SUSTAINABLE URBAN MOBILITY
COURSE OVERVIEW
Academic Credits
Undergraduate: 15 credits
Summer Terms
A & B
Undergraduate:15 credits
Graduate: 12 credits
Total Estimated Cost
$10,650
EAT
CITIES ARE GROWING WORLDWIDE
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Worldwide cities are growing rapidly and by the year 2050 more than 70% of the world’s population will be urban residents. Cities and metropolitan regions are the economic engine of countries, however, cities are facing difficult land use and mobility issues. Road-networks are heavily congested, public transport-systems are insufficient and cycling is unsafe. The economic vitality and livability of cities are under growing pressure. Land use and mobility planning has become key factors in planning for successful development of our cities. In addition as cities grow and the world becomes increasingly urbanized the integration of land use and transportation planning is among the most important tools that planners can use in mitigating the crisis of climate change.
This is a multidisciplinary course that teaches students how to translate key elements in the planning of sustainable cities (i.e. economic vitality, attractive public spaces, sustainability, resiliency, and social equity), utilizing best practices in the U.S., England and The Netherlands. Classroom lectures and field trips focus on land use planning and zoning; sustainable mobility; Transit Oriented Development; environmental policy; and multi-modal transportation infrastructure. Professionals in these three countries provide students with a deeper understanding of how and why land use planning is a central component of successful sustainable mobility. With this understanding students can better apply best practices from England and The Netherlands to solving problems in Puget Sound and other areas in the United States.
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By the end of the course students will master the following content.
COURSE OBJECTIVES
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An understanding of traditional urban planning principles and practices in the United States, England and The Netherlands.
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An understanding of how land use and mobility issues are currently inter-connected in the Pacific Northwest and how best practices in England and The Netherlands can be applied to problem solving in the United States.
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An understanding of how planning for multi-modal transportation infrastructure will allow U.S. cities to reduce dependency on the use of automobiles.
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An understanding of how to identify relevant land use and mobility issues, gather data and weigh competing planning interventions to prepare a comprehensive analytical mobility plan that fits in the broader context of U.S. planning practice.
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An understanding of how public policy can support successful planning initiatives to meet environmental and climate change goals.
By the end of the course students will master the following abilities, knowledge and skills.
LEARNING OUTCOMES
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To identify and analyze complex land use/urban mobility issues and opportunities.
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To learn and apply international best practices in urban planning to improve cities in the United States.
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To bridge the gap between urban planning theory and practice.
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To understand the role of the planner in land use and transportation planning processes.
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To conduct effective qualitative and quantitative research.
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To interact and engage with stakeholders and clients.
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To understand how to collect and analyze data in support of local and regional policy goals.