What is the “Urban & Environmental Studies?” Course

The Urban & Environmental Studies (UES) course explores the dynamic interaction between the built environment of cities and the natural landscapes that surround them. It delves into how cities expand and engage with open landscapes and how designed landscapes are integrated into urban environments.

How did the course start?

The origins of the UES course can be traced back to its inception as a graduate class at UC Berkeley. Over time, it has evolved into a course taught throughout the academic semester at various universities and as a condensed summer course. This course has been offered at institutions such as UC Berkeley, San Francisco State University, Kansas State University, the Graduate Institute for International Students, and the University of Huddersfield.

What are the aims of UES?

The primary objectives of UES are to foster connections among students who share a common interest in urban and environmental issues, bridging gaps between undergraduates, graduate students, ABD (All But Dissertation) candidates, visiting scholars, lecturers, and professors.

What can be achieved by this website? 

This website serves as a valuable platform for linking academics and practitioners. It facilitates the exchange of research findings, perspectives, and critical insights between the academic community and practitioners with real-world experience. This exchange is achieved through the sharing of posts, articles, book reviews, evaluations of urban projects, research discoveries, and policy assessments, fostering intelligent discussions. Additionally, this platform promotes knowledge transfer across generations by engaging young researchers.

How long is the course?

Whether it is a semester-long graduate seminar, a summer course, or a short boot camp course for professionals, the UES course is tailored to serve the attendees and adjusted to fit their local context. It uses hands-on professional experience from the region combined with theoretical framework.

Who is the course leader?

Prof. Amir Gohar, a Senior Lecturer and Programme Leader at the University of The West of England, serves as the leader of the UES course. He brings extensive practical experience as an urban landscape designer, having worked in congested cities, coastal settlements, and historic urban centers across the Middle East and Africa. To know more about Gohar’s work, click here.

Dr. Gohar can be reached via: amir.gohar@berkeley.edu