This course focuses on understanding the role of high-quality design as a tool to address urban social problems. Projects and topics discussed will include the role of art and culture in building community, the design of global cities, concern for energy systems and sustainability, and design's accommodation of global capital and investment. Through the work, student projects, and in-class discussions, this course will address if urban design practices are responsible for innovatively improving social conditions. The course will introduce students to critical thinking about the design of the built environment at many scales from the design of a park bench to the logic of large citywide systems. The physical form of the city is a result of a multitude of design decisions about built and unbuilt spaces. Throughout this course, you will be introduced to a series of tools to critically observe, analyze, evaluate, and make urban design decisions at different scales. At the end of the semester, you should feel confident to express your own attitude and insights about forms of community and the built environment.