This course will introduce the theory and practice of physical planning. It will discuss the design concepts, principles, tools, and techniques that should inform planning decisions about the use, relationships, character, and quality of built environments. Lectures, case studies, and studio exercises will address the problems and opportunities of contemporary cities and will consider historic precedents as well as speculate on future patterns, all with the intent of improving the process and results of city design. The process of planning is a series of common sense steps used in arriving at a decision on how best to achieve future objectives. This course explores seven fundamental steps of a planning process in relation to how people live together.
Significant emphasis is placed on goal formation and community involvement.
Quantitative Planning Analysis Introduces the application of quantitative methods to planning processes. The course emphasizes the use of various practical methods appropriate to analyzing planning problems and building conceptual models for reasoning about planning issues. Descriptive statistics used to explore demographic characteristics will be covered along with evaluation techniques such as cost effectiveness and cost-benefit analysis. A decision-making prespective based on the value of information will be used throughout Planning Theory and Practice PLAN 609 will introduce planning theory as it has evolved in the context of American political, social, and economic institutions. Students will be acquainted with conflicting views of theory and their relevance to planning practice.