Sustainable Neighborhoods from Coursera

This course will provide students with an introduction to tools and concepts for a better understanding of the importance of the neighborhood as part of a sustainable city. This will include a careful look at the natural context of successful neighborhoods. An evaluation of important components and structure that create a sustainable neighborhood. Complete neighborhoods can provide their residents with pedestrian access to schools, daycare, recreational centers, and a variety of open spaces, as well as opportunities for food production. These and other aspects of sustainable neighborhoods will be carefully evaluated in this course. There will also be case studies of neighborhood development projects in Houston, TX, San Antonio, TX, and Chattanooga, TN. And lastly, the course will review the importance of zoning on sustainable neighborhoods with a particular focus on form-based zoning.

By the end of this course, you will be able to:

• Construct general plans for urban parks and natural corridors for achieving natural context neighborhoods.

• Analyze how neighborhood schools, support services and civic sites contribute to neighborhood livability and sustainability.

• Examine how local open space and housing density can be balanced as neighborhood components to achieve sustainable communities.

• Evaluate the aspects of neighborhood structure that include packet parks, open-space configurations, and transit orientation in communities.

• Apply lessons learned from the evaluation of three case studies at the Buffalo Bayou project in Houston, Texas, the Pearl District project in San Antonio Texas, and 21st century waterfront project in Chattanooga Tennessee.

• Explain the importance of zoning for sustainable neighborhoods with a particular focus on form-based zoning.

Example backgrounds that would be helpful for students to succeed in this course:

- To have a general understanding of how public/private projects are planned and implemented

- Have a strong interest or experience in planning and developing regional sustainable development plans

- Familiar with how government organizations function in the areas of transportation planning and project development

- Served as a volunteer committee member or leader on regional transportation projects and/or regional policy development initiatives

- Have a background and interest in environmental protection plans and projects

- A general knowledge of regional transportation project planning and implementation

- General knowledge or experience in public participation in governmental policy development

- A strong interest and/or experience in improving the urban environment for the benefit of its citizens

- Have a general knowledge of legal and policy issues involved in sustainable development

- Have experience or general knowledge of social equity issues

What's inside

Syllabus

The Natural Context of a Sustainable Neighborhood

Every neighborhood has its own unique characteristics, culture, special assets, and citizen interests. In this module you will analyze five elements of natural context for successful sustainable neighborhoods. There will also be a case study of the Buffalo Bayou Project in Houston, TX.

Neighborhood Components

Lesson 1 of this module addresses six neighborhood components that are important for sustainable cities. Lesson 2 addresses seven additional neighborhood components that are important to sustainable cities. The module concludes with Lesson 3, which addresses the Pearl District project that took an abandoned brewery and changed it into a vibrant asset in a San Antonio neighborhood.

Neighborhood Structure

This module begins by addressing six neighborhood structures that are important for sustainable cities. We then conclude by evaluating a case study of the 21st Century Waterfront Project in Chattanooga, Tennessee.

Good to know

Know what's good

, what to watch for

, and possible dealbreakers

Covers a range of elements in sustainable development, including environmental protection, transportation, and urban planning

Provides case studies of real-world neighborhood development projects, demonstrating the practical application of sustainable principles

Suitable for beginners with a general understanding of urban planning and development

Taught by instructors with experience in urban planning and sustainable development

Requires an understanding of transportation planning and project development

May be less relevant for those without a background in environmental protection plans and projects

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 Neighborhoods with these activities:

Review basic Urban Planning Concepts

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Revisit basic Urban Planning concepts to strengthen foundational understanding for more advanced topics covered in the course.

Browse courses on Urban Studies

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Review introductory textbooks on Urban Planning
Skim through relevant Wikipedia articles
Read journal articles on fundamental Urban Planning principles

Explore Online GIS Resources for Neighborhood Analysis

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Enhance understanding of neighborhood characteristics by exploring online GIS resources and learning how to conduct spatial analysis.

Browse courses on GIS

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Identify relevant online GIS platforms and datasets
Follow tutorials or documentation on how to use the GIS tools
Apply GIS techniques to analyze neighborhood data

Review Course Syllabus

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Familiarizes the learner with the course structure and expectations

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Read through the course syllabus thoroughly.
Make note of important dates and deadlines.
Identify key course concepts and learning objectives.

Nine other activities

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Attend a Local Urban Planning Conference

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Expand knowledge and connect with professionals in the field of Urban Planning by attending a local conference.

Browse courses on Networking

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Identify and register for a relevant Urban Planning conference
Attend presentations and workshops on topics related to neighborhood sustainability
Network with other attendees, including speakers, exhibitors, and fellow participants

Explore Online Resources on Sustainable Neighborhoods

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Provides a deeper understanding of the concepts introduced in the course

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Research reputable websites and organizations dedicated to sustainable neighborhood development.
Watch online videos and documentaries on the topic.
Participate in online forums and discussions with experts in the field.

Develop a Conceptual Neighborhood Plan

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Apply course concepts by creating a plan for a hypothetical neighborhood, fostering a deeper understanding of neighborhood design and sustainability.

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Identify a specific neighborhood or area for planning
Research best practices and case studies for sustainable neighborhoods
Develop a conceptual plan that includes elements like housing, transportation, and green spaces
Share and discuss the plan with peers or mentors for feedback

Join a Virtual Study Group

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Fosters collaboration and enhances understanding through peer interaction

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Connect with classmates through the course discussion board or social media.
Establish regular online meetings to discuss course materials.
Collaborate on projects and assignments.

Participate in a Neighborhood Design Charrette

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Gain hands-on experience and collaborate with others to develop design proposals for a neighborhood, enhancing understanding of community engagement and participatory planning.

Browse courses on Participatory Planning

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Identify and register for a neighborhood design charrette
Actively participate in group discussions and design exercises
Contribute to the development of design proposals and recommendations
Reflect on the experience and its implications for neighborhood design and sustainability

Read 'Sustainable Urbanism: A New Way Forward'

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Explore key concepts and strategies for sustainable urban development, enhancing understanding of the course's focus on neighborhood sustainability.

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Develop a Neighborhood Sustainability Plan

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Applies the course concepts to a practical project and simulates real-world scenarios

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Choose a specific neighborhood to focus on.
Conduct research on the neighborhood's current environmental, social, and economic conditions.
Develop a vision and goals for the neighborhood's future sustainability.
Identify and prioritize strategies to achieve the sustainability goals.
Create a written plan that outlines the proposed strategies and their implementation.

Analyze Case Studies of Sustainable Neighborhood Developments

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Gain practical insights by analyzing real-world examples of successful sustainable neighborhood developments.

Browse courses on Case Studies

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Identify and gather case studies of sustainable neighborhoods
Evaluate the case studies based on factors like livability, environmental impact, and economic viability
Summarize key lessons learned and consider how they can be applied to other contexts

Compile a Toolkit of Resources for Sustainable Neighborhood Development

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Create a valuable resource for future projects by compiling a toolkit of best practices, guidelines, and tools for sustainable neighborhood development.

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Identify and gather relevant resources from various sources
Organize and categorize the resources based on topic or type
Create a user-friendly format for presenting the toolkit
Share the toolkit with fellow students, colleagues, or the community

Career center

Learners who complete Sustainable Neighborhoods will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Environmental Scientist

Environmental Scientists help protect the environment and human health by studying environmental issues, such as pollution, climate change, and the management of natural resources. This course can help Environmental Scientists build a foundation in sustainability. It teaches about the importance of natural context, neighborhood components, and neighborhood structure in creating sustainable neighborhoods. This knowledge can be applied to environmental science work, such as developing plans to reduce pollution or conserve resources.

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Urban Planner

Urban Planners develop plans for the use of land in urban areas. They work with communities to create plans that meet the needs of the residents, businesses, and environment. This course can help Urban Planners learn about the principles of sustainable development. It teaches about the importance of creating neighborhoods that are walkable, bikeable, and have access to green space. This knowledge can be applied to urban planning work, such as developing plans for new neighborhoods or redeveloping existing ones.

See salaries and explore the career path for Urban Planner

Landscape Architect

Landscape Architects design outdoor spaces, such as parks, gardens, and plazas. They work with clients to create spaces that are both beautiful and functional. This course can help Landscape Architects learn about the principles of sustainable design. It teaches about the importance of using native plants, reducing water use, and creating spaces that are accessible to all. This knowledge can be applied to landscape architecture work, such as designing parks or gardens that are sustainable and meet the needs of the community.

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Architect

Architects design buildings and other structures. They work with clients to create spaces that are both functional and aesthetically pleasing. This course can help Architects learn about the principles of sustainable design. It teaches about the importance of using sustainable materials, reducing energy use, and creating buildings that are resilient to climate change. This knowledge can be applied to architecture work, such as designing buildings that are sustainable and meet the needs of the community.

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Civil Engineer

Civil Engineers design and build infrastructure, such as roads, bridges, and water systems. They work with communities to create infrastructure that is safe, efficient, and sustainable. This course can help Civil Engineers learn about the principles of sustainable development. It teaches about the importance of using sustainable materials, reducing energy use, and creating infrastructure that is resilient to climate change. This knowledge can be applied to civil engineering work, such as designing roads or bridges that are sustainable and meet the needs of the community.

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Environmental Engineer

Environmental Engineers design and build systems to protect the environment. This course can help Environmental Engineers learn about the principles of sustainable development. It teaches about the importance of reducing pollution, conserving resources, and creating systems that are resilient to climate change. This knowledge can be applied to environmental engineering work, such as designing systems to clean water or air.

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Sustainability Manager

Sustainability Managers develop and implement sustainability plans for organizations. They work with organizations to reduce their environmental impact, improve their social responsibility, and increase their economic sustainability. This course can help Sustainability Managers learn about the principles of sustainable development. It teaches about the importance of creating sustainable neighborhoods, reducing pollution, conserving resources, and creating systems that are resilient to climate change. This knowledge can be applied to sustainability management work, such as developing plans to reduce an organization's carbon footprint or improve its social responsibility.

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Community Organizer

Community Organizers work with communities to address social and environmental issues. They help communities to develop plans and take action to improve their lives. This course may be useful for Community Organizers who are working on issues related to sustainable development. It can help them to learn about the principles of sustainable development and how to create sustainable neighborhoods. This knowledge can be applied to community organizing work, such as developing plans to improve access to green space or reduce pollution.

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Environmental Policy Analyst

Environmental Policy Analysts research and analyze environmental issues. They work with policymakers to develop and implement policies that protect the environment. This course may be useful for Environmental Policy Analysts who are working on issues related to sustainable development. It can help them to learn about the principles of sustainable development and how to create sustainable neighborhoods. This knowledge can be applied to environmental policy analysis work, such as researching the impact of climate change on communities or developing policies to promote sustainable development.

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Natural Resource Manager

Natural Resource Managers develop and implement plans to manage natural resources, such as forests, water, and wildlife. This course may be useful for Natural Resource Managers who are working on issues related to sustainable development. It can help them to learn about the principles of sustainable development and how to create sustainable neighborhoods. This knowledge can be applied to natural resource management work, such as developing plans to protect forests or manage water resources.

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Geographic Information Systems (GIS) Analyst

GIS Analysts use geographic information systems (GIS) to collect, analyze, and visualize data. This course may be useful for GIS Analysts who are working on issues related to sustainable development. It can help them to learn about the principles of sustainable development and how to create sustainable neighborhoods. This knowledge can be applied to GIS analysis work, such as mapping the distribution of green space or analyzing the impact of climate change on communities.

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Public Health Educator

Public Health Educators develop and implement programs to improve public health. This course may be useful for Public Health Educators who are working on issues related to sustainable development. It can help them to learn about the principles of sustainable development and how to create sustainable neighborhoods. This knowledge can be applied to public health education work, such as developing programs to promote healthy eating or reduce air pollution.

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Teacher

Teachers educate students in a variety of subjects, including science, math, and social studies. This course may be useful for Teachers who are interested in teaching about sustainability. It can help them to learn about the principles of sustainable development and how to create sustainable neighborhoods. This knowledge can be applied to teaching work, such as developing lesson plans on sustainability or leading field trips to local environmental sites.

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Journalist

Journalists research and write news stories for newspapers, magazines, and websites. This course may be useful for Journalists who are interested in writing about sustainability. It can help them to learn about the principles of sustainable development and how to create sustainable neighborhoods. This knowledge can be applied to journalism work, such as writing articles about the impact of climate change on communities or profiling sustainable businesses.

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Marketing Manager

Marketing Managers develop and implement marketing campaigns for products and services. This course may be useful for Marketing Managers who are interested in marketing sustainable products or services. It can help them to learn about the principles of sustainable development and how to create sustainable neighborhoods. This knowledge can be applied to marketing management work, such as developing marketing campaigns for green products or promoting sustainable businesses.

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