Foundations of Urban Planning and Design

Every city tells a story through its streets, buildings, and green spaces. Understanding how these elements come together to create functional, vibrant places is the first step toward shaping the future of our urban landscapes. This course equips you with the essential knowledge and practical principles needed to understand, critique, and contribute to urban planning and design projects, empowering you to envision and create better cities. You will learn to: * Understand the core concepts of urban planning, including land use, zoning, and historical urban patterns. * Analyze existing urban environments and identify opportunities for development and revitalization. * Develop comprehensive master plans that integrate housing, commercial, and public spaces effectively. * Apply principles of sustainable urban development and green infrastructure in design proposals. * Implement strategies for community engagement and participatory design in planning processes. * Design public spaces and circulation networks that enhance accessibility and quality of life. The course begins with foundational terminology and historical contexts, then progresses to practical methods for analyzing urban sites, developing design concepts, and creating actionable master plans. This course is designed for complete beginners with no prior experience in urban planning, architecture, or design. Begin your journey to understand and shape the cities of tomorrow.