This module examines how the concept of sustainable development and the implications of climate change shape the principles and practice of spatial planning in different development contexts (urban, suburban, peri-urban, rural). It also emphasises the importance of context globally, i.e. to illustrate using some extreme examples, what will work in terms of sustainability will differ for a city in Asia (in a hot, humid climate) and a city in Scandinavia (where it get cold and frosty).
Planning for sustainable cities requires a holistic and strategic stance considering different scales and looking at interactions. The module critically considers how the understanding of sustainability, including contemporary debates about climate change, environmental risks, and the growing concern with physical and mental well-being, have reshaped thinking about planning approaches in recent years. Beyond looking at conceptual issues, the module also explores what it may mean to transform cities to be more sustainable in practice across several dimensions of spatial planning such as land use and regeneration, urban form, community involvement, transport and mobility, green infrastructure and biodiversity, waste management, water, renewable energy and food production . Students will develop skills in devising creative planning approaches that embed sustainability principles in urban development, in brownfield but also greenfield settings. The module comprises a comparative element by using examples of innovative spatial planning practices from European, North American, and Australasian cities. This provides an opportunity to understand alternative approaches to the challenges of sustainable urban development, and to reflect critically on contemporary practices and policy in the UK.
Students will have the opportunity to apply this knowledge and understanding in a creative exercise focusing on a development area in the city-region of Birmingham.
Learning Outcomes
By the end of the Module, students should be able to:
Demonstrate detailed understanding of the concepts of sustainable urban development in the planning context;
Demonstrate an understanding of the relationships between human activity and its implications for the environment including climate change and biodiversity loss;
Explain the role of planning in facilitating physical, economic, social and environmental dimensions of sustainability in urban development
Critically analyse existing and proposed urban schemes and settlements and policy using indicators and evaluation tools in regard to sustainability
Generate creative and realistic proposal to embed sustainable urbanism principles in existing or future development;
Identify best practice in sustainable planning in European cities worldwide and reflect critically on lessons for practice in the UK.
Assessment: Group poster featuring best practice example (30%) Individual report critiquing an existing scheme and making recommendations for improvement(70%)
Method of Reassessment: By resubmission of failed components (individual submissions).
