Urban Development & Space

Catalog description

This course is a careful investigation of urban development patterns and the organization of urban space. We will cover the history of human development patterns from a design perspective. This will include the move of populations from rural environments to cities, the Greek city, the Roman city, the Industrial revolution, suburban development and the megalopolis, again each focused on the physical aspects of these development periods. This course will promote an understanding of organic urban forms, concentric ring development, sector development, and multi-centric development patterns. The social and economic implications of these various development patterns will be explored.The course will include a detailed look at land use, transportation, and density as critical elements of urban form. This section of the class will cover land use regulatory structures (zoning and environmental law) and the various funding and taxing mechanisms that impact decision making. It will also include a review of metropolitan areas and how they include rural hinterlands, exurbs, suburbs and urban centers and issues of urban sprawl. This course will also examine urban design, good design principals, place making, and what makes places walkable, enjoyable urban environments. The course will also present the principals of sustainable design, and provide students with an understanding of how development and design choices impact sustainability outcomes. Restrictions: Must be enrolled in one of the following Levels: Graduate College of Arts & Sciences Race, Intersect, Gender & Soci