Preservation Planning Studio

Catalog description

This course immerses students in the theory and practice of planning for historic districts, cultural landscapes, and complex built environments. This advanced course emphasizes district-scale analysis, policy frameworks, and decision-making strategies that guide the long-term stewardship of historic places. Students work both independently and in teams to evaluate streetscapes, residential and commercial districts, and representative sites--assessing conditions, identifying character-defining features, and weighing interventions such as rehabilitation, infill, adaptive reuse, and new development. Through applied research, planning exercises, and engagement with contemporary preservation tools and guidelines, students develop actionable preservation plans that balance cultural significance, regulatory requirements, and community needs. The studio prepares emerging professionals to navigate the complexities of urban conservation and to contribute effectively to planning-driven roles in the preservation field.