Get an overview of urban engineering and its interdisciplinary connections and discover the relationships that shape urban structures. The course introduces students to the basic principles of urban engineering. It focuses on the historical development of human settlements and their influence on the contemporary design of cities. Particular attention is paid to the analysis of urban functions and current challenges in urban development. Upon completion of the course, students will have a comprehensive overview of the field of urban engineering, understand its interdisciplinary connections, and learn to recognise the most important relationships that shape the development of urban structures. After completing the course, students will be able to: Knowledge and Understanding explain the basic concepts, principles, and scope of urban engineering. describe the historical development of cities and interpret its influence on contemporary urban forms. identify the main functional components of urban structures (housing, economy, recreation, transport, and infrastructure). recognize the key processes shaping current urban development, such as suburbanization and brownfield regeneration. understand the interrelations between technical, social, and economic aspects of urban systems. Skills analyse urban spatial structures using maps, plans, and spatial data sources. evaluate urban problems and propose potential planning or engineering solutions. apply basic methods of urban analysis and assessment, including field observation, spatial mapping, and data interpretation. communicate findings effectively through written reports, graphical outputs, and oral presentations. Competences integrate knowledge from different urban disciplines (technical infrastructure, planning, transport, environment) to understand city functioning as a complex system. reflect critically on sustainable urban development principles and their practical implications for engineering and planning practice. Introduction to urban engineering: basic concepts, definitions, and scope of the discipline. Historical development of cities: evolution of urban settlements and the principles of the Athens Charter. Urban structure and spatial organization: components of urban form and the influence of modernist planning ideals. Housing in urban areas: types, distribution, and social aspects of housing development. Urban economy: economic functions of cities and spatial aspects of economic activities. Recreation and public spaces: role of leisure, green spaces, and cultural infrastructure in urban life. Urban transport and mobility systems: transport networks, sustainable mobility, and urban accessibility. Technical infrastructure: fundamentals of water supply, sewerage, energy, and waste management systems. Contemporary urban issues I: suburbanization: causes, impacts, and management of urban sprawl. Contemporary urban issues II: Brownfields: regeneration strategies and sustainable redevelopment. Agglomerations and metropolitan areas: structure, governance, and regional relations. Basics of urban economics: economic principles and models applied to urban development. Comprehensive review and discussion: summary, case studies, and reserved time for project consultations. In the practical part, students work independently on an assigned project with the option of regular weekly consultations with the teacher.
