Contextualization

Theoretical introduction

Planet Earth is composed by several cities, each with its own specific story, characteristics and particularities. Some of them have been around for millennia while others are relatively new. It's through the study of these cities that we are able to understand the historical processes that shaped humankind.

Ancient cities, from civilizations such as the Egyptian, Greek, Roman, Mayan, Inca, among many others, were fundamental for the development of societies. They were centers for commerce, politics, religion, and culture. Studying them allows us to better comprehend how humankind behaved and thought in the past.

On the other hand, present day cities are reflections of the world in which we live. They are the result of centuries of evolution, undergoing several changes in the social, technological, political and cultural spheres. By studying them, we are able to better understand both the challenges and achievements of the modern world.

Relevance of the Subject

The comparison between past and present cities is essential to comprehend the evolution of human society. By doing so, we are able to detect both similarities and differences, understand the mistakes and achievements of the past and think of possible solutions for present problems. Additionally, by studying history, we can develop a deeper appreciation for the present and a better awareness about how our actions can affect the future.

Cities are also the physical manifestation of the civilizations that built them. By studying them, we can better understand these civilizations, their beliefs, values, and aspirations. Moreover, cities are places where human interactions unfold. Comprehending the way in which these interactions have been structured and transformed throughout history is essential to understanding both ourselves and the societies in which we live.

Practical activity: "Cities from past to Future"

Objective of the project

This project aims to take the students on a research and creation journey, exploring past and present cities. It is divided into two main stages: historical research and imaginative reconstruction.

While in the first stage students will study a past and a present city, in the second one, they will have to playfully imagine the past city as if it had evolved to the present day while respecting its culture, traditions and geographical characteristics.

Detailed Description of the project

Part I: Historical Research

Students, divided in groups of 3 to 5, will have to select both an ancient city (for example Rome, Athens, Cairo) and a contemporary city (for instance São Paulo, Tokyo, New York). They must investigate the social formation, cultural and religious influences, infrastructure, geographic aspects and the challenges faced by their chosen cities during their respective time periods.

This stage should be thoroughly documented. Students can produce a dossier, presentation or a documentary on their chosen cities incorporating images, charts, maps and other visuals to support their investigation.

Part II: Imaginative reconstruction

During this stage students must brainstorm on how the ancient city would have evolved if it managed to incorporate certain cultural and historical aspects into the present. Questions such as How would the ancient city have adapted to new technologies? How would the traditions and culture of the city have evolved? How would the city's architecture look like? are encouraged to be discussed

To materialize their ideas, students must create either a physical or a digital scale model of the "city of the future", using the knowledge they acquired during the research and applying creativity. They must collectively make decisions about the city's different aspects such as infrastructure, leisure, commerce and residential zones, transportation, and more.

Necessary materials

• Access to the internet for research.
• Materials for physical modeling, like paper, crayons, glue, scissors, clay or recycled materials, or 3d design software for digital modeling.
• Optional: camera for documentation along the process and final results.

Step by Step

1. Assemble the group of students and define the cities to be studied.
2. Thorough research of the selected cities.
3. Production of the dossier/presentation of part I.
4. Discussion and brainstorming on ways the ancient city could've evolved while respecting its cultural and historical legacy.
5. Creation of the "city of the future" model.
6. Documentation of the creation process and redaction of the final report.

Project Deliverables and Report

Groups must present:

1. Part I presentation/dossier detailing their findings on the past and present cities.

2. "City of the future" model representing the imaginative evolution of the ancient city.

3. A detailed report explaining the project:

   • Introduction: Contextualization of the selected cities, relevance of the research, objectives of the project.
   • Development: Theoretical framework on past and present cities, Detailed explanation of the research and modeling processes and discussion of results.
   • Conclusion: Reflection on the learning achieved during the completion of the project and lessons taken from it.
   • Bibliography: Sources consulted during the research.

The report should be in a clear and concise language and include photographs, charts, graphics and other visuals to help demonstrate the results achieved.