The course will explore the main dimensions of the urbanization process in Asia. Over the next thirty years it is assumed that the majority of Asian countries will reach levels of economic and social development similar to those of the present developed countries. During this period it is estimated that almost 60 per cent of the increase in the world’s urban population will occur in Asia and that by 2030 the total population will be an estimated 2.6 billion people. If present trends continue this means the emergence of some of the largest mega-urban regions in the world exceeding 30 million people in population. This urban growth will pose major challenges to urban planning, governance, infrastructure building and economic and social development, especially if these urban areas are to be both sustainable and liveable. This course will offer an interdisciplinary approach to these urban challenges with a policy focus. The course will adopt a problem approach focusing on the major policy challenges of this urban transition. It will be organized to include lectures, team presentations and assessed on the basis of class participation and a report on developing planning responses to a particular urban problem.