I.

1General
introduction
CIV 416 - Introduction to Urbanism and Transport
University of Buea
Dr Ines Ngassam
 Urbanism ?

Urbanism
Planification

Development
Urban planning

Urban spaces
Urbanist

Architect
Urbanist Cities / town

2
 Urbanism ?
• Sum of science , technology and art linked to the organisation and the development
of urban spaces1

• Study of how population of urban areas, such as towns and cities, interact with the
built environment²

[1] https://www.cnrtl.fr/definition/urbanisme
[2] https://www.ierek.com/news/index.php/2018/07/26/urbanism-meaning-and-benefits/
3
Urbanisation ?

https://discoverymu.info/urbanis%C3%A9s-sont-les-pays-d%C3%A9velopp.aspx.

4
 Urbanisation ?
• What are the important factors to take in account to talk about urbanism or
urbanisation ?

• Western / modern world vs developing world ?

• Culture vs Modernism ?

5
Urbanisation ?

6
Does it exist only one type of
urbanisation?

Notre dame de Paris, France, 1163–1345 BC Metro network 1st ligne 1900

7
Does it exist only one type of
urbanisation?

8
 Does it exist only one type of
urbanisation?

Can we talk about urbanism and urbanisation without taking in

account cultural and environmental aspects of the area?

9
Can we talk about urbanism and urbanisation without taking in
account cultural and environmental aspects of the area?

• A case some where in Africa:

Mr Kere project in his village, Ghando, Burkina Faso

The village , 2000 The village

http://www.kere-architecture.com/
10
Can we talk about urbanism and urbanisation without taking in
account cultural and environmental aspects of the area?

• A case some where in Africa:

Mr Kere project in his village, Ghando, Burkina Faso

The library
The primary school

http://www.kere-architecture.com/
11
 Does it exist only one type of
urbanisation?
• Is Ghando “urban”?

12
 Urbanism ?
Urbanism is a mix of many disciplines and it cannot be limitated to one

Nature science Géography

Environnement, 
Hydrology, Climatology Economy
 Economy, local finances

Sociology Philosophie
Urban sociology  Politics
Anthropology, administration
Civil engineering
Law 
Urban law, environment law, public
markets...  History
Culture, traditions…

13
 Does it exist only one type of
urbanisation?

Can we talk about urbanism and urbanisation without taking

in account cultural and environmental aspects of the area?

14
 Let´s come back to our
Cameroonian context

• Group work: let’s think about a cameroonian road!

15