Book Synopsis

Captures conversations from the 2023 Lucerne Talks architectural conference.

Conceived as a compendium and reference for students, teachers, researchers, and practitioners of architecture and urbanism, Teaching Urbanism explores current topics in urban design and development, responding to questions such as: What is the role of architecture in urban transformation? How can architectural practice respond to challenges such as climate change, migration, social segregation, or technology and mobility? And above all, how can urbanism and urban design be taught in a timely way and be made relevant for research? As a written dialogue between participants of the 2023 Lucerne Talks conference, the texts offer a shared understanding of applying different, multidisciplinary approaches, attitudes, and methods in tackling these challenges.

Teaching Urbanism is also a call for taking responsibility in political, social, and cultural matters and with regard to planning policies. Living spaces and buildings must be designed collectively rather than individually. The essays and brief texts expand the discussions at the 2023 Lucerne Talks on how to achieve this and what architecture can contribute to these complex processes.

About the Author

Heike Biechteler is an architect, curator, and lecturer in the Institute of Architecture at HSLU Engineering & Architecture in Lucerne. Johannes Käferstein is cofounder and principal of Käferstein & Meister Architekten in Zurich. He was director of the Institute of Architecture at HSLU School of Engineering & Architecture in Lucerne (2008-24). Stefan Kurath runs the architecture and urban design firm urbaNplus in Zurich and is director of the Urban Landscape Institute at ZHAW School of Architecture, Design and Civil Engineering in Winterthur. Jonathan Sergison is a founding principal of Sergison Bates Architects in London, directing the firm's Zurich office since 2010, and a professor of design and director of the Institute of Urban and Landscape Studies (ISUP) at the Accademia di Architettura in Mendrisio.