People, Planning and Politics 

Cities in the 21st Century program examines the intentional and natural forces that guide the development of the world’s cities. It combines an innovative urban studies academic curriculum with fieldwork involving public agencies, planners, elected officials, NGOs and grassroots groups in important world cities where exciting changes are taking place.

Students learn how to “read a city” — an iterative process that hones the ability to observe, question, document, research and communicate – leading to a better understanding of the interconnected social, physical, economic, environmental and political systems that affect urban environments.

Students examine how the structure of a city enhances or impedes growth. They learn who exercises power in cities and where power comes from. And they examine the role of state and local government in formulating development policies in a changing world economy, and the challenges public policymakers face in light of increasing inequity.

IHP’s comparative approach enables students to analyze and contrast major issues across cities, and track how concerns manifest themselves in the planning process, and ultimately, in a course of action.

Key Questions

• Though human needs may be similar around the globe, why does a city's ability to satisfy those needs vary?
• How do people create a sense of place, of community, of urban identity?
• What historical and socio-cultural contexts frame the opportunities, constraints and uncertainties of urban life?
• What must be done - and by whom - to move toward ecologically sustainable cities?
• What are the opportunities for political action by individuals, community organizations, social movements or even local government to shape city life?