Foundational Concepts in Urban Planning and Design

Do you want to understand how cities are structured, how they function, and how planning decisions shape daily life? Effective urban planning is crucial for building sustainable, livable communities. This course provides a clear, written foundation in the core principles of urban planning. You will gain the analytical skills necessary to evaluate existing urban conditions—from housing patterns to transportation networks and water systems—and propose cohesive design strategies. What you'll learn: * Understand the relationship between land use density and transportation planning, including modern mobility and transit-oriented development principles. * Analyze core infrastructure systems, focusing on urban hydrology and water management for climate resilience. * Practice evaluating housing types, street networks, and public spaces like waterfronts and villages within a planning context. * Master foundational planning terminology and methods for conducting site inventory and analysis. * Apply principles of equitable design to ensure planning outcomes benefit diverse populations and neighborhood needs. The material begins with essential planning theory and terminology before moving into detailed analysis of key urban components: land use, mobility, infrastructure, and housing. The course concludes by synthesizing these elements into comprehensive design considerations for specific sites. This course is designed for absolute beginners interested in urban design, architecture, public policy, or environmental studies. No prior knowledge of planning or technical software is required. Start building your foundational knowledge of urban planning today.