Course Description

On November 2, 2004, voters in Austin, Texas gave the green light to the region's commuter rail plan. This is part of Austin’s All-Systems-Go Long-Range transit plan. In light of this approval, transit-oriented development (TOD) as an integrated land use-transportation development strategy has gained momentum in Austin. In May 19, 2005, the City of Austin adopted the TOD ordinance, providing practical guidance to implement TOD along the proposed rail line. Currently, selected planning and design firms are developing TOD proposals for areas around four of the nine rail stations.

What are the essential elements of TOD? What potential benefits will TOD generate? To Whom? What are the guiding principles for planning and designing TOD? What TOD implementation tools are available? What kind of barriers are there in implementing TOD?

The purpose of this course is to provide an opportunity for the course participants to conduct a focal study of TOD by reviewing literature and best practice of TOD in the world and by designing TOD for Austin, TX. The learning objectives are:

1. Clarify TOD definition, typology, and other conceptual issues;
2. Understand TOD implications in terms of transit ridership, property values, congestion relief, pollution reduction, community place making, and other aspects of transportation and urban policy;
3. Practice TOD design as it relates to land use functions, pedestrian access, parking, and neighborhood design in the station area;
4. Identify barriers and strategies to implement TOD (institutional, financial, regulatory, etc.)
5. Know the best practice of TOD in the U.S. and abroad

Textbooks

1. Calthorpe, Peter, 1993. The Next American Metropolis: Ecology, Community, and the American Dream. New York: Princeton Architectural Press. (PC)
2. Dittmar, Hank and Ohland, Gloria, 2003, The New Transit Town: Best Practices in Transit Oriented Development, Washington, D.C.: Island press. (DO)
3. Dunphy, Robert, et al. 2004. Developing Around Transit: Strategies and solutions that work. Urban Land Institute. (DC)
4. Cervero, Robert, 2004. Transit-Oriented Development in the United States: Experiences, Challenges, and Prospects. TCHRP Report 102, Transportation Research Board, Washington, D.C. (RC)
5. Supplementary materials will be placed on reserve or provided in electronic files.

Prerequisite

None