Urban Design and Development

    • New Course: Urban Design and Civic Engagement

      Fulfill Your Civics Graduation Requirement with a Hands-On, Architecture-Based Approach!  Taught collaboratively by both a Social Studies and Applied Arts Architecture teacher.

      Course Overview: This innovative Human-Centered Design course offers a rich, interdisciplinary learning experience by blending Social Studies and Applied Arts. In this hands-on class, students will go on a journey to understand the intricate connections between government policies, urban planning, and the everyday lives of people within cities. Through a mix of discussion, real-world applications, and hands-on projects, students will gain insights into how cities are shaped and reimagined in response to evolving social, economic, and environmental challenges.

      This course goes beyond traditional classroom learning by:

      • Empowering students to design their own cities and land development plans using advanced tools like GIS and CAD programs.
      • Exploring real-world case studies on controversial urban design issues that impact communities today.
      • Engaging students in the democratic process through participation in local zoning meetings, presenting design proposals to municipal officials, and conducting problem-based research on urban development.
      • Equipping students to take informed action and advocate for public policies that promote sustainable, inclusive, and resilient urban spaces.

      Students will not only learn about urban design but will actively participate in shaping the future of cities. By the end of the course, they will have a comprehensive understanding of how government decisions impact urban landscapes and will be ready to contribute to meaningful changes in their communities.

      First Semester Topics:

      • The Origins of Cities: How did cities develop, and what role did government institutions play?
      • Principles of Good Urban Design: Addressing urgent social, economic, and environmental challenges.
      • Designing for Diversity: Creating cities that cater to a variety of stakeholders.
      • Government’s Role in Urban Design: Understanding federalism and its impact on city planning.
      • Sustainability and Resilience in Urban Design: Building cities for the future.
      • Climate Change and Urban Spaces: The role of urban planners and governments in responding to environmental challenges.
      • Legal Influences on Urban Landscapes: From redlining to Superfund sites, explore how legal decisions have shaped cities.

      Key Projects:

      • Project #1: Redesign a street to foster community, inclusiveness, and belonging in a diverse area.
      • Project #2: Collaborate with local municipality planners to improve urban design and present your proposals.

      Second Semester Topics:

      • Urban Spatial Organization: Explore the physical, economic, social, and governmental factors that influence space usage in cities.
      • Urban Planning Tools: Learn and apply quantitative and qualitative tools like GIS for urban analysis.
      • Urban Connectivity: Understand the spatial interdependence of cities and the role of public agencies.
      • Emerging Urban Trends: Smart cities, New Urbanism, and the government’s role in developing these spaces.
      • Civic Engagement: Participate in community planning and zoning meetings to see urban design in action.

      Collaborative Team Projects:

      • Global Urban Planning Project: Create an urban plan for a real-world location and present your findings to mock clients.
      • Community Impact Project: Partner with a local organization or agency to design a project that will positively impact your community.