URBD787
Ecological Planning and Sustainable Design
In this course, you’ll learn about integrating ecological planning and sustainability into the urban design process. We’ll examine ecological planning through three themes: process, systems, and change.
You’ll develop your site evaluation skills using techniques that help uncover hidden assets in underlying natural resources. We’ll also explore concepts like net environmental gain and eco-economics using green and brown field case studies.
Related program(s)
This course is available at the following time(s) and location(s):
| Section | Session(s) | Date/time | Campus | Instructor(s) | Cost | Registration* |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| URBD787-VA1141 | 2 | Friday–Saturday Mar 21–22, 2014 9 am–5:30 pm |
Van | Michael von Hausen, principal, MVH Urban Planning and Design, Inc., Randy Sharp, principal, Sharp & Diamond Landscape Architecture, Inc., Thomas Mueller, president, Canada Green Building Council, and others |
$650 | Register |
* This course is available as part of the Urban Design Certificate (core course) and on an individual basis.
What will I learn?
In this course, you’ll do the following:
- Review the state of ecological planning and sustainable urban design, green building, smart growth, and alternative development standards
- Describe the five components of eco-planning (water, soil, vegetation, air, and wildlife) as part of the overall ecological system
- Apply an integrated process to introduce effective ecological planning strategies into sustainable urban design projects
- Develop skills in site reading through review of specific projects
- Learn to utilize the natural assets of the site in an economic, cultural, and environmentally responsible manner
- Discuss current innovations in regulations and process that showcase the potential of ecological planning
- Review the barriers, opportunities, and incentives for action through case studies
How will I learn?
- Lectures
- Case studies
- Small group discussions
- Applied exercises
- Group presentations
- Assignments
Who should take this course?
- Planners, architects, and landscape architects
- Engineers, real estate developers, and building technicians
- Elected officials and local government administrators
- NGO staff, financiers, and lawyers
- Community organizers and advocates
How will I be evaluated?
Your grade will be based on a take-home assignment.
Textbooks and learning materials
We will provide custom course materials.
Professional development credits
- AIBC 14 NCLU
- PIBC and BCSLA can self-report