Program Overview
Program Overview
Given the rapidly expanding world population and transition to predominantly urban societies, sustainability—particularly in cities—is at the forefront of many discussions. As populations grow at exponential rates and resources dwindle in response, human populations will increasingly struggle to maintain healthy, productive, enjoyable, and just cities. This cause and effect can be seen clearly throughout the African continent, and in particular, within the country of South Africa, making it an exceptional location to study concepts and outcomes of sustainability. Using South African and African urban issues and case studies, this interdisciplinary seminar explores our past, present, and, most importantly, future living in an urbanized world. We’ll look at many facets of the city as a unit of human settlement and explore issues that affect sustainability: natural resources, waste, the green economy, food security and agriculture, mobility, culture, and learning. We’ll also examine the related idea of community and the role that “place” and “place making” have in creating liveable urban spaces.
Program Activities
Program Activities
This seminar employs an experiential and holistic learning approach and consists of equal parts community engagement, field trips, case studies, presentation of research, and discussion sessions
with local experts, community leaders, and practitioners.
Program Objectives
Program Objectives
During this seminar, participants will:
- Explore the complex relationship between formations of human community and place making and urban sustainability.
- Focus the analysis of urban sustainability issues on one African city’s attempts to address public resource consumption and infrastructure challenges in the face of environmental threats and population growth.
- Identify the unique economic, social, and environmental challenges facing South African cities and contrast them within the broader context of global challenges and sustainability efforts.
Seminar Locations
Seminar Locations
Based in Stellenbosch with excursions to Cape Town; participants fly in and out of Cape Town.