COURSE OUTLINE

URBAN DEVELOPMENT AND POLICY

(IN THE AGE OF BIG DATA, CLIMATE CHANGE AND FINANCIALIZATION)

Making Cities Livable, Loveable and Lively

Dr. Imdad Hussain

Department of Governance and Global Studies
Information Technology University, Lahore
email: Imdad.hussain@itu.edu.pk

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Dear Students,
As you step into this delightful new episode of your academic journey, I wish to extend a warm welcome to
our course on Urban Development and Policy. It is a course that promises not only to challenge your intellect
but also to inspire your creativity and develop your critical thinking skills. As you embark on this voyage, you
are entering a field that stands pivotal in shaping the present and future of not only our society, economy, and
environment but most importantly our own everyday life.
In my point of view, urban development is not just about bricks and mortar, nor merely a matter of economic
transactions. It is an intricate tapestry woven from a myriad of threads: social justice, environmental
sustainability, economic viability, and cultural identity. (Imagine walking through a bustling city, where old brick
buildings embrace sleek modern architecture, every corner whispering stories of generations long gone, yet
pulsating with youthful energy.) With over half of the world's population now residing in urban areas, the
implications of urban policy affect us all in profound ways.
In this course, we will explore the multifaceted aspects of urban development and policy from various
perspectives. We will delve into the histories of urbanisation, examining how cities have evolved over
centuries, adapting to the changing needs of their inhabitants. We will scrutinise case studies from different
ciies, investigating how differing socio-economic contexts shape urban policies. (Imagine analysing the urban
landscapes of Tokyo, characterised by cutting-edge technology and densely packed high-rises, then
contrasting it with the colourful, vibrant streets of Havana, where time seems to have stood still and then the
historical city of Lahore about which people say ‘ jinne Lahore ni vekhya o jamya e nai’.) Your experiences
will not be solely confined to theoretical readings; they will be enriched by engaging with the real-world
implications of policy decisions.
I urge you to take advantage of the resources, I will make available to you, particularly the extensive body of
literature on urban studies that has emerged in recent years. The complexity of urban issues requires us to
draw from a range of disciplines, including sociology, geography, economics, urban planning, design and
architecture, public policy, urban studies, development and environmental science. Another significant facet
of urban development is the importance of sustainability. As natural resources dwindle and climate change
looms ever larger, cities face the daunting challenge of becoming not only sustainable but also resilient. This
course will incorporate discussions around this dimension,
I believe that as students of urban development and policy, you possess the agency to foster meaningful
change. Throughout your time in this course, you will be encouraged to challenge prevailing paradigms and
question the status quo. Creativity in urban challenges is just as crucial as analytical skills. (Think of Paris
after the Haussmann renovation; the city was shaped not just by policy but by a vision that melded the
aesthetic with the practical, providing a living example of how urban areas can evolve harmoniously.) As we
explore innovative solutions to urban challenges, we will draw from interdisciplinary perspectives, enabling
ourselves to develop unique approaches to urban policy.
Collaboration will be at the heart of our learning experience. The composition of diverse class brings fresh
perspectives and enrichens policy discussions. In working with your peers, you will hone your communication
skills, important in the realm of urban policy where negotiation and consensus-building underscore effective
governance. Remember, great ideas often emerge from the hearts and minds of eclectic groups, rooted in a
spirit of collaboration and mutual respect.
Furthermore, we should also explore the significance of technology in shaping modern urban environments.
The Fourth Industrial Revolution has ushered in an era characterised by rapid advancements, particularly in
digital technologies. Smart cities, for instance, harness data to improve urban services and enhance the

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quality of life for citizens. David Harvey articulates this shift poignantly in ‘Rebel Cities: From the Right to the
City to the Urban Revolution’, where he discusses the implications of capitalism’s encroachment into urban
spaces and the potential for technology to give rise to new forms of social equity.
Sustainability and technology intersect in the concept of the "smart city." This idea has gained traction
worldwide, but it also raises important questions regarding equity and access. How can cities leverage
technology to ensure inclusive benefits for all, not just the privileged? In this course, you will examine case
studies of cities like Amsterdam and Singapore, which have embraced smart technologies to improve urban
living, while also ensuring that such advancements do not exacerbate existing inequalities.
I encourage you to be proactive in your engagement with this coursework. Attend lectures, participate in
discussions, and seek opportunities to collaborate on projects. Joining local organisations or volunteer
initiatives can help broaden your understanding of the urban landscape outside the classroom and conduct
small experiment in the field.
Ultimately, your time in this course will be what you make it. Approach your studies with curiosity and
enthusiasm; and bring an element of surprise in your life, seek to challenge not only the urban issues of today
but also to envision the possibilities of tomorrow. With your commitment dedication and effort, you can embody
the essence of what it means to be a proactive citizen, and humane policy maker, development practioner
and urban planner capable of shaping urban policy that fosters inclusive growth and addresses the pressing
challenges of our time.
In closing, I am excited to embark on this journey with you. Together, we will navigate the complex and
exhilarating world of urban development and policy. Remember, cities are living organisms, constantly
evolving in response to the needs and aspirations of their inhabitants. As future urban leaders, your
understanding and insight will play a crucial role in determining the trajectory of urbanization for generations
to come.

Welcome aboard!

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What is the AIM of this course?
In an era marked by unprecedented challenges stemming from climate change, intricate urbanisation
processes, and the burgeoning influence of big data and financialisation, the need for comprehensive learning
in urban development and public policy has never been more pressing. In response to the multifaceted
challenges posed by climate change, the proliferation of big data, and the demands of financialisation, this
course represents an innovative approach to education in urban development and policy studies. By fostering
an understanding of these interconnected dynamics, the course aims to cultivate the informed,
compassionate, and proactive leaders that our cities desperately need.
The course "Urban Development and Public Policy in the Age of Climate Change, Big Data, and
Financialisation" aims to prepare a new generation of urban policy and development leaders equipped to
tackle the pressing challenges of our time. By integrating theoretical knowledge with practical experience,
students will develop the necessary skills to navigate the complex landscape of urban policy and contribute
positively to their communities.
The course is partially modelled on my experience of urban city lab at the Massachusetts Institute of
Technology and largely of my two decades long work on urban development and policy issues with Arif Hasan,
Tasneem Ahmad Siddiqui, and Reza Ali.

Let’s have an OVERVIEW of the course

The course explores three crucial facets of urban development: the realities of climate change, the implications
of big data, and the role of financialisation in shaping public policy. Each facet examines through the lens of
case studies and real-world applications, encouraging students to critically analyse and engage with current
urban issues. The course will be structured into integrative lecture-workshop series, each focusing on the
primary themes.

Theme One: Urban Development and Climate Change .

This theme addresses the impacts of climate change on urban areas and explores the intersection of urban
planning and climate adaptation strategies. It includes:

 The role of green infrastructure in urban design.

 Strategies for climate resilience in underserved communities.
 Policy frameworks that facilitate sustainable development.
Course will feature climate science, urban development and policy to provide students with the theoretical
underpinnings and practical approaches to climate adaptation. Workshop will complement these lectures,
where students can collaborate on designing a hypothetical sustainable neighbourhood, addressing both
mitigation and adaptation strategies.

Theme Two: Big Data and Urban Policy

The second theme focus on the burgeoning role of big data in shaping urban policy and planning. As cities
increasingly rely on data-driven decision-making, understanding the ethical implications and potential biases
inherent in data collection and utilisation becomes crucial.

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This theme entails:

 Examination of geographic information systems (GIS) and their applications in urban planning.
 Case studies of cities that have successfully implemented big data solutions.
 Case studies where big data failed.
 Discussion of privacy concerns and the ethical implications of surveillance in urban spaces.

Students will engage in activities that centre on practical data analysis, extract insights from urban datasets.
They will learn how to interpret data visualisations and apply their findings to make informed policy
recommendations.

Theme Three: Financialisation and Urban Development

Financialisation refers to the increasing dominance of financial motives, financial markets, and financial actors
in the operation of domestic and international economies. This theme views that how financialisation shapes
urban landscapes, often prioritising profit over people. Theme includes:

 The role of private capital in public infrastructure projects.

 Gentrification and its socio-economic implications.
 Community resistance and advocacy in the face of financialised urban policies.
To deepen their understanding, students will engage in a field experience within a local community facing
gentrification. This will involve conducting interviews, participating in community meetings, and gathering
qualitative data to assess the impact of financialisation on residents' lives. Students will learn to articulate the
community’s needs and develop policy proposals that advocate for equitable urban development.

2. Integrative Learning Methodology

The course employs an integrative learning methodology that fuses traditional education approaches with
experiential learning. This blending not only enhances comprehension but also cultivates critical analytical
skills. Each class is designed based on the principle of workshop (not the workshops conducted by NGOs
and development / Aid mafia) i.e. a mix of anecdotes, conversation, reflective accounts, activities,
demonstrations, presentations, visuals, and sometimes field visits.
Lectures: Lectures will provide foundational knowledge, enabling students to engage with complex theories
and concepts surrounding urban development, climate change, data governance, and financial dynamics.
Distinguished guest lecturers from various fields will enrich these discussions.
Workshops: Practical workshops will facilitate hands-on experiences in analysing urban policies and planning
strategies. These workshops will involve collaborative projects that require students to apply theoretical
concepts to real-world scenarios. For instance, in the climate change, students may engage in role-play
simulations where they must negotiate urban land-use decisions considering environmental sustainability.
Field Experiences: Real-world field experiences will bridge the gap between theory and practice. Students
will conduct qualitative and quantitative research in diverse urban settings, gaining insights into how policies
affect real lives. These field experiences will not only enhance empirical understanding but also cultivate
empathetic awareness of the challenges faced by various communities.

3. Research Approach

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The courses focuses on the learners, helping them learn to use their bodies (using embodied research
methods) and minds (using quantitative and qualitative research methods) to explore urban issues and
develop solutions.

4. Evaluation

To ensure the effectiveness of the course, a blended approach to evaluation will be applied. Students will be
assessed through a combination of individual assignments, group projects, and reflective essays. These
assessments will allow students to synthesise their learning and articulate their understanding of complex
urban issues.
Moreover, students will present their findings from their field experiences, providing an avenue for peer
feedback and discussion. This collaborative reflection will foster a community of critical thinkers capable of
addressing urgent urban challenges.
Weightage %
Attendance 30
Class Participation / Reflective Essay
Seminars / Lead & Participation 20
Book Review (Three Book in 6 weeks but 05
One Review) 10
Filed Work & Report Writing
The Art of Noticing)

Mid Term

Individual Assignment 15
(Idea Experiment) Policy Lab
Term/ Research Article 20

Week 1 Urban Development and Public Setting the Stage: Maps, Sketches, and Basics of
Policy: A Comprehensive Urban Design
Examination Reading Master Plans and Outline Development
Plans
The interplay between finance and urban policy
Reducing Carbon Emissions: The Imperative for
Sustainable Urban Development

Research Methods for Urban The Art of Noticing:

Week 2 Development & Policy Walking and Seeing as Research Methods in Urban
Embodied Urban Design Policy and Planning
Celebrating Both Walking and Seeing:

Week 3 Acoustics & Olfactory as Methods of Research

Understanding Urban Acoustics, Urban Acoustics
and Its Relevance to Urban Policy & Design
Practical Skills to Design Sound Environments

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 The Importance of Olfactory Research in Urban
Studies (Design and Policy)

Submission of One Page Reflection Note on Week 2 & 3

Submission of Topic / Idea for Research Article
Individual & Group through email
Week 4 Governance of Urban Nights Framework for Enhancing City Life: Urban
environments as complex systems characterised by
their round-the-clock dynamics.
Significance of Night Governance
Night-time economy, impacts of well-being and
health

Week 5 Inclusive Urban Design Traditionally, urban spaces have focused on

efficiency and functionality; however, this approach
often overlooks the specific needs of various
demographic groups, Designing Cities for Children,
the Elderly, Women, Transgender, Differently
Abled, Singletons, Students, Young Workers,
Vendors. Street Artists etc.

Submission of Take Away from Week 4 & 5

Week 6 Role of Culture in Urban Culture as a Tool for Urban Development &
Development and Need of Public Interplay of Reciprocity
Action

Week 7 The Symphony of Signals A Dance of Signals: Understanding Urban Traffic

The Allure of Signal-Free Roads
Interplay of Traffic and Urban Environment
Big Data Analytics: A Tool for Understanding Traffic

Book Review Session

Week 8 Improving Food Security through Improving City Foodscapes through Understanding
Urban Policy , Planning & Urban Food Security,
Development Urban Agriculture, Food Distribution System
Week 9 Thirsty Neighbourhood Improving Water Supply through Water-Sensitive
Urban Design and Policies, Water-Sensitive Urban
Design

Idea Experimentation

Week 10 Custodians of Urban Development Working of Development Authorities, Agencies and

& Policy Implementation Local Governments
Field Visit

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 Week 11 Home Sweet Home Housing for everyone
Visit of Khuda ki Basti
Week 12 Towards a Multispecies City Designing More Than Human City through
Improving Urban Ecology

Week 13 Policing the City Planning and Urban Crime, how to make Walkability
safe?

Book Review Session

Week 14 AI, Big Data & Urban Development Creating Insights from Big Data Based Urban
Analysis,
Navigation of Urban Design through AI
Governing Smart City for Transport,
Big Data for Monitoring Urban Climate

Week 15 Making City Adventurous Youth Culture

Political economy of Urban Gangs,
Cultures of Adventurous play as embodiment of
expression, freedom, exploration and joy
Engaging Youth for Urban Development.

Week 16 Wrap up Semester

Submission of Research Article

& Presentation in class