Urban Design for the Public Good: Dutch Urbanism from edX

Are you an urban planner, designer, policy maker or involved or interested in the creation of good living environments?

This course will broaden your scope and diversify your take on the field of urban planning and design. We will focus on a unique Dutch approach and analyze how it can help those involved with urban planning and design to improve the physical environment in relation to the public good it serves, including safety, wellbeing, sustainability and even beauty.

You will learn some of the basic traits of Dutch Urbanism, including its:

contextual approach;
balance between research and design;
simultaneous working on multiple scale levels.

You will practice with basic techniques in spatial analysis and design pertaining to these points. You will also carry out these activities in your own domestic environment.

This course is taught by the Faculty of Architecture and the Built Environment at TU-Delft, ranked no. 4 in Architecture/Built Environment on the QS World University Rankings (2016).

All the material in this course is presented at entry level. But since the course has an integral perspective, combining planning and design aspects, it can still be relevant for trained professionals who feel they lack experience in either field.

What's inside

Learning objectives

Dutch urbanism basics;
How to draw simple maps of your own living environment and perform basic urban analyses of them;

How to apply your findings in small design activities;
Where to find additional literature that will deepen your knowledge and bring you up to date on the latest research findings in urban planning.

Dutch urbanism basics;
How to draw simple maps of your own living environment and perform basic urban analyses of them;
How to apply your findings in small design activities;
Where to find additional literature that will deepen your knowledge and bring you up to date on the latest research findings in urban planning.

Syllabus

Week 1:The first module is a thematic and technical introduction of the basic concepts behind the course and its functionality.

Week 2:We will focus on the concept of “public goods” and how these can be strengthened or created by design and planning actions.

Week 3:This module is focused around the structural role of the natural landscape in any urban environment.

Week 4:We will introduce you to the concept of Urban Metabolism and the way in which different urban “flows” interact.

Week 5:We will look at how seemingly small interventions like the restructuring of an urban plaza can have a great impact on the usability and enjoyability of the city for all.

Week 6:This module is an introduction to the realm of data driven design. What may someday result in “smart cities” must start from a basic understanding of the relation between data and design.

Week 7:Another exercise in how to achieve big results with small interventions: In this module, we will look at how strategic changes in infrastructure have brought new life to a dilapidated area.

Week 8:Rounding off this course, we will bring the concept of design for the public good to an new level, what have we learned? But more importantly, what are the roads ahead?

Good to know

Know what's good

, what to watch for

, and possible dealbreakers

Explores Dutch Urbanism, which is a globally relevant approach to urban planning and design

Taught by instructors from an acclaimed architecture faculty, ensuring high-quality instruction

Suitable for urban planners, designers, policymakers, and anyone interested in creating good living environments

Develops practical skills in spatial analysis and design, applicable to real-world projects

Provides a comprehensive overview of Dutch Urbanism, covering its principles and practices

Emphasizes the balance between research and design, fostering a holistic understanding of urban planning

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 Design for the Public Good: Dutch Urbanism with these activities:

Review Public Goods and Urban Planning

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Refresh your understanding of public goods and how they relate to urban planning, providing a solid foundation for the course's focus on designing public spaces that enhance community well-being.

Browse courses on Public Goods

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Review lecture notes or textbooks on public goods and urban planning.
Consider examples of public goods in urban environments, such as parks, libraries, and transportation systems.

Participate in Online Discussion Forums

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Engage with fellow students and instructors by participating in online discussion forums, sharing insights, asking questions, and providing feedback on course topics, enhancing your understanding through peer interactions.

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Join the course discussion forums and introduce yourself to other students.
Actively participate in discussions by sharing your thoughts and perspectives.
Respond to other students' posts and engage in constructive dialogue.

Read 'The Image of the City' by Kevin Lynch

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Gain insights into the role of perception and mental maps in urban planning by reading Kevin Lynch's classic work, which complements the course's emphasis on the relationship between the physical environment and public good.

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Read Chapters 1-3 of the book to understand Lynch's concept of the 'city image'.
Apply Lynch's ideas to analyze and describe the mental map of your own city or town.

Four other activities

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Design a Small-Scale Urban Intervention

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Apply the principles of Dutch Urbanism to create a design proposal for a small-scale urban intervention in your local community, enhancing your understanding of the course's practical applications.

Browse courses on Urban Design

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Identify a specific public space or area in your community that could benefit from improvement.
Research best practices and examples of successful small-scale urban interventions.
Sketch out your initial design concepts, considering the principles of contextuality, balance between research and design, and working on multiple scale levels.

Analyze Urban Spatial Data

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Develop your skills in analyzing urban spatial data to identify patterns and trends, improving your ability to make data-informed decisions in urban planning and design.

Browse courses on Spatial Analysis

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Use online tools or software to access and visualize urban spatial data.
Perform basic spatial analysis techniques, such as creating maps, calculating density, and identifying clusters.
Interpret the results of your analysis to draw insights about the urban environment.

Explore Case Studies of Dutch Urban Planning

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Deepen your understanding of the course's concepts by exploring case studies of successful Dutch urban planning projects, providing practical examples of how these principles have been implemented in real-world settings.

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Visit websites or online platforms that showcase Dutch urban planning projects.
Select a specific case study and analyze its design, implementation, and impact on the community.

Develop an Urban Master Plan Proposal

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Synthesize your knowledge of Dutch Urbanism by creating a comprehensive master plan proposal for a specific urban area, demonstrating your ability to apply the course's principles to a real-world scenario.

Browse courses on Urban Design

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Choose a specific urban area that faces planning challenges and opportunities.
Conduct thorough research and analysis of the area's existing conditions, needs, and potential.
Develop a vision and goals for the area, guided by the principles of Dutch Urbanism.

Career center

Learners who complete Urban Design for the Public Good: Dutch Urbanism will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Urban Designer

Urban designers create and shape the physical environment of cities. They work with architects, engineers, and other professionals to create plans that meet the needs of the community. This course can help you develop the skills and knowledge you need to become an urban designer. You will learn about the principles of urban planning and design, as well as how to use data and technology to create sustainable and livable cities.

See salaries and explore the career path for Urban Designer

Urban Planner

Urban planners develop and implement plans for the development and use of land in urban areas. They work with architects, engineers, and other professionals to create plans that meet the needs of the community. This course can help you develop the skills and knowledge you need to become an urban planner. You will learn about the principles of urban planning and design, as well as how to use data and technology to create sustainable and livable cities.

See salaries and explore the career path for Urban Planner

Architect

Architects design and oversee the construction of buildings and other structures. They use their knowledge of engineering, materials, and design to create functional and aesthetically pleasing spaces. This course can help you develop the skills and knowledge you need to become an architect. You will learn about the principles of urban planning and design, as well as how to use data and technology to create sustainable and livable cities.

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Transportation Planner

Transportation planners develop and implement plans for the transportation system in urban areas. They work with engineers, architects, and other professionals to create plans that meet the needs of the community. This course can help you develop the skills and knowledge you need to become a transportation planner. You will learn about the principles of urban planning and design, as well as how to use data and technology to create sustainable and livable cities.

See salaries and explore the career path for Transportation Planner

Data Scientist

Data scientists use data to solve problems and make decisions. They work with businesses, governments, and other organizations to collect, analyze, and interpret data. This course can help you develop the skills and knowledge you need to become a data scientist. You will learn about the principles of urban planning and design, as well as how to use data and technology to create sustainable and livable cities.

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Landscape Architect

Landscape architects design and create outdoor spaces, such as parks, gardens, and plazas. They use their knowledge of plants, soil, and water to create functional and aesthetically pleasing spaces that can be enjoyed by people of all ages. This course can help you develop the skills and knowledge you need to become a landscape architect. You will learn about the principles of urban planning and design, as well as how to use data and technology to create sustainable and livable cities.

See salaries and explore the career path for Landscape Architect

Environmental Planner

Environmental planners develop and implement plans to protect the environment and natural resources. They work with government agencies, businesses, and community groups to create plans that balance economic development with environmental protection. This course can help you develop the skills and knowledge you need to become an environmental planner. You will learn about the principles of urban planning and design, as well as how to use data and technology to create sustainable and livable cities.

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Policy Analyst

Policy analysts research and analyze policy issues. They work with policymakers to develop and implement policies that address social and economic problems. This course can help you develop the skills and knowledge you need to become a policy analyst. You will learn about the principles of urban planning and design, as well as how to use data and technology to create sustainable and livable cities.

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Researcher

Researchers conduct research to answer questions and solve problems. They work in a variety of fields, including science, technology, and the social sciences. This course can help you develop the skills and knowledge you need to become a researcher. You will learn about the principles of urban planning and design, as well as how to use data and technology to create sustainable and livable cities.

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Sustainability Consultant

Sustainability consultants help businesses and organizations reduce their environmental impact. They work with clients to develop and implement plans to reduce energy use, waste production, and greenhouse gas emissions. This course can help you develop the skills and knowledge you need to become a sustainability consultant. You will learn about the principles of urban planning and design, as well as how to use data and technology to create sustainable and livable cities.

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Project Manager

Project managers oversee the planning and execution of projects. They work with teams of people to develop and implement plans, manage budgets, and track progress. This course can help you develop the skills and knowledge you need to become a project manager. You will learn about the principles of urban planning and design, as well as how to use data and technology to create sustainable and livable cities.

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Social Worker

Social workers help people to overcome social and economic problems. They work with individuals, families, and groups to provide counseling, support, and other services. This course can help you develop the skills and knowledge you need to become a social worker. You will learn about the principles of urban planning and design, as well as how to use data and technology to create sustainable and livable cities.

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City Manager

City managers oversee the day-to-day operations of a city. They work with the mayor and city council to implement policies and provide services to the community. This course can help you develop the skills and knowledge you need to become a city manager. You will learn about the principles of urban planning and design, as well as how to use data and technology to create sustainable and livable cities.

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Community Organizer

Community organizers work with communities to identify and address social and economic problems. They work with residents, businesses, and other organizations to develop and implement plans to improve the community. This course can help you develop the skills and knowledge you need to become a community organizer. You will learn about the principles of urban planning and design, as well as how to use data and technology to create sustainable and livable cities.

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Teacher

Teachers educate students in a variety of subjects. They work with students to develop their knowledge and skills, and to prepare them for college and careers. This course can help you develop the skills and knowledge you need to become a teacher. You will learn about the principles of urban planning and design, as well as how to use data and technology to create sustainable and livable cities.

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