The Urban Policy courses investigate the relationship between architecture and the politics behind urban development. Zoning Codes, Ordinances, Legislation, Financial Incentives and other policies enacted by planners, bureaucrats, politicians and bankers often have specific – sometimes very intentional – architectural outcomes. These outcomes may be a preference for unique building types, environmental performance standards, or community benefits. To explore the connection between urban policy and architectural form, students meet and network with architects, developers, and planners who engage their work in a thoughtful and critical manner, but generally do not participate in academic settings. Building upon this off-campus experience, the course is field trip intensive, with visits to construction sites, built projects and professional offices. Students ultimately produce a case study of a specific architectural project, using it to “unpack” or “reverse engineer” the urban policies that produced or influenced that project. By understanding the urban policy-making world, through this course, students are encouraged to participate in city design as “Civic Architects.” Specific topics vary by semester.