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Nico Tillie
and
Rosa de Wolf
As our urban habitats become increasingly complex, the need to address the challenges of accommodating a growing human population becomes ever more pressing. These challenges, intricately intertwined with the built environment and its wider surroundings, encompass the perils of heat stress, loss of biodiversity, land degradation, flood risks, and the urgent need to adapt to a changing climate.
Read more
As our urban habitats become increasingly complex, the need to address the challenges of accommodating a growing human population becomes ever more pressing. These challenges, intricately intertwined with the built environment and its wider surroundings, encompass the perils of heat stress, loss of biodiversity, land degradation, flood risks, and the urgent need to adapt to a changing climate.
Read more
As our urban habitats become increasingly complex, the need to address the challenges of accommodating a growing human population becomes ever more pressing. These challenges, intricately intertwined with the built environment and its wider surroundings, encompass the perils of heat stress, loss of biodiversity, land degradation, flood risks, and the urgent need to adapt to a changing climate.
Designed for a wide range of professionals – architects, landscape architects, urbanists, civil engineers, water managers, decision-makers, budget holders, policymakers and any green stakeholders – this course offers a unique opportunity to deepen your understanding and develop your skills so as to incorporate biodiversity and urban ecology into your designs, policies and practices.
You will delve into the art and science of nature-based urban design, exploring innovative concepts such as (tree) wadis that not only enhance water infiltration and biodiversity but also improve the overall quality of urban spaces.
This course focuses on how to plan spaces for biodiversity. It will show how to bring benefits through ecosystem services as well as examining the spatial layouts and distribution of ecotypes required throughout the built environment, or its agricultural or natural surroundings. The water system, habitat and species level will be the main approach.
Our ApproachOur approach to Urban Ecology Design goes beyond conventional practices, aiming to increase ecological functioning within cities. The core philosophy is to strike a harmonious balance between human culture and the natural environment, considering both the potential and limitations of natural systems, and the intricate relationships between different living organisms, including humans, and their surroundings.
If you are involved or interested in sustainable urban development, this course will equip you with the knowledge and tools to contribute to the creation of healthier, more resilient urban habitats for all species.
Join us in reshaping the future of urban and peri-urban environments through sustainable and nature-based design principles.
Register for this course and see more details by visiting:
OpenCourser.com/course/8ja8sv/urban
What's inside
Learning objectives
- Define different perspectives on urban ecology and identify your own.
- Evaluate a local urban ecosystem and plan for synergetic effects between ecology, climate adaptation, and other benefits.
- Identify the differences in ecological values within cities.
- Design for improvement of the ecological value of an urban area, on several scales.
- Formulate a well-founded opinion about urban analysis, visions and designs.
- After taking this course, you will be able to:
- Define different perspectives on urban ecology and identify your own.
- Evaluate a local urban ecosystem and plan for synergetic effects between ecology, climate adaptation, and other benefits.
- Identify the differences in ecological values within cities.
- Design for improvement of the ecological value of an urban area, on several scales.
- Formulate a well-founded opinion about urban analysis, visions and designs.
- After taking this course, you will be able to:
Syllabus
Module 1: The Urban EcosystemIn this module, the Urban Ecology Design approach will be introduced, and you’ll gain knowledge on the Urban Ecosystem. You’ll learn to analyze the Urban Ecosystem by studying the one you live in. What challenges does your living environment, region, or country face?
Module 2: The Urban HabitatIn this module, you’ll gain knowledge on urban habitats via lectures on urban ecology and biodiversity in general, their benefits to the environment and how to design improvements to them. You’ll zoom in from the Urban Ecosystem you studied in module 1 onto a local urban habitat and look at how you could improve it.
Module 3: Urban Ecology DesignIn this module, multiple design examples show how you could establish synergetic effects by taking Urban Ecology as the starting point in your (re-) design for an urban location that you encounter regularly. You’ll take the urban analysis and vision making from the previous modules as the basis for a design to improve the urban habitat, for us humans as well as non-humans.
Good to know
Good to know
Know what's good ,
what to watch for , and
possible dealbreakers
Explores urban ecology and design, which is highly relevant in architecture, landscape architecture, and urban planning
Teaches nature-based urban design principles, which are increasingly important for sustainable development
Develops skills in designing for biodiversity and urban ecology, which are core skills for urban planners and designers
Taught by Nico Tillie and Rosa de Wolf, who are recognized for their work in urban ecology and design
Part of a larger program on sustainable urban development, which provides a comprehensive foundation for students
Requires students to have a basic understanding of ecology and urban planning, which may be a barrier for some learners
Save this course
Save Urban Ecology Design to your list so you can find it easily later:
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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 Urban Ecology Design with these
activities:
Read the seminal paper by Walsh et al. (2015)
Show steps
Walsh's contribution helped form the foundation of urban ecology design and will be a cornerstone resource for your completeion of this course.
Show steps
-
Access the article through this link: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0964129515301318?via%3Dihub
-
Read the paper in its entirety.
-
Consider creating a bulleted list of key findings to aid in retention.
-
Prepare to discuss the paper's relevance in the discussion forum.
Watch the video tutorials
Show steps
The video tutorials will provide you with additional insights and explanations of the course material.
Show steps
-
Access the video tutorials through the course platform
-
Watch the videos at your own pace
Complete the interactive exercises
Show steps
The exercises provided in the course will help you practice your skills and improve your understanding of the material.
Show steps
-
Access the interactive exercises through the course platform
-
Complete the exercises as many times as you need to
Four other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all seven activities
Participate in peer review sessions
Show steps
Giving and receiving feedback from your peers will refine your critical thinking and communication skills, and support a deeper understanding of urban ecology design principles.
Show steps
-
Meet with a group of classmates
-
Review each other's work
-
Provide feedback on how to improve the work
Create a blog post
Show steps
By selecting a specific aspect of urban ecology, you will demonstrate your understanding and solidify the principles of the course
Browse courses on
Ecosystem Services
Show steps
-
Choose an aspect of urban ecology that you are particularly interested in
-
Research the topic thoroughly
-
Write a blog post that explains the topic in a clear and concise way
-
Publish your blog post on a platform of your choice
-
Share your blog post with your classmates and instructor
Work on a group design project
Show steps
Working on a group design project will allow you to apply the principles of urban ecology design to a real-world problem.
Browse courses on
Urban Design
Show steps
-
Form a group with your classmates
-
Choose a design problem to work on
-
Develop a design solution
-
Present your design solution to the class
Mentor other students
Show steps
Mentoring other students will help you deepen your knowledge and understanding of urban ecology design.
Show steps
-
Contact your instructor or classmates to express interest in mentoring other students.
-
Set up regular meetings with your mentees.
-
Provide guidance and support to your mentees on the course material.
-
Answer questions and help your mentees troubleshoot problems.
Read the seminal paper by Walsh et al. (2015)
Show steps
Walsh's contribution helped form the foundation of urban ecology design and will be a cornerstone resource for your completeion of this course.
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Access the article through this link: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0964129515301318?via%3Dihub
- Read the paper in its entirety.
- Consider creating a bulleted list of key findings to aid in retention.
- Prepare to discuss the paper's relevance in the discussion forum.
Watch the video tutorials
Show steps
The video tutorials will provide you with additional insights and explanations of the course material.
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Access the video tutorials through the course platform
- Watch the videos at your own pace
Complete the interactive exercises
Show steps
The exercises provided in the course will help you practice your skills and improve your understanding of the material.
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Access the interactive exercises through the course platform
- Complete the exercises as many times as you need to
Four other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all seven activities
Participate in peer review sessions
Show steps
Giving and receiving feedback from your peers will refine your critical thinking and communication skills, and support a deeper understanding of urban ecology design principles.
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Meet with a group of classmates
- Review each other's work
- Provide feedback on how to improve the work
Create a blog post
Show steps
By selecting a specific aspect of urban ecology, you will demonstrate your understanding and solidify the principles of the course
Browse courses on
Ecosystem Services
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Choose an aspect of urban ecology that you are particularly interested in
- Research the topic thoroughly
- Write a blog post that explains the topic in a clear and concise way
- Publish your blog post on a platform of your choice
- Share your blog post with your classmates and instructor
Work on a group design project
Show steps
Working on a group design project will allow you to apply the principles of urban ecology design to a real-world problem.
Browse courses on
Urban Design
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Form a group with your classmates
- Choose a design problem to work on
- Develop a design solution
- Present your design solution to the class
Mentor other students
Show steps
Mentoring other students will help you deepen your knowledge and understanding of urban ecology design.
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Contact your instructor or classmates to express interest in mentoring other students.
- Set up regular meetings with your mentees.
- Provide guidance and support to your mentees on the course material.
- Answer questions and help your mentees troubleshoot problems.
Career center
Learners who complete Urban Ecology Design will develop knowledge and skills
that may be useful to these careers:
Landscape Architect
Landscape Architect
This course on Urban Ecology Design will teach the principles of increasing ecological functioning within cities. You will learn how to plan spaces for biodiversity and bring benefits through ecosystem services. This knowledge will help you to design landscapes that are both sustainable and beautiful.
Environmental Planner
Environmental Planner
As an Environmental Planner, you will be responsible for developing and implementing plans to protect the environment. This course will teach you the principles of urban ecology and how to design cities that are sustainable and resilient. This knowledge will help you to make informed decisions about land use, transportation, and other environmental issues.
Water Resources Engineer
Water Resources Engineer
Water Resources Engineers design and manage water systems. They work to ensure that there is a safe and reliable supply of water for drinking, irrigation, and other purposes. This course will teach you the principles of urban ecology and how to design water systems that are sustainable and resilient. This knowledge will help you to protect water resources and ensure that there is a safe and reliable supply of water for future generations.
Urban Designer
Urban Designer
Urban Designers plan and design cities and towns. They work to create sustainable and livable communities. This course will teach you the principles of urban ecology and how to design cities that are both sustainable and resilient. This knowledge will help you to create beautiful and functional cities that meet the needs of their residents.
City Planner
City Planner
A City Planner is responsible for planning and managing the growth and development of cities and towns. This course will teach you the principles of urban ecology and how to design cities that are sustainable and resilient. This knowledge will help you to make informed decisions about land use, transportation, and other environmental issues.
Civil Engineer
Civil Engineer
Civil Engineers design and build infrastructure projects, such as roads, bridges, and buildings. This course will teach you the principles of urban ecology and how to design infrastructure projects that are sustainable and resilient. This knowledge will help you to create infrastructure that meets the needs of the community and minimizes environmental impact.
Natural Resource Manager
Natural Resource Manager
Natural Resource Managers manage natural resources, such as forests, water, and minerals. This course will teach you the principles of urban ecology and how to design cities that are sustainable and resilient. This knowledge will help you to protect natural resources and ensure that they are available for future generations.
Architect
Architect
Architects design and build buildings. This course will teach you the principles of urban ecology and how to design buildings that are sustainable and resilient. This knowledge will help you to create beautiful and functional buildings that meet the needs of their occupants and minimize environmental impact.
Sustainability Consultant
Sustainability Consultant
Sustainability Consultants help businesses and organizations to become more sustainable. This course will teach you the principles of urban ecology and how to design cities that are sustainable and resilient. This knowledge will help you to develop and implement sustainability strategies that reduce environmental impact and create a more sustainable future.
Environmental Scientist
Environmental Scientist
Environmental Scientists study the environment and work to protect it. This course will teach you the principles of urban ecology and how to design cities that are sustainable and resilient. This knowledge will help you to understand the complex interactions between human activities and the environment, and to develop solutions to environmental problems.
Geographer
Geographer
Geographers study the Earth's surface and its people. This course will teach you the principles of urban ecology and how to design cities that are sustainable and resilient. This knowledge will help you to understand the relationship between humans and their environment, and to develop solutions to environmental problems.
Forester
Forester
Foresters manage forests. This course will teach you the principles of urban ecology and how to design cities that are sustainable and resilient. This knowledge will help you to manage forests sustainably and to ensure that they provide benefits to both humans and wildlife.
Ecologist
Ecologist
Ecologists study the interactions between organisms and their environment. This course will teach you the principles of urban ecology and how to design cities that are sustainable and resilient. This knowledge will help you to understand the complex web of life and to develop solutions to environmental problems.
Biologist
Biologist
Biologists study living organisms. This course will teach you the principles of urban ecology and how to design cities that are sustainable and resilient. This knowledge will help you to understand the diversity of life and to develop solutions to environmental problems.
Environmental Engineer
Environmental Engineer
Environmental Engineers design and build systems to protect the environment. This course will teach you the principles of urban ecology and how to design cities that are sustainable and resilient. This knowledge will help you to develop and implement solutions to environmental problems.
For more career information including salaries, visit:
OpenCourser.com/course/8ja8sv/urban
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
Urban Ecology Design.
A foundational text in landscape architecture that takes an ecological approach to design.
Provides a comprehensive overview of the ecology and management of urban ecosystems, covering topics such as urban land use planning, urban air and water quality, and the conservation of urban biodiversity.
Save
Offers insights into nature integration in urban planning from its leading proponent.
Provides a comprehensive overview of nature-based solutions for urban challenges, such as climate change adaptation, flood risk management, and air pollution reduction.
Provides a comprehensive overview of the principles and practices of urban biodiversity design, including case studies from around the world.
A reference book of technical standards for landscape architecture.
Classic text on ecological design, providing a comprehensive overview of the principles and practices of sustainable design.
Save
Comprehensive overview of landscape ecology, providing a foundation for understanding the ecological processes that shape landscapes and the implications for land-use planning.
For more information about how these books relate to this course, visit:
OpenCourser.com/course/8ja8sv/urban
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Effort
3 to 4 hours per week for 6 weeks
Level
Introductory
Via
edX
Institution
Delft University of Technology
Instructors
Nico Tillie
Rosa de Wolf
Session
May 1, 2024
- June 12, 2024
Language
English
Transcript
English
Good to know
Explores urban ecology and design, which is highly relevant in architecture, landscape architecture, and urban planning
Teaches nature-based urban design principles, which are increasingly important for sustainable development
Develops skills in designing for biodiversity and urban ecology, which are core skills for urban planners and designers
Taught by Nico Tillie and Rosa de Wolf, who are recognized for their work in urban ecology and design
Part of a larger program on sustainable urban development, which provides a comprehensive foundation for students
Requires students to have a basic understanding of ecology and urban planning, which may be a barrier for some learners
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