Medieval cities were not designed all at once — they grew over time through trade, belief, migration, and the daily actions of individuals. In this studio, students will study medieval cities as living systems and bring their understanding to life by collaboratively building a large-scale cardboard city, informed by historical research, cultural layouts, and urban logic.
Studio Brief
Final Project Expectations
Students will design and build a collaborative small- to medium-scale cardboard medieval city that brings historical research to life by blending history, urban design, and imagination.
The final model should include key medieval structures—such as walls, markets, religious buildings, workshops, and homes—and reflect how individual roles contributed to the city as a living system.
The city should tell the story of medieval urban life in an engaging and visual way.
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Studio Skills
Collaboration
Concept Development
Lo-Fi Prototyping
Historical Knowledge
Urban Design
Social Studies
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The birth & rebirth of Cities
The "rebirth" of cities in medieval Europe refers to the significant urban revival that occurred during the High Middle Ages (roughly 10th to 13th centuries), following the decline of urban life after the fall of the Roman Empire. This resurgence was tied to the revival of trade and commerce and led to major social, economic, and political transformations.
In medieval times, better farming and safer roads allowed trade to return. Markets and crafts brought people back together, helping towns grow into cities again. City walls, churches, and marketplaces were built as cities became more important.
By the late Middle Ages, cities were once again lively centers of trade, culture, and community.
Studio Context
Why Did People Move to Cities?
- Safety & Protection : City walls and guards offered protection from attacks and invasions.
- Trade & Jobs: Markets, workshops, and guilds provided work and opportunities to sell goods.
- Religion & Power: Cities were centers of churches, mosques, cathedrals, and political authority.
- Community & Belonging: People lived close together, sharing skills, services, and daily life.
- Opportunity & Change: Cities offered new chances beyond farming, especially for craftsmen and merchants.
Madrid in the Medieval Times
Madrid in the Medieval Times
Madrid began as a 9th-century Muslim outpost (Mayrit). Conquered by Christians in 1085, it grew as a Castilian town. Its medieval core was largely demolished when King Philip II moved the court there in 1561, leading to rapid expansion and redevelopment. Today, visitors find remnants in old streets like Madrid de los Austrias, ancient churches, and nearby well-preserved medieval towns like Buitrago del Lozoya, with vibrant seasonal medieval markets also offering a trip back in time.
The Arabs gave it that name because of the abundance of water in the area. Several rivers bathed the city, with much groundwater below, the word “Ma” in Arabic means “water.”
8th Century
But finally in the eleventh century, the Christian king Alfonso VI of León, known by the Arabs as “the wild cat” for his brave character, reconquered the cities of Toledo and Madrid. In the Old Town of Madrid, still today there is a narrow street with medieval origins that bears his name.
13th Century
You are here!
San Blas
Church of San Nicolás
The oldest church in Madrid that is still active, from the 12th century. The bell tower is built in the Moorish style, because at that time the Christians liked to copy the style
that the Muslims used
Church of San Nicolás
Paved garden with viewing platforms over remains of stone walls built by 9th-century Moorish forces.
Torre de los Lujanes
A rare 15th-century building with Gothic elements in Plaza de la Villa.
Medieval cities were not designed all at once — they grew over time through trade, belief, migration, and the daily actions of individuals. In this studio, students will study medieval cities as living systems and bring their understanding to life by collaboratively building a large-scale cardboard city, informed by historical research, cultural layouts, and urban logic.