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Arjan van Timmeren, Huub H.M. Rijnaarts, Mariette Overschie, and Marc Spiller

Did you know that cities take up less than 3% of the earth’s land surface, but more than 50% of the world’s population live in them? And, cities generate more than 70% of the global emissions? Large cities and their hinterlands (jointly called metropolitan regions ) greatly contribute to global urbanization and sustainability challenges, yet are also key to resolving these same challenges.

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Did you know that cities take up less than 3% of the earth’s land surface, but more than 50% of the world’s population live in them? And, cities generate more than 70% of the global emissions? Large cities and their hinterlands (jointly called metropolitan regions ) greatly contribute to global urbanization and sustainability challenges, yet are also key to resolving these same challenges.

If you are interested in the challenges of the 21st century metropolitan regions and how these can be solved from within the city and by its inhabitants, then this Sustainable Urban Development course is for you!

There are no simple solutions to these grand challenges! Rather the challenges cities face today require a holistic, systemic and transdisciplinary approach that spans different fields of expertise and disciplines such as urban planning, urban design, urban engineering, systems analysis, policy making, social sciences and entrepreneurship.

This MOOC is all about this integration of different fields of knowledge within the metropolitan context. The course is set up in a unique matrix format that lets you pursue your line of interest along a specific metropolitan challenge or a specific theme.

Because we are all part of the challenges as well as the solutions, we encourage you to participate actively! You will have the opportunity to explore the living conditions in your own city and compare your living environment with that of the global community.

You will discover possible solutions for your city’s challenges and what it takes to implement these solutions. Your participation will also contribute to wider research into metropolitan regions as complex systems.

We invite you to take the first steps in understanding the principles that will be essential to transform metropolitan regions into just, prosperous and sustainable places to live in!

This course forms a part of the educational programme of the Amsterdam Institute for Advanced Metropolitan Solutions and is developed by Wageningen UR and TU Delft, two of the founding universities of AMS Institute.

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What's inside

Learning objectives

  • The most relevant challenges that metropolitan regions are facing
  • How you can respond to these challenges
  • Examples of sustainable, metropolitan interventions and solutions
  • How to critically reflect on and engage in the sustainable cities debate
  • Innovative solutions for your own urban living environment

Syllabus

Module 1:
Introduction
Module 2:
Urban Growth
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Module 3:
Socio-economic Change
Module 4:
Climate Change
Module 5:
Resource Shortage
Module 6:
Digitization & (Geo)Data
Module 7:
Synthesis

Good to know

Know what's good
, what to watch for
, and possible dealbreakers
Provides comprehensive overview of challenges faced by metropolitan regions and the frameworks to solve them
Suitable for individuals interested in sustainable development, urban planning, and policymaking
Matrix format allows learners to explore topics from different perspectives
Promotes active participation through real-world examples and engagement
Engages learners in understanding the complexities of metropolitan regions
Requires learners to have background knowledge of urban development principles

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Reviews summary

Sustainable urban development: informative course

According to students, Sustainable Urban Development is an informative course that does not require a lot of outside work. The course has clear objectives and engaging lectures.

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Sustainable Urban Development with these activities:
Review system thinking
Review existing knowledge of systems thinking to ensure a solid foundation for the course
Browse courses on Systems Thinking
Show steps
  • Revisit lecture notes or textbooks on systems thinking
  • Read journal articles or online resources to refresh understanding
  • Attend a workshop or online seminar on systems thinking
Read a review of metropolitan planning
This activity will help refresh knowledge of metropolitan planning, which is essential for understanding the challenges and solutions discussed in this course.
Browse courses on Urban Design
Show steps
  • Find a recent review article on metropolitan planning.
  • Read the article and take notes on key concepts.
  • Summarize the main points of the article.
Write a blog post or article on a sustainability challenge in your own city
This activity will encourage you to apply your understanding of sustainability challenges to your own city, fostering deeper engagement with the course material.
Show steps
  • Identify a specific sustainability challenge in your city.
  • Research the challenge and its potential solutions.
  • Write a blog post or article that presents your findings and suggests recommendations.
Four other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all seven activities
Complete practice quizzes on metropolitan challenges and solutions
This activity will reinforce your understanding of key concepts by providing regular opportunities to test your knowledge and identify areas for improvement.
Show steps
  • Find practice quizzes on metropolitan challenges and solutions.
  • Take the quizzes and review your answers.
Contribute to an open-source project related to sustainable urban development
This activity will allow you to apply your skills practically and engage with a global community working on real-world challenges in sustainable urban development.
Show steps
  • Find an open-source project related to sustainable urban development.
  • Review the project's documentation and code.
  • Identify ways to contribute to the project.
Design a proposal for a sustainable urban intervention in your city
This project will challenge you to translate your knowledge of sustainable urban development into a tangible plan, enhancing your problem-solving and implementation skills.
Show steps
  • Identify a specific sustainable urban intervention.
  • Research the intervention and its potential benefits.
  • Develop a detailed proposal outlining the intervention's design, implementation plan, and impact assessment.
Mentor a younger student or volunteer in a program related to sustainable urban development
This activity will not only benefit the mentee but also reinforce your understanding of sustainable urban development and develop your leadership skills.
Show steps
  • Identify a mentoring opportunity.
  • Reach out to the mentee and schedule regular meetings.
  • Provide guidance, support, and encouragement.

Career center

Learners who complete Sustainable Urban Development will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:
Urban Economist
Urban Economists study the economic aspects of cities. They use their knowledge to understand the challenges facing cities and to develop solutions to these challenges.
Environmental Engineer
Environmental Engineers design and implement solutions to environmental problems. They work with clients to identify and assess environmental risks, and then develop and implement plans to mitigate these risks. This course would be particularly relevant to Environmental Engineers as it provides a comprehensive overview of the environmental challenges facing metropolitan regions.
Sustainability Consultant
Sustainability Consultants provide advice and support to organizations on how to improve their sustainability performance. They work with organizations to identify and assess sustainability risks and opportunities, and then develop and implement plans to improve the organization's sustainability performance.
Public Policy Analyst
Public Policy Analysts research, analyze, and evaluate public policies. They use their knowledge to make recommendations to policymakers on how to improve the effectiveness of public policies. This course would be particularly relevant to Public Policy Analysts who are interested in developing policies that promote sustainable development.
Sustainability Manager
Sustainability Managers are responsible for developing and implementing sustainability programs for organizations. They work with all levels of an organization to identify and assess sustainability risks and opportunities, and then develop and implement plans to improve the organization's sustainability performance.
Urban Designer
Urban Designers create plans and designs for the physical development of communities. They work with local governments, businesses, and residents to create sustainable and livable environments. This course would be particularly relevant to Urban Designers as it provides a comprehensive overview of the challenges facing metropolitan regions and the potential solutions to these challenges.
Urban Sociologist
Urban Sociologists study the social and cultural aspects of cities. They use their knowledge to understand the challenges facing cities and to develop solutions to these challenges.
Urban Geographer
Urban Geographers study the physical, social, and economic characteristics of cities. They use their knowledge to understand the challenges facing cities and to develop solutions to these challenges.
Urban Planner
Urban Planners are responsible for developing plans and programs that shape the physical development of communities. They work with local governments, businesses, and residents to create sustainable and livable environments. This course would be particularly relevant to Urban Planners as it provides a comprehensive overview of the challenges facing metropolitan regions and the potential solutions to these challenges.
Architect
Architects design and oversee the construction of buildings. They work with clients to determine the needs and requirements of a project, and then develop plans and specifications for the building. This course would be helpful for Architects as it provides insights into the latest trends in sustainable design and construction.
Transportation Engineer
Transportation Engineers design and implement transportation systems. They work with clients to identify and assess transportation needs, and then develop and implement plans to meet these needs. This course would be helpful for Transportation Engineers as it provides insights into the latest trends in sustainable transportation planning.
Landscape Architect
Landscape Architects design outdoor spaces, such as parks, gardens, and plazas. They work with clients to create spaces that are both functional and aesthetically pleasing. This course would be helpful for Landscape Architects as it provides insights into the latest trends in sustainable landscape design.
Water Resources Engineer
Water Resources Engineers design and implement water resources systems. They work with clients to identify and assess water needs, and then develop and implement plans to meet these needs. This course would be helpful for Water Resources Engineers as it provides insights into the latest trends in sustainable water resources planning.
Energy Engineer
Energy Engineers design and implement energy systems. They work with clients to identify and assess energy needs, and then develop and implement plans to meet these needs. This course would be helpful for Energy Engineers as it provides insights into the latest trends in sustainable energy planning.
Real Estate Developer
Real Estate Developers acquire, develop, and manage real estate properties. They work with investors, architects, and contractors to create new buildings and communities. This course would be helpful for Real Estate Developers as it provides insights into the latest trends in sustainable development.

Reading list

We've selected eight books that we think will supplement your learning. Use these to develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a deeper understanding of the topics covered in Sustainable Urban Development.
This handbook provides a comprehensive overview of the complex interrelationships between urbanization and global environmental change. It offers valuable insights for understanding the challenges and opportunities facing metropolitan regions in the context of sustainability.
Provides a global perspective on sustainable urbanism, exploring best practices and case studies from cities around the world. It complements the course's emphasis on the metropolitan context.
Offers a practical guide to creating more sustainable, livable, and equitable cities. It provides evidence-based solutions and case studies to support the course's emphasis on sustainable urban development.
Compilation of papers from the 8th International Conference on Urban Regeneration and Sustainability. It provides a diverse range of perspectives on sustainable urban development, with a particular focus on urban regeneration.
Explores the application of data analytics in urban planning and management. It provides practical guidance on using data to improve urban services, optimize infrastructure, and enhance decision-making.
Challenges conventional thinking about urban development and offers a vision for future cities that prioritize sustainability, resilience, and social justice.
Provides a comprehensive overview of smart cities, including the use of big data, civic innovation, and the Internet of Things. It complements the course's focus on digitization and geodata.
While the stated focus of the Sustainable Urban Development course is solely on metropolitan regions, this book provides a useful background on sustainable urban development at a global scale.

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