Transformative Living Labs in Urban Climate Action and Transportation Planning from edX

“Transformative Living Labs in Mobility” introduces living laboratory model of achieving sustainable urban mobility systems. The goal of the course is to explore the ways that multiple stakeholders and agencies organize and investigate living labs to find solutions for urban mobility.

Mobility planning plays a key role in building more sustainable cities and providing equitable access to economic opportunities, education, healthcare and social activities. The living lab concept can be a helpful tool to achieve these goals. This co-development process forms coalitions that enable transformative change, addresses climate change, and supports inclusive, sustainable urban development. Urban change makers can use the living labs approach to highlight the benefits of innovations and interventions and test the validity in collaboration with authorities, academia, civil society, private sector and end-users.

This course will bring all relevant aspects of living labs together into a coherent approach for testing innovative sustainable mobility solutions in urban living labs, and will highlight interlinkages and priorities in the planning and implementation process. It features projects currently implemented through Urban Pathways and SOLUTIONSplus, and was developed with support from UN Habitat.

This course is designed for learners in:

international organizations
local or national governments
consultancies
private industry and finance
incubators and start-ups

Especially important are audiences in developing countries, where urbanization and transportation infrastructure are rapidly developing and outdated, inequitable, and carbon-intensive approaches may be leapfrogged.

What's inside

Learning objectives

The role of transportation and mobility planning in climate action plans aiming to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and mitigate climate change
Key principles and methodologies of living labs

How to develop and implement a living lab, including stakeholder engagement and coalition building
How to integrate the living labs model with policy making, planning, and private entities to drive urban mobility solutions globally

The role of transportation and mobility planning in climate action plans aiming to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and mitigate climate change
Key principles and methodologies of living labs
How to develop and implement a living lab, including stakeholder engagement and coalition building
How to integrate the living labs model with policy making, planning, and private entities to drive urban mobility solutions globally

Good to know

Know what's good

, what to watch for

, and possible dealbreakers

Provides a practical framework for understanding and implementing living labs in urban mobility planning

Features case studies from Urban Pathways and SOLUTIONSplus, showcasing real-world applications of living labs

Developed with support from UN Habitat, ensuring alignment with global urban development priorities

Taught by instructors Christopher Knittel and Oliver Lah, experts in sustainable mobility and living labs

Suitable for professionals in international organizations, local and national governments, consultancies, private industry, and urban development

Emphasizes the relevance of living labs in developing countries, where sustainable and equitable urban mobility is crucial

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 Transformative Living Labs in Urban Climate Action and Transportation Planning with these activities:

Review urban design principles

Show steps

Review the fundamentals of urban design to refresh your knowledge and prepare for the course.

Browse courses on Urban Design

Show steps

Read a book or article on urban design principles.
Attend a webinar or lecture on urban design.
Visit a local city or town and observe the built environment.

Review core concepts of mobility planning

Show steps

Strengthen your foundation in mobility planning to improve your understanding of the course material.

Browse courses on Mobility Planning

Show steps

Review basic concepts and principles of mobility planning
Explore different modes of transportation and their role in urban mobility
Consider the environmental, economic, and social impacts of mobility planning

Review the current state of transportation planning

Show steps

Refreshes knowledge of key principles and methodologies of transportation planning, which are essential for understanding living labs and their role in sustainable urban mobility.

Browse courses on Transportation Planning

Show steps

Read articles and books on transportation planning, focusing on sustainable urban mobility and living labs.
Attend webinars or online lectures on transportation planning and living labs.
Review case studies of successful living labs in urban transportation.

Seven other activities

Expand to see all activities and additional details

Show all ten activities

Explore the Urban Pathways and SOLUTIONSplus websites

Show steps

Familiarize yourself with the projects and resources available on these websites to gain a deeper understanding of the course content.

Browse courses on Urban Mobility

Show steps

Visit the Urban Pathways website and explore the projects they are working on.
Visit the SOLUTIONSplus website and explore the projects they are working on.
Read some of the case studies and articles on these websites.

Join a study group or online forum

Show steps

Connect with other learners in the course to discuss the material and share perspectives.

Browse courses on Urban Mobility

Show steps

Find a study group or online forum related to urban mobility or living labs.
Introduce yourself and share your interests.
Participate in discussions and ask questions.

Develop a proposal for a living lab project

Show steps

Apply the concepts learned in the course to a real-world project by developing a proposal for a living lab.

Browse courses on Living Labs

Show steps

Identify a problem or challenge related to urban mobility.
Develop a solution that utilizes the living lab approach.
Write a proposal that outlines the project goals, objectives, and expected outcomes.

Volunteer with a local organization focused on urban mobility

Show steps

Gain practical experience and contribute to your community by volunteering with an organization working on urban mobility issues.

Browse courses on Urban Mobility

Show steps

Research local organizations focused on urban mobility.
Contact the organization and inquire about volunteer opportunities.
Attend volunteer training and orientation.

Participate in a hackathon or design competition related to urban mobility

Show steps

Challenge yourself and collaborate with others to develop innovative solutions for urban mobility.

Browse courses on Urban Mobility

Show steps

Find a hackathon or design competition related to urban mobility.
Form a team or join an existing team.
Develop a solution and submit it to the competition.

Compile a resource list on urban mobility or living labs

Show steps

Expand your understanding of the field by gathering and organizing resources on urban mobility or living labs.

Browse courses on Urban Mobility

Show steps

Conduct research on urban mobility or living labs.
Identify and collect relevant articles, websites, and other resources.
Organize the resources into a comprehensive list or database.

Mentor a student or colleague on urban mobility or living labs

Show steps

Reinforce your understanding of the course material by sharing your knowledge and experience with others.

Browse courses on Urban Mobility

Show steps

Identify a student or colleague who could benefit from your mentorship.
Schedule regular meetings to discuss urban mobility or living labs.
Provide guidance, support, and feedback.

Career center

Learners who complete Transformative Living Labs in Urban Climate Action and Transportation Planning will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Urban Sustainability Consultant

Urban Sustainability Consultants help businesses, governments, and other organizations develop sustainable solutions for cities and towns. This course, Transformative Living Labs in Urban Climate Action and Transportation Planning, can help you build a foundation in sustainable urban development. The course will teach you about the role of transportation and mobility planning in climate action plans, the key principles and methodologies of living labs, and how to develop and implement a living lab. This knowledge and expertise will be valuable to you as an Urban Sustainability Consultant, as you will be able to help your clients develop and implement sustainable mobility solutions that reduce greenhouse gas emissions and mitigate climate change.

See salaries and explore the career path for Urban Sustainability Consultant

Transportation Planner

Transportation Planners develop and implement transportation plans for cities, towns, and regions. This course, Transformative Living Labs in Urban Climate Action and Transportation Planning, can help you build a foundation in transportation planning. The course will teach you about the role of transportation and mobility planning in climate action plans, the key principles and methodologies of living labs, and how to develop and implement a living lab. This knowledge and expertise will be valuable to you as a Transportation Planner, as you will be able to develop and implement transportation plans that reduce greenhouse gas emissions and mitigate climate change.

See salaries and explore the career path for Transportation Planner

Climate Action Planner

Climate Action Planners develop and implement climate action plans for cities, towns, and regions. This course, Transformative Living Labs in Urban Climate Action and Transportation Planning, can help you build a foundation in climate action planning. The course will teach you about the role of transportation and mobility planning in climate action plans, the key principles and methodologies of living labs, and how to develop and implement a living lab. This knowledge and expertise will be valuable to you as a Climate Action Planner, as you will be able to develop and implement climate action plans that reduce greenhouse gas emissions and mitigate climate change.

See salaries and explore the career path for Climate Action Planner

Sustainability Manager

Sustainability Managers develop and implement sustainability programs for businesses, organizations, and governments. This course, Transformative Living Labs in Urban Climate Action and Transportation Planning, can help you build a foundation in sustainability management. The course will teach you about the role of transportation and mobility planning in climate action plans, the key principles and methodologies of living labs, and how to develop and implement a living lab. This knowledge and expertise will be valuable to you as a Sustainability Manager, as you will be able to develop and implement sustainability programs that reduce greenhouse gas emissions and mitigate climate change.

See salaries and explore the career path for Sustainability Manager

Energy Efficiency Analyst

Energy Efficiency Analysts help businesses, organizations, and governments reduce their energy consumption. This course, Transformative Living Labs in Urban Climate Action and Transportation Planning, may be useful to you as an Energy Efficiency Analyst, as it will teach you about the role of transportation and mobility planning in climate action plans. This knowledge will help you to understand the energy implications of transportation and mobility decisions, and to develop energy efficiency strategies that reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

See salaries and explore the career path for Energy Efficiency Analyst

Environmental Scientist

Environmental Scientists study the environment and its interactions with humans and other organisms. This course, Transformative Living Labs in Urban Climate Action and Transportation Planning, may be useful to you as an Environmental Scientist, as it will teach you about the role of transportation and mobility planning in climate action plans. This knowledge will help you to understand the environmental impacts of transportation and mobility decisions, and to develop environmental protection strategies that reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

See salaries and explore the career path for Environmental Scientist

Urban Planner

Urban Planners develop and implement plans for the development and use of land in cities and towns. This course, Transformative Living Labs in Urban Climate Action and Transportation Planning, may be useful to you as an Urban Planner, as it will teach you about the role of transportation and mobility planning in climate action plans. This knowledge will help you to understand the transportation and mobility implications of land use decisions, and to develop urban plans that reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

See salaries and explore the career path for Urban Planner

Civil Engineer

Civil Engineers design and build infrastructure, such as roads, bridges, and water systems. This course, Transformative Living Labs in Urban Climate Action and Transportation Planning, may be useful to you as a Civil Engineer, as it will teach you about the role of transportation and mobility planning in climate action plans. This knowledge will help you to understand the transportation and mobility implications of infrastructure decisions, and to design and build infrastructure that reduces greenhouse gas emissions.

See salaries and explore the career path for Civil Engineer

Architect

Architects design and build buildings. This course, Transformative Living Labs in Urban Climate Action and Transportation Planning, may be useful to you as an Architect, as it will teach you about the role of transportation and mobility planning in climate action plans. This knowledge will help you to understand the transportation and mobility implications of building design, and to design and build buildings that reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

See salaries and explore the career path for Architect

Landscape Architect

Landscape Architects design and build landscapes. This course, Transformative Living Labs in Urban Climate Action and Transportation Planning, may be useful to you as a Landscape Architect, as it will teach you about the role of transportation and mobility planning in climate action plans. This knowledge will help you to understand the transportation and mobility implications of landscape design, and to design and build landscapes that reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

See salaries and explore the career path for Landscape Architect

Public Health Planner

Public Health Planners develop and implement plans to improve public health. This course, Transformative Living Labs in Urban Climate Action and Transportation Planning, may be useful to you as a Public Health Planner, as it will teach you about the role of transportation and mobility planning in climate action plans. This knowledge will help you to understand the public health implications of transportation and mobility decisions, and to develop public health plans that reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

See salaries and explore the career path for Public Health Planner

Policy Analyst

Policy Analysts develop and analyze public policy. This course, Transformative Living Labs in Urban Climate Action and Transportation Planning, may be useful to you as a Policy Analyst, as it will teach you about the role of transportation and mobility planning in climate action plans. This knowledge will help you to understand the policy implications of transportation and mobility decisions, and to develop public policies that reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

See salaries and explore the career path for Policy Analyst

Economist

Economists study the production, distribution, and consumption of goods and services. This course, Transformative Living Labs in Urban Climate Action and Transportation Planning, may be useful to you as an Economist, as it will teach you about the role of transportation and mobility planning in climate action plans. This knowledge will help you to understand the economic implications of transportation and mobility decisions, and to develop economic policies that reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

See salaries and explore the career path for Economist

Geographer

Geographers study the earth's surface and its human and natural environments. This course, Transformative Living Labs in Urban Climate Action and Transportation Planning, may be useful to you as a Geographer, as it will teach you about the role of transportation and mobility planning in climate action plans. This knowledge will help you to understand the geographic implications of transportation and mobility decisions, and to develop geographic strategies that reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

See salaries and explore the career path for Geographer

Sociologist

Sociologists study human society and social behavior. This course, Transformative Living Labs in Urban Climate Action and Transportation Planning, may be useful to you as a Sociologist, as it will teach you about the role of transportation and mobility planning in climate action plans. This knowledge will help you to understand the social implications of transportation and mobility decisions, and to develop social policies that reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

See salaries and explore the career path for Sociologist