jeff Fugate | Jeff.fugate@uky.edu

From the Plan of Chicago (Burnham & Bennett, 1909)

Overview

How should we understand the city?

This question has bedeviled theorists and practitioners alike. Except for few utopian
exceptions, cities are never built as a single vision, but instead the messy amalgamation of

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millions of decisions made by individual actors, public and private. Unfettered, this process
logically should result in idiosyncratic settlements without discernable patterns between them.
Yet, that is not the case. Cities have patterns and recognizable elements that are expressly
urban. Why? And what might we do as practitioners to not mess it up?

With his publication of Good City Form, Kevin Lynch articulated a theory on the form of cities
linking human values to urban organization that continues to influence architects and urbanists
forty years later. Using Lynch’s classic text, augmented by classic and contemporary readings in
urbanism, our seminar will unpack the spatial and social conditions of cities, the role of the
architect and urban designer as city-builders, and finally the question Lynch himself asked: Is a
unified theory of cities even possible (or desirable)?

This course is open to undergraduate architecture students who have completed the required history & theory
sequence, graduate architecture students. Other students welcome with permission of instructor.

This course fulfills NAAB Program Criterion 4: History & Theory

Required Course Materials

Lynch, Kevin. Good City Form. Cambridge, MA: MIT Press, 1984.
https://mitpress.mit.edu/books/good-city-form

**Available at UK Bookstore or elsewhere

Larice, Michael, and Elizabeth Macdonald. The Urban Design Reader. 2nd ed. London:
Routledge, 2013.

**Available online via UK Libraries: https://ebookcentral-proquest-

com.ezproxy.uky.edu/lib/kentucky-ebooks/detail.action?docID=1180994

Additional required and recommended materials will be uploaded to Canvas

**No additional costs or external travel anticipated

Acknowledgement

While this course organization is of my own development, I would be remiss not to

acknowledge with gratitude the teachings of the late Julian Beinart, who taught (and co-taught
with Kevin Lynch) “Theory of City Form” at MIT. Beinhart was a practicing architect and
teacher. While his written output is limited, his lectures were extraordinarily influential for a

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generation of architects and planners. To our great benefit, Beinart’s final semester of course
lectures are archived through MIT’s OpenCourseWare project:

https://ocw.mit.edu/courses/architecture/4-241j-theory-of-city-form-spring-2013/video-
lectures/

Citation: Julian Beinart. 4.241J Theory of City Form. Spring 2013. Massachusetts Institute of
Technology: MIT OpenCourseWare, https://ocw.mit.edu. License: Creative Commons BY-NC-
SA.

Course Calendar
* Please note that the readings will be assigned via Canvas

Topic Written Assignments

Jan 11 Introduction

Jan 18 City Form – How is it made?

Jan 25 City Form – Historical Motivations

Feb 1 City Form – Theory & Practice

Feb 8 City Form – What makes it Good?

Feb 15 Vitality / Sense / Fit 1: Paper Topic

Feb 22 Access / Control

Mar 1 Efficiency & Justice

Mar 8 City Size & Neighborhoods 2: Paper Abstract

Mar 15 Spring Break

Mar 22 Growth & Conservation

Mar 29 Growth & Conservation

3: Introduction, Annotated outline &

April 5 Urban Textures & Networks
bibliography

April 12 Urban Textures & Networks

April 19 City Models & City Design

April 26 City Models & City Design

May 3 Finals Week* 4: Final Paper Due

For additional information about assignments during Prep Week, please see:
https://www.uky.edu/universitysenate/acadpolicy#Prep

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Expectations/Grading

READINGS

Each week, we will collectively read portions of Good City Form as well as companion texts,
primarily from The Urban Design Reader. The readings provide the backbone for in-class
discussions as well as your course research paper – as such, they are required and will make
your experience much richer.

CLASS PARTICIPATION

Participation (35%)

Seminars emphasize peer-to-peer learning. As such, each student has a responsibility to both
inform themselves through class preparation and to contribute to the learning of their
classmates through class discussion.

Preparation consists of the following:

• Read the texts and take organized notes (including quotes/pages numbers if not
directly on the document).
• Review of discussion questions posted to Canvas the night prior to class.
• Bringing a hard copy of the texts and your notes to class.
• Arriving to class on time.

Discussion consists of the following:

• Clear and concise verbal commentary on the texts and related issues. Commentary
should be grounded in the texts, supplemented by experience. Opinions are welcome
but should be backed by textual or other objective evidence.
• Informed and concise questions about the text and related issues. Questions should
invite not only clarification, but also exploration of the issues at hand.
• Mutual respect of your colleagues and curiosity about their insights, even when there
are differences of interpretation.

Students can not contribute, nor learn, if they are not present in class. Attendance is
mandatory. Only officially excused absences are permitted (see below) and verification for
excused absences will be required.

Excused Absences are as follows:

• Personal illness: You will need to provide a Tier 2 or 3 excuse from the University Health
Services (or a note from your doctor). A Tier 1 excuse is not acceptable.
• Serious illness or death of a member of the student's immediate family.

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• Official university trips (sponsored by classes; intercollegiate athletics).

• Major religious holidays.

The student is responsible for notifying the instructor via email as soon as they are aware of an
impending absence. In the case of trips or holidays, this should be done at the beginning of
the semester.

One unexcused absence will result in the lowering of your discussion grade by one letter
grade. Each additional unexcused absences will result in the lowering of your final grade by
one letter grade. Tardiness or early departure will be treated similarly as absences.

If you have a total of three or more absences (including excused), you will be at risk of not
meeting the learning objectives of the course. It is the student’s responsibility to speak to the
professor about a course of action in a timely manner.

Please note, accommodations will not be granted at the end of the semester if they were not
raised at the time of the absences.

Discussion Leadership (15%)

Students will provide leadership for guiding the discussion for each session. Prior to the second
session, students will sign up in teams to lead each class. Being the discussion leader requires
the following preparation:

• Summary of the main argument of each text, including key evidence. Be prepared to
share this with the class concisely at the beginning of the session. Prepare 2-3 images
as provocations.
• Connections between the readings – why are they assigned as companion pieces?
• 2-3 Key issues for class discussion and guiding questions – these must be emailed to
the professor no later than 9:00am the Monday prior to the class meeting. Once
approved, the questions will be posted to Canvas.
• Textual responses to your own questions as well as additional insights and prompts –
when there is a lull in the conversation, the discussion leaders are responsible to get the
class back on track.

RESEARCH PAPER

In addition to the ongoing course discussion, each student will individually undertake a
research paper on a topic germane to the course. The paper is an opportunity for students to
synthesis the subject matter while exploring a topic of their own interest. Topics may be
historical or timely in nature.

Assignment 1: February 8 (5%)

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Abstract (one paragraph) of your paper topic and focus. In a single narrative, identify your
subject, state its relevance and list the major issues you will be discussing. Include a preliminary
bibliography and a list of anticipated illustrations. Include one illustration or image that best
represents your subject.

Assignment 2: March 1 (10%)

Submit an updated abstract with a clear and concise thesis statement. The abstract should be
expanded upon to further demonstrate the topic’s relevance. Restate the main points with
specific references and examples. Submit a preliminary research paper outline, which lists your
introduction, main points and conclusion. Include an updated bibliography and list of
illustrations. Incorporate a minimum of three illustrations or images.

Assignment 3: April 5 (10%)

Submit a preliminary draft of your introduction, which should include your revised thesis
statement and mention of the main topics. Include an updated outline, revised bibliography
and list of illustrations, and their sources.

Final Research Paper: Due Tuesday, May 3 (25%)

Discuss in detail your subject, stating concisely your thesis. You will need to clearly state its
relevance and significance. You should be able to contextualize the topic historically and
compare it to other subjects of equal relevance and importance. You should also state the
topic’s relevance for today and the future. You should demonstrate your ability to identify a
significant topic, research a complex subject, utilize multiple sources, construct arguments in
defense of your thesis, cite examples of projects that support your arguments, state critical
conditions and phenomena of influence, and select illustrations and images that supplement
your discussion.

Format

4000-5500 words for undergraduates. 5500-7000 words for graduate students.

Assignments and final paper should be double-spaced in a sanserif font (11pt) with 1-inch
margins submitted as .docx file and as PDF via Canvas on the associated due date. Instructor
will return comments and grades within 7 days of due date.

Page numbers, citations, bibliography, and illustrations are required. Images should be labeled
with figure numbers and referenced as such in the text. A list of image sources should follow
the bibliography.

Late Assignments

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Students shall inform the instructor immediately if they are not able to meet an assignment
deadline, regardless of cause. Unless otherwise agreed upon, students with an excused
absence have one week to submit their missing assignment for no penalty. After that, the
penalty is one letter grade reduction for each additional week. For unexcused absences, the
missing assignment will be reduced one letter grade with an additional reduction of a letter
grade for each additional week.

Additional information can be found here: https://www.uky.edu/universitysenate/excused-

absences

GRADING

Grades will be posted on Canvas upon the completion of each assignment and in accordance
with the deadlines for midterm and final grades established by the university. In order to pass
this course, graduate students must earn a final grade of “C” or higher and undergraduate
students must earn a final grade of “D” or higher.

The grading scale used in this course for graduate students is as follows:

A: 90-100%; B: 80-89%; C: 70-79%

The grading scale used in this course for undergraduate students is as follows:

A: 90-100%; B: 80-89%; C: 70-79%; D: 60-69%

For undergraduates, midterm grades will be posted in myUK by the deadline established by
the University Senate and published in the Academic Calendar.
(http://www.uky.edu/registrar/content/academic-calendar)

* Please note: While final marks will be whole letter grades, assignments will be graded on a
point scale to provide clearer feedback to students.

Additional Course and University Policies:

https://www.uky.edu/universitysenate/acadpolicy

Attendance:

Students should notify the professor of non-medical absences prior to class when possible.

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Excused Absences: Senate Rules 5.2.5.2.1 defines the following as acceptable reasons for
excused absences: (a) significant illness, (b) death of a family member, (c) trips for members of
student organizations sponsored by an educational unit, trips for University classes, and trips
for participation in intercollegiate athletic events, (d) major religious holidays, (e) interviews for
graduate/professional school or full-time employment post-graduation, and (f) other
circumstances found to fit “reasonable cause for nonattendance” by the instructor of record.
Students should notify the professor of absences prior to class when possible.

If a course syllabus requires specific interactions (e.g., with the instructor or other students), in
situations where a student’s total EXCUSED absences exceed 1/5 (or 20%) of the required
interactions for the course, the student shall have the right to request and receive a "W," or the
Instructor of Record may award an “I” for the course if the student declines a “W.” (Senate
Rules 5.2.5.2.3.1)

Religious Observances: Students anticipating an absence for a major religious holiday are
responsible for notifying the instructor in writing of anticipated absences due to their
observance of such holidays. Senate Rules 5.2.5.2.1(4) requires faculty to include any
notification requirements within the syllabus. If no requirement is specified, two weeks prior to
the absence is reasonable and should not be given any later. Information regarding major
religious holidays may be obtained through the Ombud’s website or calling 859-257-3737.

Verification of Absences: Students may be asked to verify their absences in order for them to
be considered excused. Senate Rule 5.2.5.2.1 states that faculty have the right to request
appropriate verification when students claim an excused absence due to: significant illness;
death in the household, trips for classes, trips sponsored by an educational unit and trips for
participation related to intercollegiate athletic events; and interviews for full-time job
opportunities after graduation and interviews for graduate and professional school.
(Appropriate notification of absences due to University-related trips is required prior to the
absence when feasible and in no case more than one week after the absence.)

Make-Up Work: Students missing any graded work due to an excused absence are
responsible: for informing the Instructor of Record about their excused absence within one
week following the period of the excused absence (except where prior notification is required);
and for making up the missed work. The instructor must give the student an opportunity to
make up the work and/or the exams missed due to the excused absence, and shall do so, if
feasible, during the semester in which the absence occurred. The instructor shall provide the
student with an opportunity to make up the graded work and may not simply calculate the
student's grade on the basis of the other course requirements, unless the student agrees in
writing. According to SR 5.2.5.2.2, if a student adds a class after the first day of classes and
misses graded work, the instructor must provide the student with an opportunity to make up
any graded work.

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Excused Absences for Military Duties: If a student is required to be absent for one-fifth or less
of the required course interactions (e.g., class meetings) due to military duties, the following
procedure (per SR 5.2.5.2.3.2) shall apply:

1. Once a student is aware of a call to duty, the student shall provide a copy of the military
orders to the Director of the Veterans Resource Center. The student shall also provide
the Director with a list of his/her courses and instructors.

2. The Director will verify the orders with the appropriate military authority, and on behalf
of the military student, notify each Instructor of Record via Department Letterhead as to
the known extent of the absence.

3. The Instructor of Record shall not penalize the student’s absence in any way and shall
provide accommodations and timeframes so that the student can make up missed
assignments, quizzes, and tests in a mutually agreed upon manner.

Unexcused Absences: If an attendance/interaction policy is not stated in the course syllabus or

the policy does not include a penalty to the student, the instructor cannot penalize a student
for any unexcused absences. (SR 5.2.5.2.3.3)

Non-Discrimination Statement and Title IX Information:

Non-discrimination and Title IX policy: In accordance with federal law, UK is committed to

providing a safe learning, living, and working environment for all members of the University
community. The University maintains a comprehensive program which protects all members
from discrimination, harassment, and sexual misconduct. For complete information about UK’s
prohibition on discrimination and harassment on aspects such as race, color, ethnic origin,
national origin, creed, religion, political belief, sex, and sexual orientation, please see the
electronic version of UK’s Administrative Regulation 6:1 (“Policy on Discrimination and
Harassment”)(https://www.uky.edu/regs/ar6-1). In accordance with Title IX of the Education
Amendments of 1972, the University prohibits discrimination and harassment on the basis of
sex in academics, employment, and all of its programs and activities. Sexual misconduct is a
form of sexual harassment in which one act is severe enough to create a hostile environment
based on sex and is prohibited between members of the University community and shall not be
tolerated. For more details, please see the electronic version of Administrative Regulations
6:2 (“Policy and Procedures for Addressing and Resolving Allegations of Sexual Harassment
Under Title IX and Other Forms of Sexual
Misconduct”)(https://www.uky.edu/regs/sites/www.uky.edu.regs/files/files/ar/ar_6.2-in...).
Complaints regarding violations of University policies on discrimination, harassment, and sexual
misconduct are handled by the Office of Institutional Equity and Equal Opportunity
(Institutional Equity), which is located in 13 Main Building and can be reached by phone at
(859) 257-8927. You can also visit Institutional Equity’s website (https://www.uky.edu/eeo).

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Faculty members are obligated to forward any report made by a student related to
discrimination, harassment, and sexual misconduct to the Office of Institutional Equity.
Students can confidentially report alleged incidences through the Violence Intervention and
Prevention Center (https://www.uky.edu/vipcenter), Counseling
Center(https://www.uky.edu/counselingcenter), or University Health
Service(https://ukhealthcare.uky.edu/university-health-service/student-health).

Reports of discrimination, harassment, or sexual misconduct may be made to Institutional

Equity here.

Statement on Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

The University of Kentucky is committed to our core values of diversity and inclusion, mutual
respect and human dignity, and a sense of community (Governing Regulations XIV). We
acknowledge and respect the seen and unseen diverse identities and experiences of all
members of the university community (https://www.uky.edu/regs/gr14). These identities
include but are not limited to those based on race, ethnicity, gender identity and expressions,
ideas and perspectives, religious and cultural beliefs, sexual orientation, national origin, age,
ability, and socioeconomic status. We are committed to equity and justice and providing a
learning and engaging community in which every member is engaged, heard, and valued.

We strive to rectify and change behavior that is inconsistent with our principles and
commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion. If students encounter such behavior in a course,
they are encouraged to speak with the instructor of record and/or the Office of Institutional
Equity and Equal Opportunity. Students may also contact a faculty member within the
department, program director, the director of undergraduate or graduate studies, the
department chair, any college administrator, or the dean. All of these individuals are
mandatory reporters under University policies.

Accommodations:

In accordance with federal law, if you have a documented disability that requires academic
accommodations, please inform your instructor as soon as possible during scheduled office
hours. In order to receive accommodations in a course, you must provide your instructor with a
Letter of Accommodation from the Disability Resource Center (DRC). The DRC coordinates
campus disability services available to students with disabilities. It is located on the corner of
Rose Street and Huguelet Drive in the Multidisciplinary Science Building, Suite 407. You can
reach them via phone at (859) 257-2754, via email (drc@uky.edu) or visit
their website (uky.edu/DisabilityResourceCenter). DRC accommodations are not retroactive
and should therefore be established with the DRC as early in the semester as is feasible.

If a student is asked to self-quarantine by UK Health Corps, student should inform the

instructor. The student and instructor will develop an accommodation plan, allowing the
student to continue to participate in course curriculum.

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Academic Integrity:

Per University policy, students shall not plagiarize, cheat, or falsify or misuse academic records.
Students are expected to adhere to University policy on cheating and plagiarism in all courses.
The minimum penalty for a first offense is a zero on the assignment on which the offense
occurred. If the offense is considered severe or the student has other academic offenses on
their record, more serious penalties, up to suspension from the University may be imposed.
Plagiarism and cheating are serious breaches of academic conduct. Each student is advised to
become familiar with the various forms of academic dishonesty as explained in the Code of
Student Rights and Responsibilities. Complete information can be found at the following
website: https://www.uky.edu/universitysenate/ao.

A plea of ignorance is not acceptable as a defense against the charge of academic dishonesty.

Decorum:

During scheduled class meetings, students will be expected to maintain an environment

conducive to creative and collaborative learning. Students are asked to be respectful of others
in the class and engage in civil discourse when discussing topics that have a diversity of
perspectives. In general, students should refrain from disrupting activities, including use of
electronic devices, carrying on loud conversations, and arriving late.

In accordance with University guidelines, students must wear UK-approved face coverings in
the classroom and academic buildings (e.g., faculty offices, laboratories, libraries,
performance/design studios, and common study areas where students might congregate). If
UK-approved face coverings are not worn over the nose and mouth, students will be asked to
leave the classroom and charged with an unexcused absence.

***

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