Students present their proposals to the Department during the Monday evening series of workshops. This studio provides an overview of planning problem-solving techniques, and design skills in areas subject to environmental, social and economic change. It provides an introduction to computer-aided visual techniques, and planning instruments. Neighbourhood change theory and field visits examine different types of neighbourhoods and planning issues. The course provides a practical understanding of the basic ecological processes operating within the landscape of the urban region and the built environment, and their applications and relationships to the planning and management of urban environments and associated landscape resources.
Coursework emphasises the practical application of theory.
A number of urban ecology related projects are identified for group work and for an individual project. Some subjects involve a field trip with the instructor and are related to current issues in the Winnipeg region. Leading practice and emergent applications elsewhere are also considered. Planning for sustainable development versus planning for the development of sustainability forms a central concern. This course helps build a strong background in social research procedures and other methods useful in contemporary planning practice.