African cities : An Introduction to Urban Planning from Coursera

What's inside

Syllabus

Introduction to African Cities and Urban Planning (Part I)

The state of urbanized zones. What are the big issues and challenges? A first approach to urban planning.

Introduction to African Cities and Urban Planning (Part 2)

Following the first week, we will continue to explore African cities by their issues, the challenges they represent, and the urban models which they are issued.

Urban Themes

Urban planning relies on tools in order to organize transportation, amenities, spaces, and housing. The result is a channeling of urban forms.

Urban Functions

Here we will learn to establish subdivisions step by step.

Urban Planning and its Tools

Cities finance themselves; They require resources which are acquired through diverse means.

The Future of Cities, or How to Plan?

Combating climate change and changing our manners of making the city

Tool and Methods

Governing contemporary African cities

The Actions of Operational Urbanism : Subdivisions

The zones which are the most important in contemporary African cities are subdivisions, so we will dedicate an entire week covering it.

The Actions of Operational Urbanism: Restructuring and Urban Projects

This week, we will plunge into the heart of precarious zones in trying to understand their role in the city.

The Costs and Funding of Cities

Financing of the city, addressing, and land registry

Governance: Which Partnerships?

This week will be composed of a first part dealing with methodology and a second part on urban governance.

Conclusions

Measuring the real impact of planning on urban functions; Synthesis and reminders; Conclusions

Good to know

Know what's good

, what to watch for

, and possible dealbreakers

Explores the complexities of urban planning in African cities through a comprehensive examination of its technical, environmental, social, and economic dimensions

Suitable for learners interested in gaining a deeper understanding of the challenges and opportunities in urban planning within the African context

Provides a comprehensive overview of urban planning concepts and practices, making it suitable for learners looking to build a foundation in this field

Instructors are experienced professionals from the Urban and Regional community at EPFL, lending credibility to the course content

Emphasizes the practical aspects of urban planning through case studies and examples, enhancing its relevance to real-world applications

Requires learners to actively participate in discussions and contribute to the course community, fostering engagement and knowledge sharing

Reviews summary

Urban planning in africa: a course for learners

According to students, this course provides learners with a detailed and illustrative overview of urban planning in African cities. Students say it is well-structured and engaging, but also challenging. It covers a range of topics relevant to urban planning in Africa, including its history, challenges, and future prospects.

Provides insightful information about urban planning.

"Studied a whole lot. Very insightful course."

"Le cours couvre de vastes domaines de la planification urbaine, partant du contexte général des villes africaines jusqu'aux questions de financement et d'aménagement du territoire."

"Tout au long du cours, on apprend beaucoup sur la situation particulière de chaque ville, ainsi que sur des études de cas illustratives."

Covers a wide range of urban planning topics.

"The course covers de vastes domaines de la planification urbaine, partant du contexte général des villes africaines jusqu'aux questions de financement et d'aménagement du territoire."

"I really enjoyed this introduction. It was very thorough and productive, giving the course taker good insights and structure on the world of urban planning particularly in the global south."

Content could be more up to date.

"Très bon cours, il devrait être mis à jour cependant."

Can be challenging, especially the quizzes.

"very tough course to complete specially the last Quiz assignment"

Career center

Learners who complete African cities : An Introduction to Urban Planning will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Economic Development Planner

This course dives into the intricacies of urban planning, with a focus on the unique challenges and opportunities faced by African cities. Economic Development Planners seeking to specialize in African urban development will find this course particularly relevant. The course's examination of urban functions, planning processes, and governance will provide Economic Development Planners with the knowledge and skills to plan and manage sustainable and economically prosperous urban environments in African cities.

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Infrastructure Planner

This course provides a comprehensive overview of urban planning, focusing on the unique challenges and opportunities faced by African cities. Infrastructure Planners seeking to specialize in African urban development will find this course particularly relevant. The course's examination of urban functions, planning processes, and governance will equip Infrastructure Planners with the knowledge and skills to plan and manage sustainable and efficient infrastructure systems in African cities.

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Housing Planner

This course provides a thorough understanding of urban planning, with a focus on the unique challenges and opportunities faced by African cities. Housing Planners seeking to specialize in African urban development will find this course particularly beneficial. The course's examination of urban functions, planning processes, and governance will equip Housing Planners with the knowledge and skills to plan and manage sustainable and affordable housing solutions in African cities.

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Regional Planner

This course offers valuable insights into urban planning in the context of African cities, which face distinct challenges and opportunities. Regional Planners seeking to specialize in African urban development will find this course beneficial. The course's examination of urban forms, functions, and tools will equip Regional Planners with the knowledge and skills to plan and manage sustainable and equitable urban regions in Africa.

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Sustainability Planner

This course explores the complexities of urban planning, with a focus on the unique challenges and opportunities faced by African cities. Sustainability Planners seeking to specialize in African urban development will find this course particularly beneficial. The course's examination of urban functions, planning processes, and governance will equip Sustainability Planners with the knowledge and skills to plan and manage sustainable and resilient urban environments in African cities.

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Urban Planner

Urban Planners play an instrumental role in shaping the future of cities. By understanding the challenges and opportunities specific to African cities through this course, Urban Planners can gain valuable insights into planning sustainable and equitable urban environments. The course's focus on urban functions, planning tools, and governance will provide Urban Planners with the knowledge and skills necessary to effectively address the unique challenges faced by African cities.

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Transportation Planner

This course delves into the complexities of urban planning, with a particular focus on African cities. Transportation Planners seeking to specialize in African urban development will find this course particularly relevant. The course's examination of urban functions, planning processes, and governance will provide Transportation Planners with the knowledge and skills to plan and manage sustainable and efficient transportation systems in African cities.

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City Planner

This course is an excellent starting point for individuals aspiring to become City Planners. By immersing themselves in the unique challenges of African urban planning, students gain a deep understanding of the complexities involved in shaping sustainable and equitable cities. The course's focus on urban functions, planning processes, and governance provides a solid foundation for City Planners to effectively address the challenges and opportunities facing African cities.

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Land Use Planner

This course delves into the intricacies of urban planning, with a focus on the unique challenges and opportunities faced by African cities. Land Use Planners seeking to specialize in African urban development will find this course particularly relevant. The course's examination of urban functions, planning processes, and governance will provide Land Use Planners with the knowledge and skills to plan and manage sustainable and equitable land use patterns in African cities.

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Urban Designer

This course delves into the intricacies of urban planning, particularly in the context of African cities, which face distinct challenges and opportunities. Urban Designers seeking to specialize in African urban development will find this course invaluable. The course's examination of urban forms, functions, and tools will equip Urban Designers with the knowledge and skills to design sustainable and livable urban spaces that meet the specific needs of African cities.

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Environmental Planner

This course provides a comprehensive overview of urban planning, with a focus on the unique challenges and opportunities faced by African cities. Environmental Planners seeking to specialize in African urban development will find this course particularly beneficial. The course's examination of urban functions, planning processes, and governance will equip Environmental Planners with the knowledge and skills to plan and manage sustainable and environmentally friendly urban environments in African cities.

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Policy Analyst

This course provides a comprehensive overview of urban planning, focusing on the unique challenges and opportunities faced by African cities. Policy Analysts seeking to specialize in urban policy in Africa will find this course beneficial. The course's examination of urban functions, planning processes, and governance provides Policy Analysts with a valuable understanding of the policy landscape in African cities.

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Development Consultant

This course offers a solid foundation in urban planning, particularly in the context of African cities. Development Consultants seeking to specialize in urban development in Africa will find this course beneficial. The course's examination of urban functions, planning processes, and governance provides Development Consultants with a valuable understanding of the complexities involved in urban development in African cities.

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Project Manager

This course offers a solid foundation in urban planning, particularly in the context of African cities. Project Managers seeking to specialize in urban development projects in Africa will find this course beneficial. The course's examination of urban functions, planning processes, and governance provides Project Managers with a valuable understanding of the complexities involved in managing urban development projects in African cities.

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Researcher

This course provides a comprehensive overview of urban planning, focusing on the unique challenges and opportunities faced by African cities. Researchers seeking to specialize in urban studies in Africa will find this course beneficial. The course's examination of urban functions, planning processes, and governance provides Researchers with a valuable understanding of the research landscape in African cities.

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