This research based course begins by looking at urban development and major projects from outside the design professions to understand the complex context within which the city is shaped. You will be introduced to and asked to explore in detail aspects of law, development economics, politics, procurement and social forces which impact this sphere. The aim of this course is to develop your deeper and expanded understanding of urban design and related fields as professions and to look critically at their relationship to social, economic and political environments. It will exercise your ability to research and integrate key areas of professional knowledge through your own work and asks you to establish and defend your position on key issues facing urban design and the city.