Educational Objective

The purpose behind Principles of Physical Planning is to introduce Architecture students to the role of planning, as practiced by both the public and private sectors, in the creation of the built environment and protection and enhancement of the natural environment. A secondary purpose is to provide students a challenging topical experience while satisfying the substantial writing component requirement for degree completion.

Educational Approach

The course employs a lecture/response format, with the instructor providing approximately half of the lectures, those dealing with the larger picture of the planning environment. Guest speakers will provide lectures on detailed planning functions, and there will be discussion/critique sessions of the material presented by the guest lecturers.

Course Content

The course begins with an introduction to the industry which creates the built environment. A conceptual model is used to identify the actors and the concepts present in the development industry. Following are a series of lectures/critiques on plans and plan-making, the environment, land uses, place making, planning analytical techniques, and plan implementation. Specific topics will include transportation, utilities, regulatory mechanisms, and economic development. The course closes with discussions of the planning role in environmental, social, and economic sustainability.

Basis for Evaluation

3 papers @ 33 1/3%

Required Text

Steiner, Frederick R. and Butler, Kent, Planning and Urban Design Standards, Student Edition, John Wiley & Sons, Inc., 2006.