B9123 - URBAN DESIGN AND PLACEMAKING IN TOURISM

Learning outcomes

This course explores the relationship between placemaking and urban design in the context of urban tourism, integrating interdisciplinary perspectives and practical case studies. At the end of the course, students will understand the economic, socio-cultural, and ecological relevance of placemaking; identify strategies suited to diverse urban contexts; evaluate the impact of urban design on destination image and competitiveness; appreciate interdisciplinary and participatory approaches to solving design challenges; and critically assess the role of multi-stakeholder collaboration in sustainable urban tourism.

Course contents

In order to:

1. Understand major sociological theories explaining placemaking in relation to urban design and tourism.
2. Critically analyze academic articles on placemaking in high-tourism contexts.
3. Work in teams to discuss and synthesize scholarly literature.
4. Apply theoretical concepts to case studies adopting participatory approaches through qualitative methodologies.
5. Communicate research results effectively in both written and oral forms.

The course is divided into 3 modules:

Module 1 (10 hours) Sociological theories of placemaking: place/space, identity, social capital, spatial justice, production of space , impacts of tourism on urban spaces.

Module 2 (12 hours) Group work and discussion of recent scientific articles (in English) on placemaking cases in high-tourism contexts.

Module 3 (8 hours) Case study of an urban tourist location: analysis of qualitative data, interviews, observation, design and presentation of placemaking strategies.

 

 

Readings/Bibliography

The course will be based on various reference texts, which will be presented during the first module. In addition to the slides that will be provided (Virtuale), students will find the topics covered in these articles

For the discussion of module 2, they will have to choose 1 of these articles to present and discuss (the choice must be made during the first lessons) and the other groups will have to debate based on the presentation.

For the (individual) oral exam, students will have to study 5 articles of their choice from those listed below.

1. Lew, A. A. (2019). Tourism planning and place making: place-making or placemaking?. In Tourism planning and development (pp. 142-160). Routledge.
2. Toolis, E. E. (2017). Theorizing critical placemaking as a tool for reclaiming public space. American journal of community psychology, 59(1-2), 184-199.
3. Buser, M., Bonura, C., Fannin, M., Boyer, K. (2013): Cultural activism and the politics of place-making, City 17 (5), 606-627.
4. Gravari-Barbas, M. & Jacquot, S. (2020). "Tourism and the production of urbanity in the era of overtourism: the case of Paris." Tourism Geographies, 22(1), 17-38.
   
5. Sepe, M. (2021). "Placemaking and creative tourism: Insights from Naples." Cities, 113, 103152.
6. Koens, K., Melissen, F., & Mayer, I. (2022). "Understanding the governance of placemaking in tourism destinations." Journal of Sustainable Tourism, 30(4), 879–898.
7. Duxbury, N., Bakas, F. E., & Pato de Carvalho, C. (2020). "Placemaking through arts and culture: Policy perspectives." Cities, 99, 102608.
8. Cilliers, E. J., Timmermans, W. (2014): The Importance of Creative Participatory Planning in the Public Place-Making Process, Environment and Planning B: Planning and Design 41 (3), 413-429, DOI:10.1068/b39098.

Teaching methods

• Interactive lectures
• Group work with classroom presentations
• Guided discussions and peer instruction
• Case studies (case-based learning)
• Use of audiovisual material and online platforms

It should be noted that all activities are to be conducted in person

Assessment methods

Group work and discussion component of the assessment constitutes 10% of the total mark for the course.

Group paper on a case study constitutes 30% of the total mark for the course.(3000 words) , to be submitted one week before the examination

The oral presentation component of the assessment constitutes 60% of the total mark for the course. This component of the assessment involves an evaluation of students' critical reflection and argumentation skills. Each person will have 15 minutes for this part of the assessment.

Grade and Expected Criteria

30 cum laude

Excellent theoretical mastery, flawless application of concepts, originality, logical structure, engaging and clear presentation

28-30

Strong theoretical understanding, solid application, well-argued, effective presentation

25-27

Good general understanding, correct but limited application, some theoretical gaps

21-24

Sufficient understanding but with errors, weak or inconsistent analysis

18-20

Minimal concept understanding, superficial application, incomplete or incoherent work

<18

Not passed: lack of critical understanding, insufficient or missing work

Teaching tools

Slides (PDF)
Scientific papers and online bibliographic sources

Links to further information

https://site.unibo.it/studenti-con-disabilita-e-dsa/it

Office hours

See the website of Carolina Mudan Marelli