Urban Planning and Environmental Sustainability (Summer School) module (SS03014)

Study the impacts of climate change on our urban environment, how cities cope with changes, and how urban design and planning improves outcomes for communities

Module code
SS03014
Semester
Runs during the summer
School
School of Art and Design
Discipline
Architecture and Urban Planning

This module will provide an introduction to urban planning and environmental sustainability.

This includes what is required to create and manage sustainable places, taking into account changes in our environment, people, and economy.

It will consider climate change and its impact on people and places, and how we can balance these through urban planning and sustainability approaches.

It will explore how the design of places impacts on our understanding and interaction with our communities and how planning can ensure a balanced approach in the placemaking.

What you will learn

In this module, you will:

  • examine the impacts of climate change, particularly on our urban environment
  • explore how our cities are likely to cope with and adapt to the predicted challenges of climate changes
  • consider the needs of residents in towns and cities. You will consider how better planning and design can improve the outcomes for these communities

By the end of this module, you will be able to:

  • understand how urban planners and environmental sustainability professionals operate
  • understand how cities and places can adapt to be more resilient
  • explain the contribution urban planning can make to the built and natural environments
  • recognise the implications of climate change
  • understand how both businesses and the public are responding to changes in our climate system
  • demonstrate effective analytical skills in reaching appropriate evidence-based decisions

Assignments / assessment

  • Environmental Sustainability essay (50%) - 1,000 words (+/- 10%)
  • Urban Planning practical exercise and presentation (50%)
    • Place Standard Tool submission and 5 slide presentation

This module does not have a final exam.

Teaching methods / timetable

  1. Environmental Sustainability – Sustainability and Climate Change
  2. Environmental Sustainability – Sustainable Development
  3. Urban Planning: Introduction to Planning, Place, Space, and People
  4. Urban Planning: Policy, Planning Issues, and the Future of Planning