In this class we will discuss evolutionary foundations of human behavior tendencies that shape our living today. The special focus will lie on urban life, with the aim to identify ways to make cities more liveable. How should cities be organised and designed in order to fit to human needs? What are the essential building blocks? How can the social complexity of cities be tackled and neighbourhood quality be ensured? How can nature and art contribute to a higher quality of life in cities? How can mobility in cities be organised to enhance sustainability. If cities are liveable, people will happily live in cities and thereby reduce their climate impact. The class consists of two parts: First we will lay the theoretical foundations, and then students will work on applied group projects.

Presence is required. 

Students will carry out a practical group project for which they will read scientific literature, collect data, analyse data and write a report. (40%)

The findings of their group projects will be presented orally in the last unit of the class. (30%)

Students will discuss the findings of all group projects in the light of the theoretical knowledge acquired in class in a joint reflection. (30%)