ARCH5731A

Topical Study of Urbanism: Geopolitical Urbanization and Development Practices in Contemporary Megacities of the Developing World

Target Students MArch 1, MArch 2

Course Term 2

Course Type Elective

Teacher(s) LAM, Tat

This course invites students to critically examine the urbanization strategies, political frameworks, and technological systems that underpin Africa’s emerging megaregional development projects. From East-West connectivity corridors to new smart cities and trade routes, such initiatives promise economic revitalization and geopolitical realignment. But how are they structured, financed, and governed—and for whom? By exploring real case studies and applying a multidisciplinary lens, students will assess how development finance, regional planning, and infrastructure innovation intersect in Africa’s future-making. The course encourages students to explore how these projects can move beyond extractive models to deliver resilient, inclusive outcomes for local communities, while also reshaping the global development landscape.