The main goal is to understand the context surrounding the production of urban space, inhabited by a diversity of actors, resources, and motivations that need to be comprehended. It is assumed that the architect should engage in this debate by understanding the mechanisms of articulation between actors, motivations, and resources, while not relinquishing the specific contributions of their education.

More specifically, the aim is to understand that: (1) changes in the physical form of the city result in changes in income and social relationships; (2) the form of these changes arises from the interaction among various social groups; (3) the State plays a crucial role in balancing interests and needs; (4) various stakeholders can compel a different sharing of power.

Deliberately, the course goes beyond, to the extent possible, the format of traditional lectures, favoring debate. It is the responsibility of the instructor to pose questions, present concepts, and guide the discussion. It is up to the students to relate these contents to their individual perception. With this format, it is expected that the content becomes less abstract and more complex, facilitating its implementation in practice.

The taught contents will be based on: (1) scientific literature - Henri Lefebvre, David Harvey, Manuel Castells, Pierre Bourdieu, Berger and Luckmann, Terry Eagleton, Thomas Piketty; (2) presentations of selected processes of urban space production - early 20th-century housing policy in Portugal, the instructor's professional experience; (3) sharing experiences from invited architects of recognized prestige; (4) using audiovisual, literary, or media material more inclined towards documentary narrative.

The assessment will be based on an ongoing assignment throughout the course, developed until its conclusion, and will constitute 100% of the final evaluation. The assignment is grounded in project 5 area  and the groups formed within this course, which will include students not enrolled in project 5.

The final evaluation of the course results from the assessment of the final assignment or, in situations where students fail to achieve a minimum of 9.5 points in the written assignment necessary for approval, from the completion of an oral examination assessing the acquired knowledge. Students wishing to improve their grade may also undertake this examination.