Urban Planning, Policy and Design
 Historically, cities are geographic areas that have
evolved into centers of civic, political and cultural life. Over
the centuries they have become more densely settled and increasingly
heterogeneous both in terms of the ethnicity and economic stability
of residents. This variety of life circumstances of urban dwellers
requires that limited resources be allocated for many more varied
purposes than ever before. At the turn of the 21st century we
witness increased urbanization worldwide, much of it minimally
guided or controlled. Similarly, we find many existing urban areas
in a serious state of deterioration, physically, economically
and socially. This concentration focuses upon the role of landscape
architects and urban planners in working with urban residents,
administrators and elected officials to help define the problems
and then create the most appropriate policies and designs to ensure
a socially just, economically and environmentally healthy, and
aesthetically pleasing environment.
The Urban Planning, Policy and Design concentration
brings together scholarly research, teaching and outreach concerned
with the viability of towns, cities, metropolitan and suburban
areas. Working with an eye toward solutions that are responsive
to residents, this area of emphasis is concerned with ensuring
the quality of the cultural and natural environments, economic
opportunity, environmental protection and widespread democratic
participation. Some specific areas of teaching, research, creative
design work and outreach that support this concern include analyses
of the structure and function of urban settlements; the design
and physical planning of urban sites and neighborhoods; the history
of urban forms, built environment and planning; the theory of
urban planning, policy and design and analysis; conservation of
natural resources and social and cultural heritages; planning
and designing for social and cultural change; roles of government,
citizens and multiple stakeholders; social justice and economic
welfare; and citizen
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