Urban Planning for Sustainable Cities: Moving Beyond Car-Centric Design

Modern cities face immense challenges from decades of car-centric development, leading to traffic congestion, environmental pollution, and fragmented communities. Transitioning away from this auto-industrial model requires a deep understanding of sustainable urban design and modern planning frameworks. This text-only course guides you through the foundational concepts of urban planning, equipping you with the knowledge to analyze city layouts, advocate for sustainable transit, and help design human-scale environments. What you'll learn: - Understand the history and impact of auto-industrial development on modern urban landscapes. - Analyze key transit-oriented development (TOD) and active mobility strategies. - Explore the 15-minute city framework and its application to neighborhood design. - Evaluate modern micromobility options and infrastructure for sustainable transit. - Learn how zoning laws and land-use policies shape community accessibility. - Practice evaluating urban spaces for walkability and environmental sustainability. You will start with core historical contexts and planning terminology before exploring practical strategies for modern, sustainable transit systems and neighborhood design. This course is designed for beginners, aspiring urban planners, and community advocates with no prior experience in civil engineering or architecture. Start reading today to help shape the future of sustainable, community-focused cities.