Course Overview/

Dense, compact, hybrid, and dynamic are words often used in characterizing the urban landscapes of Asian cities. The fluid matrix of social life, urban spaces, and mass transportation along with proximity of activities and services clearly distinguishes the landscapes of major Asian cities from their North American counterparts. The dynamism of Asian cities is best experienced on the ground with full exposure to the complex juxtaposition and overlay of movement and activities—aggregate of often-disjointed elements rather than clearly delineated spaces and structures.

This traveling seminar will engage in a close-up examination of the urban landscapes of Japan, specifically Tokyo and Kobe. We will investigate how the urban forms and processes of Tokyo and Kobe respectively support the everyday life of their millions of residents and workers; how they reflect their distinct urban culture; and how they function as complex and hybrid urban systems. The field experience will enable us to critique the contemporary paradigm of urban planning and design.

Daily activities include guided tours, on-site mapping exercises, guest presentations, and interactions with the local professionals and citizens. The program in Tokyo and Kobe will be followed by participation in the 7th Conference of Pacific Rim Community Design Network on the scenic island of Awajishima, close to Kobe. With the opportunity to interact with leading community design scholars and practitioners in the Pacific Rim, the conference will enable students to understand the planning and design issues behind the making of urban environment in Japan and other Asian cities.

The course is open to all students. Participants will earn 5 credits of L ARCH 495 Landscape Architecture Studies Abroad. Credits for other courses and VPLA requirement can also be arranged. Participants should check with their advisors to determine how these credits can count towards their individual departmental requirements.

Schedule/

The course will take place from August 25 to September 14, 2010. A more

detailed schedule and itinerary will be available in the spring quarter.

Cost/

Students are required to pay a $2,700 Program fee (covering both the program costs and lodging) and $250 IPE Fee.

Additional costs for students include round trip travel to Tokyo and Hong Kong, health insurance, meals, course materials, ground transportation, and other personal expenses.

Students are required to arrange for their own travel to Tokyo and back to the United States. Round-trip airfare between Seattle and Tokyo costs about $1000 to $1200 in summer. Students may be able to get discount through travel agencies specializing in student travel. The total estimated cost per student is $5000.

Click here for financial aid information.