This seminar will critically examine the notion of the region, widely used, yet often misunderstood in architecture, urban planning, and landscape architecture. We will trace the region’s history back to the city of Merseburg (Saxony-Anhalt) where it was theorized in the 1920s as a concept at the intersection of economic planning, urban planning, infrastructure development, and landscape architecture.
The political importance, ingrained in this concept, opens such issues as the role of state in economy and the mechanisms of colonial and neo-colonial control.
It will meet for reading and discussion sessions on selected days (appointments to be discussed with the group during the first meeting), concluding with a 5-day field trip to Merseburg, Halle, and Dessau in the week after the final studio reviews in July. All students must attend the meetings, read the assigned texts, participate in the field trip, and prepare one in-class presentation in the course of the semester.
This seminar is open to advanced Bachelor and Master students from Architecture, City-Planning, and Landscape Architecture. It is possible to combine this seminar with working on a Studienarbeit.
The main language of instruction is English. Whenever possible German originals and translations will be provided, and individual accommodations can be provided when necessary. If you are interested in the class but have concerns about English please contact the instructor.