The period of the last 30-40 years is characterized by rapid economic and social changes –commonly known under the terms of globalization, post-industrial society, neoliberalism, in which cities play a major role. Gradually, and with greater emphasis since the 1990s, the dominant conceptions of space and design are constantly redefined, bringing forth new concepts and priorities. These sweeping changes in cities have often fed linear readings. For example, the current situation is approached primarily through economic terms and practices of “emergency” that underestimate the importance of spatial restructuring and uneven development processes involved. While it is by now widely acknowledged that the crisis is not only economic, but also concerns understandings, spatial meanings and social values, the generalized considerations do not take into account local specificities in the social division of labor or the different mechanisms and modes of urban development in each city. The globalized urban space is characterized by both continuities and intense discontinuities. As a result, the rapid changes and the abundant and often contradictory information cause embarrassment and confusion to those who deal with issues of space. Meanwhile, the fluidity of present times unsettles the dominant discourse and brings forth newly recognized issues and claims. In this context, there is an urgent need to develop new perspectives and methods of intervention. Thus, based on the fact that there can be no understanding and action for the local regardless of the trends and dynamics created in the global and vice versa, the course will investigate common threads and differences, correspondences and diversities.