Insegnamento a.a. 2025-2026

The integrated course Designing Sustainable Cities, offered as part of the Master Programme in Transformative Sustainability jointly awarded by Politecnico di Milano and Bocconi University, is structured into two complementary modules. Module A, coordinated by Politecnico di Milano, focuses on the multifaceted challenges of urban sustainability and the dynamics of sustainability transitions. It addresses spatial and governance dimensions of urban transformation and examines key planning and design approaches and tools. These elements will be explored through the analysis of selected international case studies. Module B, coordinated by Bocconi University, concentrates on the environmental and socio-economic dimensions of urban transformation, with a particular focus on the development and implementation of climate and sectoral policies aimed at advancing urban sustainability. As part of Module B, three classes will focus on corporate/industrial perspectives, with the participation of stakeholders from the private and public sectors. In addition to the individual modules, common sessions will be held across both institutions to foster integration and dialogue. These include: (i) An introductory class offering a comprehensive overview of the course’s objectives and structure; (ii) Two seminars with guest experts, dedicated to two selected urban regeneration projects, which will form the basis for the students’ group project work; (iii) a site-visit in the two study areas (iv) Two final sessions for the presentation and discussion of group project outcomes, encouraging peer feedback and cross-module synthesis.

As an extra opportunity on a non-mandatory basis, selected students will have the possibility to participate in the next international “Dolomite Conference on Global Governance of Climate Change". The objectives and the format of the conference are meant to produce proposals to influence international organizations.

SDG: SDG 11 – Sustainable Cities and Communities; SDG 13 – Climate Action

By the end of the course, students will gain a deeper understanding of the role of cities in global sustainability transitions, the major socio-environmental and economic challenges they face, and the key drivers and levers for sustainable urban development. Upon successful completion of the course, students will be able to:

• Understand and explain the complex interrelations among spatial, economic, social, and environmental dynamics in the context of sustainable urban development, referring to the global framework of the 2030 Agenda and the sustainability transition framework. 
• Recognize and describe the main theoretical and operational approaches to urban sustainability, along with the key tools developed in the fields of urban policy, planning, and design. 

By the end of the course, students will have acquired advanced and interdisciplinary knowledge related to the analysis of urban sustainability challenges and the design and governance of sustainable urban solutions, encompassing both material and immaterial dimensions of urban systems. Upon successful completion of the course, students will be able to:

• Apply and synthesize theoretical and methodological knowledge in urban analysis, planning, design, and assessment through the in-depth examination of selected case studies.  

• Evaluate the impacts of urban transformations on land use, environmental quality, and social well-being by employing relevant indicators and assessment tools. 

• Critically assess the quality of sustainability-oriented urban policies, planning and projects

• Demonstrate a holistic understanding of sustainable urban design and planning approaches by integrating technical, spatial, and policy perspectives 

• Collaborate effectively in multidisciplinary and international teams to develop and communicate a comprehensive analysis of selected urban development/regeneration projects, demonstrating project management, teamwork, and professional communication skills. 

• Lectures
• Practical Exercises
• Individual works / Assignments
• Collaborative Works / Assignments

Classworks and active participation to class activities and discussions

Presentation of the case studies along the four sections of Module A

Presentation of the case studies along the four sections of Module B

Group essays (one per each module)

Course attendance is not mandatory but is strongly encouraged. Students who wish to be considered as “attending” must participate in at least 70% of the scheduled sessions.

For attending students, the final evaluation will be based on three components: classwork and active participation in discussions and activities will account for 10% of the final grade; a group project focused on the analysis of a selected urban transformation project—presented through a short video—will contribute 40%; and an individual final exam, consisting of both multiple-choice and open-ended questions, will determine the remaining 50%.

For non-attending students, assessment will be based equally on two components: an individual essay analyzing a selected urban transformation project will represent 50% of the final grade, while the remaining 50% will be based on an individual final exam with both multiple-choice and open-ended questions.

Further instructions will be provided on the WeBeep Platform.

Suggested readings will be provided on the WeBeep Platform.