Cursos / 1º Ciclo / Faculty of Architecture and Arts :: Architecture ( Integrated Master)

SOCIOLOGIA URBANA - 2025/2026

4º curricular year
Semestralidade: 1st semester
ECTS: 2

Teachers

Leading Teacher: Prof. Doutora Fátima Rodrigues
Assistant Professor: Prof. Doutora Fátima Rodrigues

Class type and School hours

Teórica : 2 Horas

Teaching Language

Portuguese

Main Aims/Objectives

Understand the social processes that shape urban space.
Analyze the interaction between urban forms, social practices, and urban cultures.
Integrate a sociological perspective into the design and evaluation of architectural and urban planning projects.
Develop skills in observation, analysis, and intervention in concrete urban

Specific Aims/Objectives

Relate forms of spatial organization to social practices.
Interpret cases of urban transformation in light of fundamental sociological concepts.
Apply qualitative analysis methodologies (direct observation, ethnographic recording, or informal interviews) to study the social uses of space.
Develop a critical attitude toward the role of urban planning in the (re)production of social inequalities.

Skills to be acquired

To develop a critical attitude that allows critically evaluating the social world in urban contexts, operationalizing the conceptual frameworks of sociology;
To sociologically analyze urban and architectural interventions in the domain of the city;
To propose urban solutions with the objective of solving social problems related to urban space;
To develop a culture of reflective and critical citizenship.

Teaching Procedures

The course unit adopts a pedagogical approach that combines theoretical exposition, case study analysis, individual exercises, and critical reflection, aiming to make urban sociology concepts applicable to architectural practice.

Main methodological components:
- Presentation of the program content;
- Guided discussion based on real urban situations, with a focus on the city of Porto;
- Completion of individual written analysis exercises;
- Guided readings.

Programme

1. Introduction to Urban Sociology: the city as a social reality
1.1. The city as a social construct: space, power, and culture
1.2. The major traditions of urban sociology (Chicago School, Lefebvre, Castells)

2. Space, power, and inequality: the city as a stage for exclusions and resistances
2.1. Fortification of the city, territorial struggle, and new forms of urban segregation: dual city, socio-spatial segregation, gentrification, and gated communities

3. Urban everyday life: social uses of space and practices of dwelling
3.1. Dwelling as a social experience
3.2. Appropriation and symbolic uses of built space

4. Participation, community, and urban planning
4.1. Urbanisation and anti-urban discourses
4.2. Urban utopias: examples
4.3. The SAAL project as a reimagined city based on participatory democracy
4.4. Public vs. private space: Who has the right to the city?

Evaluation Type

The evaluation will focus on the Frequency and Exam tests carried out for this purpose, in addition to two interim tests.

Teaching Resources

Supporting thematic texts, documentaries and reports alluding to the themes of the syllabus, teaching materials (slides, specific bibliography).

Sustainability Objectives

The theories of Sociology allow for reflection on the development of inclusive, safe, and sustainable cities (SDG Sustainable Cities and Communities). The dual city addresses issues of inequalities that relate to the promotion of equity in urban areas (SDG Reduced Inequalities). The interpretation of forms of regulation and the right to the city explores the importance of participatory institutions in the construction of cities that promote social justice (SDG Peace, Justice, and Strong Institut

Keywords

Urban utopias
City and Society
Urbanized space and social inequalities

Main Bibliography

Complementary Bibliography