Cities are hotter than their surrounding areas. In this course we will figure out why, uncover consequences, and try to solve the problem.

The first rule of Urban Space: things change, and then change again. Skyscrapers are built, neighborhoods disappear and people move in and out at random. But is it random? Urban Space attempts to answer the WHY of WHERE using geography. Topics may include transportation, land values, urban models, barbershops and baseball stadiums. At least one trip on the MBTA is recommended.

Cities are hotter than their surrounding areas. In this course we will figure out why, uncover consequences, and try to solve the problem.

This course will explore urban space through a variety of lenses: perceptual, through models and through the controversial issues of Urban Renewal. Discussion of Boston will be especially encouraged as a way of talking about urban space and some of the unusual and exciting things that happen in urban environments. Some guiding questions: 1) How do city residents think of urban space? 2) Can you predict where certain businesses and people will go in a city? 3) What happened after the Big Dig? Where did the West End go? What separates the Green Line from the Blue Line?