Sustainable Transportation Networks and Streetscapes from Coursera

This course will evaluate best practices in transportation networks, thoroughfares, and streetscape designs for the effective movement of people, goods, and services in a region. Sustainable public and private streetscape design and application will be reviewed and evaluated for applications for sustainable cities. Considerations are assessed for smart urban planning, growth, and lifestyle. Strategies for creating equitable, healthy, and sustainable communities are also evaluated.

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

1. Survey and evaluate thoroughfare network considerations for connectivity, block size and sidewalk interaction.

2. Compare different complete street design options for application in smart growth planning.

3. Evaluate sidewalk design and planning strategies for public and private sidewalks to include street tree configurations and street light design.

4. Examine issues of water management with specialized curb design, ground water recharge areas and swales as part of the streetscape design and planning.

5. Identify and evaluate the differences between free-flow, slow-flow, and yield-flow thoroughfare design concepts.

6. Assess and evaluate smart urban planning, growth, and lifestyle indicators.

The target audience for this course includes:

- Government Officials involved planning, designing, monitoring, enforcement, and assessment of sustainable project developments at the local, state, and federal level.

- Private sector companies in the transportation and municipal design and construction business

- Architects interested in advancing sustainable concepts for cities and communities

- Foundations, associations, and other NGOs that support smart growth strategies

- Academic faculty and students studying and researching community sustainability and resilience

- Private citizens interested in improving their communities and living conditions

What's inside

Syllabus

Sustainable Transportation Thoroughfares, Networks and Smart Urban Planning, Growth, and Lifestyle

The importance of sustainable city thoroughfares designed to interconnect into a hierarchical network is introduced. The largest thoroughfares allow for direct connection to the urban center. Analysis of smart urban planning growth and lifestyles is also discussed.

Transportation Thoroughfare Design and Equable, Healthy, and Sustainable Communities

Neighborhoods typically have a range of thoroughfare types to facilitate the movement of people through the neighborhood. Sustainable smart growth neighborhoods are designed to equitably allow pedestrians, bicycles, and the automobiles to move within the community. This module will evaluate a variety of techniques and policies that encourage this balanced multimodal use of transportation thoroughfares.

Sustainable Streetscapes, Storm Water Management, and Environmental Enhancement.

Sustainable public streetscapes are much more than just a part of the infrastructure to facilitate the movement of automobiles. In addition to the vehicular lanes, they must include sidewalks, trees, curbs, lighting, and other elements that collectively constitute a sustainable public streetscape. Public streetscapes require careful design attention to contribute to a successful neighborhood. This requires a full range of regional appropriateness that corresponds to the transect. Private streetscapes are an extension of the public streetscape but relate specifically to the private sector building configuration and frontage design. Successful private sector streetscapes can include properly sized porches students, terraces, balconies, that enhance activity to the street.

Good to know

Know what's good

, what to watch for

, and possible dealbreakers

Explores the best practices in thoroughfares, networks, and streetscape designs necessary for the seamless movement of resources and individuals within a region

Teaches design strategies for sidewalks and public streetscapes as they pertain to eco-friendly city development

Examines strategies for designing equitable, healthy, and sustainable communities through smart urban planning

Taught by William Roper, a recognized expert in sustainable transportation thoroughfares and smart urban planning, growth, and lifestyle

Assesses considerations for effective transportation thoroughfare design, smart growth planning, and complete street design

Evaluates the impact of water management strategies such as curb design, groundwater recharge areas, and swales in streetscape design

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 Transportation Networks and Streetscapes with these activities:

Review assignments and quizzes

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Reviewing past assignments, quizzes, and exams will help you refresh your understanding of core concepts and prepare for upcoming assessments.

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Gather all completed assignments, quizzes, and exams
Review each item carefully, paying attention to areas where you struggled
Create notes or summaries of key concepts and formulas

Gather Resources

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Help students quickly build a repository or central location with all required resources and materials.

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Organize course notes by sections and modules
Create a master document that includes key concepts from each section or module
Gather other relevant materials, such as presentations, videos, and readings
Create a dedicated folder or online space for the course materials

Explore Official Resources

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Help learners explore the official course resources and the instructor's website.

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Review the syllabus and course schedule to become familiar with topics covered
Visit the course website and become familiar with the navigation and layout
Access the instructor's website and explore additional resources and materials

Five other activities

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Review Design Fundamentals

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Help students refresh their knowledge of design principles and elements.

Browse courses on Design Principles

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Review the basic elements of design: line, shape, form, color, and texture
Examine the principles of design: balance, contrast, emphasis, repetition, and unity
Apply these principles and elements to real-world design examples

Explore Smart Urban Planning Tools

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Familiarize yourself with the latest tools and technologies for smart urban planning.

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Identify and install a few smart urban planning apps or software tools.
Explore the features and functionalities of these tools.
Try out the tools on a small-scale project or scenario.

Follow online tutorials on sustainable urban design

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Online tutorials can provide a structured and guided way to expand your knowledge and skills in sustainable urban design, enhancing your understanding of the course material.

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Search for reputable online tutorials on sustainable urban design
Identify tutorials that align with the topics covered in the course
Follow the tutorials step-by-step, taking notes and completing any exercises or quizzes
Apply what you have learned from the tutorials to your assignments

Review Questions for Thoroughfare Design

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Test your understanding of key concepts in thoroughfare design, complete street design, and sidewalk design.

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Review the course materials on thoroughfare design, complete street design, and sidewalk design.
Complete the review questions at the end of each section.
Discuss your answers with a classmate or instructor for feedback.

Case Study: Sustainable Streetscape Design

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Apply the concepts of sustainable streetscape design to a real-world case study.

Browse courses on Water Management

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Identify a specific street or area for your case study.
Research best practices in sustainable streetscape design.
Develop a design proposal that incorporates sustainable principles.
Present your proposal to a panel of experts for feedback.

Career center

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

Urban Planner

Urban Planners design and plan land use to maximize resource utilization and the quality of life in urban and rural communities. They design and implement smart growth and green initiatives, ensuring communities are resilient while meeting environmental sustainability standards. This course provides a solid foundation for the principles of sustainable community planning and development, which are essential to Urban Planners.

See salaries and explore the career path for Urban Planner

Transportation Engineer

Transportation Engineers plan, design, operate, and maintain transportation systems, including roads, bridges, and public transportation. They conduct studies to analyze traffic patterns, design solutions to improve transportation safety and efficiency, and promote sustainability and environmental protection. This course can help Transportation Engineers understand best practices in sustainable transportation networks and streetscapes, enabling them to contribute to the creation of equitable, healthy, and sustainable communities.

See salaries and explore the career path for Transportation Engineer

Landscape Architect

Landscape Architects design outdoor spaces, including parks, gardens, and public spaces. They work to create beautiful and functional spaces that meet the needs of the community and are in harmony with the natural environment. This course can help Landscape Architects understand the principles of sustainable streetscapes and how to incorporate green infrastructure and sustainable design principles into their work.

See salaries and explore the career path for Landscape Architect

Civil Engineer

Civil Engineers design, build, and maintain the physical infrastructure of our communities, including roads, bridges, water and wastewater systems, and buildings. They work to ensure that these systems are safe, efficient, and sustainable. This course can help Civil Engineers understand the principles of sustainable transportation networks and streetscapes, enabling them to incorporate these principles into their designs and improve the quality of life in their communities.

See salaries and explore the career path for Civil Engineer

Public Works Director

Public Works Directors are responsible for the planning, construction, and maintenance of public infrastructure, including roads, bridges, water and wastewater systems, and parks. They also oversee the provision of essential public services, such as garbage collection and snow removal. This course can help Public Works Directors understand the principles of sustainable infrastructure and how to create sustainable communities.

See salaries and explore the career path for Public Works Director

Sustainability Manager

Sustainability Managers are responsible for developing and implementing sustainability programs for businesses and organizations. They work to reduce environmental impact, improve social equity, and promote economic prosperity. This course can help Sustainability Managers understand the principles of sustainable development and how to create sustainable communities.

See salaries and explore the career path for Sustainability Manager

City Manager

City Managers oversee the day-to-day operations of a city or town. They work with elected officials and community stakeholders to develop and implement policies that improve the quality of life for residents and businesses. This course can help City Managers understand the principles of sustainable development and how to create equitable, healthy, and sustainable communities.

See salaries and explore the career path for City Manager

Environmental Consultant

Environmental Consultants help businesses and organizations understand and comply with environmental regulations. They also develop and implement sustainability programs to reduce environmental impact and improve social equity. This course can help Environmental Consultants understand the principles of sustainable development and how to create sustainable communities.

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Planner

Planners research and analyze social, economic, and environmental data to develop plans for the future development of communities. They work with elected officials and community stakeholders to develop and implement policies that improve the quality of life for residents and businesses. This course can help Planners understand the principles of sustainable development and how to create equitable, healthy, and sustainable communities.

See salaries and explore the career path for Planner

Real Estate Developer

Real Estate Developers acquire, develop, and manage real estate properties. They work to create profitable and sustainable developments that meet the needs of the community. This course can help Real Estate Developers understand the principles of sustainable development and how to create sustainable communities.

See salaries and explore the career path for Real Estate Developer

Construction Manager

Construction Managers oversee the construction of buildings and other structures. They work with architects, engineers, and contractors to ensure that projects are completed on time, within budget, and to the required quality standards. This course can help Construction Managers understand the principles of sustainable construction and how to incorporate green building practices into their projects.

See salaries and explore the career path for Construction Manager

Community Organizer

Community Organizers work with community members to identify and address issues that affect their lives. They work to build relationships, develop leadership skills, and empower communities to take action. This course can help Community Organizers understand the principles of sustainable development and how to create sustainable communities.

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Project Manager

Project Managers plan, organize, and execute projects. They work with stakeholders to define project goals, develop project plans, and manage project resources. This course can help Project Managers understand the principles of sustainable project management and how to incorporate sustainability into their projects.

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Architect

Architects design and build structures, including homes, offices, schools, and hospitals. They work to create buildings that are safe, functional, and beautiful. This course can help Architects understand the principles of sustainable design and how to incorporate green building practices into their work.

See salaries and explore the career path for Architect

Policy Analyst

Policy Analysts research and analyze public policies to inform decision-making. They work with policymakers to develop and implement policies that address social, economic, and environmental issues. This course can help Policy Analysts understand the principles of sustainable development and how to create sustainable communities.

See salaries and explore the career path for Policy Analyst