Tokyo + Hong Kong: City, Streets and Hybrid Urbanism
2009 Exploration Seminar in Japan & Hong Kong
THIS PROGRAM IS FULL AND NO LONGER ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS. PLEASE CONSIDER ANOTHER EXPLORATION SEMINAR PROGRAM!
Program Director: Jeff Hou, Landscape Architecture
Dates of Instruction: August 14 - September 2, 2009
Course website: http://courses.washington.edu/asiacity
Dense, compact, hybrid, and dynamic are words often used in characterizing the urban landscapes of Asian cities. The fluid matrix of social life, urban spaces, and mass transportation along with proximity of activities and services clearly distinguishes the landscapes of major Asian cities from their North American counterparts. The dynamism of Asian cities is best experienced on the ground with full exposure to the complex juxtaposition and overlay of movement and activities—aggregate of often-disjointed elements rather than clearly delineated spaces and structures.
 This traveling seminar will engage in a close-up examination of the urban landscapes of Tokyo and Hong Kong, two iconic cities of Asia. Specifically, we will investigate how the urban forms and processes of Tokyo and Hong Kong respectively support the everyday life of their millions of residents and workers; how they reflect their distinct urban culture; and how they function as complex and hybrid urban systems.
A closer understanding of the two cities can provide us with a better understanding of urban livability under different spatial, institutional, and cultural frameworks. It would enable us to critique the paradigm of urban planning and design under the recent Western traditions. Through direct investigation and immersion, the program will provide students with transformative experience for rethinking cities and urbanism.
 The course will explore various methods of investigation in examining the urban characteristics in selected locations within the two cities. Daily activities include guided tours, on-site mapping exercises, guest presentations, and interactions with the local professionals and citizens.
The program will spend half of its time in Tokyo and another half in Hong Kong. Participants will earn 5 credits of L ARCH 495, Landscape Architecture Studies Abroad. Credits for other courses can also be arranged. Participants should check with their advisors to determine how these credits can count towards their individual degree requirements.
Student costs:
Additional costs include round trip travel to Tokyo and Hong Kong, health insurance, daily meals, ground transportation, and personal expenses.
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