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William Roper
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.
Read more
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.
Read more
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
Register for this course and see more details by visiting:
OpenCourser.com/course/hpp68d/sustainable
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.
Read more
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.
Read more
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
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
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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 Sustainable Neighborhoods with these
activities:
Review basic Urban Planning Concepts
Show steps
Revisit basic Urban Planning concepts to strengthen foundational understanding for more advanced topics covered in the course.
Browse courses on
Urban Studies
Show steps
-
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
Show steps
Enhance understanding of neighborhood characteristics by exploring online GIS resources and learning how to conduct spatial analysis.
Browse courses on
GIS
Show steps
-
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
Show steps
Familiarizes the learner with the course structure and expectations
Show steps
-
Read through the course syllabus thoroughly.
-
Make note of important dates and deadlines.
-
Identify key course concepts and learning objectives.
Nine other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all 12 activities
Attend a Local Urban Planning Conference
Show steps
Expand knowledge and connect with professionals in the field of Urban Planning by attending a local conference.
Browse courses on
Networking
Show steps
-
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
Show steps
Provides a deeper understanding of the concepts introduced in the course
Show steps
-
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
Show steps
Apply course concepts by creating a plan for a hypothetical neighborhood, fostering a deeper understanding of neighborhood design and sustainability.
Show steps
-
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
Show steps
Fosters collaboration and enhances understanding through peer interaction
Show steps
-
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
Show steps
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
Show steps
-
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'
Show steps
Explore key concepts and strategies for sustainable urban development, enhancing understanding of the course's focus on neighborhood sustainability.
Show steps
Develop a Neighborhood Sustainability Plan
Show steps
Applies the course concepts to a practical project and simulates real-world scenarios
Show steps
-
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
Show steps
Gain practical insights by analyzing real-world examples of successful sustainable neighborhood developments.
Browse courses on
Case Studies
Show steps
-
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
Show steps
Create a valuable resource for future projects by compiling a toolkit of best practices, guidelines, and tools for sustainable neighborhood development.
Show steps
-
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
Review basic Urban Planning Concepts
Show steps
Revisit basic Urban Planning concepts to strengthen foundational understanding for more advanced topics covered in the course.
Browse courses on
Urban Studies
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- 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
Show steps
Enhance understanding of neighborhood characteristics by exploring online GIS resources and learning how to conduct spatial analysis.
Browse courses on
GIS
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- 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
Show steps
Familiarizes the learner with the course structure and expectations
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Read through the course syllabus thoroughly.
- Make note of important dates and deadlines.
- Identify key course concepts and learning objectives.
Nine other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all 12 activities
Attend a Local Urban Planning Conference
Show steps
Expand knowledge and connect with professionals in the field of Urban Planning by attending a local conference.
Browse courses on
Networking
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- 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
Show steps
Provides a deeper understanding of the concepts introduced in the course
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- 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
Show steps
Apply course concepts by creating a plan for a hypothetical neighborhood, fostering a deeper understanding of neighborhood design and sustainability.
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- 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
Show steps
Fosters collaboration and enhances understanding through peer interaction
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- 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
Show steps
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
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- 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'
Show steps
Explore key concepts and strategies for sustainable urban development, enhancing understanding of the course's focus on neighborhood sustainability.
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
Develop a Neighborhood Sustainability Plan
Show steps
Applies the course concepts to a practical project and simulates real-world scenarios
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- 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
Show steps
Gain practical insights by analyzing real-world examples of successful sustainable neighborhood developments.
Browse courses on
Case Studies
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- 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
Show steps
Create a valuable resource for future projects by compiling a toolkit of best practices, guidelines, and tools for sustainable neighborhood development.
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- 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 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.
Urban Planner
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.
Landscape Architect
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.
Architect
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.
Civil Engineer
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.
Environmental Engineer
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.
Sustainability Manager
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.
Community Organizer
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.
Environmental Policy Analyst
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.
Natural Resource Manager
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.
Geographic Information Systems (GIS) Analyst
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.
Public Health Educator
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.
Teacher
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.
Journalist
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.
Marketing Manager
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.
For more career information including salaries, visit:
OpenCourser.com/course/hpp68d/sustainable
Reading list
We've selected 13 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 Neighborhoods.
Save
Provides a comprehensive overview of sustainable urbanism and how it can be used to create more livable, sustainable cities.
Provides a practical guide to creating sustainable homes and suburbs, with a focus on energy efficiency, water conservation, and waste reduction.
Save
Explores the relationship between urban ecology and sustainable city design, and provides a framework for creating more sustainable and livable cities.
Provides a comprehensive guide to city planning and urban design standards, with a focus on creating sustainable and livable cities.
Provides a historical overview of the development of sustainable cities in the United States, and explores the challenges and opportunities for creating more sustainable cities in the future.
Save
Provides a case study of the development of Ecocity Berkeley, a sustainable city in California.
Explores the concept of the smart city and how technology can be used to create more sustainable and livable cities.
Provides a guide to the future of urban planning and how cities can be planned to be more sustainable and livable.
Save
Provides a theoretical and practical overview of urban sustainability, and explores the challenges and opportunities for creating more sustainable cities.
Provides a global perspective on sustainable urban development, and explores the challenges and opportunities for creating more sustainable cities in different parts of the world.
Provides a theoretical and practical overview of urban planning, and explores the challenges and opportunities for creating more sustainable and livable cities.
Provides a collection of essays on the city, and explores the different ways that people have thought about and experienced cities.
Save
Classic work on urban planning and design, and explores the different factors that make cities livable and sustainable.
For more information about how these books relate to this course, visit:
OpenCourser.com/course/hpp68d/sustainable
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Level
Intermediate
Via
Coursera
Institution
Johns Hopkins University
Instructor
William Roper
Language
English
Transcripts
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This course belongs to a
collection
called
Sustainable Cities. It's comprised of four courses:
Good to know
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
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