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PLAN10010

Academic Year 2024/2025

Introduction to City Planning (PLAN10010)

Subject:
Planning
College:
Engineering & Architecture
School:
Architecture, Plan & Env Pol
Level:
1 (Introductory)
Credits:
5
Module Coordinator:
Professor Mark Scott
Trimester:
Autumn
Mode of Delivery:
Blended
Internship Module:
No
How will I be graded?
Letter grades

Curricular information is subject to change.


With the rise in environmental concerns and the concepts of sustainable development in public policy at both European Union and national level, interest in city planning currently enjoys an unprecedented high profile. We introduce key concepts related to city planning theory and practice as a foundation for this module. The module then goes on to explore a series of key topics in planning and sustainability, including: sustainable urban growth; housing; built and natural heritage, information and communication technology and public participation in planning. It explores the evolution of modern planning practice and the emergence of modern planning systems and their associated policies, including the Irish political and administrative framework and planning system. The other national systems and international practices are also noted, with European context and spatial planning providing the most relevant reference. Various planning policies and their implementation in practice are also explored and evaluated in the areas of housing, transport, urban design, environment and community development.

Over the course of the semester the students will:

- Develop an awareness of contemporary urban and environmental challenges and the rationale for city planning;
- Learn about the evolution of planning practice and theory;
- Understand the economic, political, environmental and community context for planning practice;
- Become familiar with the planning process and policies and how they relate to wider sustainability debates.
- Gain insights into the political and administrative frameworks and their relationships to the planning systems in Ireland, European nations and beyond;

About this Module

Learning Outcomes:

On the successful completion of the module, you will be able to:

• Demonstrate an understanding of the economic, political, environmental and community context for planning practice;
• Describe and explain the rationale for city planning policy and practice;
• Demonstrate and understanding of the key elements underpinning the planning process;
• Outline key planning areas and relevant policies;
• Develop group working and individual written communication skills.

Indicative Module Content:


The module has 4 Learning Units, comprising a range a learning materials.

The 4 Learning Units are:

Learning Unit 1: Nature & Purpose of Planning
This Learning Unit will provide students with an introduction to the module – module aims and learning outcomes, before going on to outline the nature and purpose of planning. This will examine historic and contemporary urbanisation and will trace the emergence of urban and regional planning in the face of increasingly complex urban challenges. Themes covered include: the rise and rise of urbanisation; the emergence of regional and urban planning in Europe; European traditions of planning; rationale for planning intervention – economic, democratic and ecological perspectives; what do planners do?

Learning Unit 2: The evolution of city planning
In this unit, we will examine major trends in planning theory and practice in the 20th Century and the different role of the ‘planning expert’ and the public in shaping the future of cities and regions. We will examine 2 key foundations in planning theory:
1. Planning as Physical Design: Planning as a solution to societal problems; the rise of the planning expert; Town Planning as physical planning and design; urban blueprints or ‘master plans’; urban utopias; criticisms of the ‘blueprint approach’
2. Comprehensive planning: The systems approach to urban management; rationality and the ‘planning process’; the breakdown of the rational comprehensive approach – urban protest, the ‘revolt of the client’, the limitations of comprehensive urban modelling

We will then examine how these planning approaches were reshaped by urban politics and protest leading to a much greater emphasis on planning and public participation and planning as collaboration. We will examine some examines of how to engage with the public in urban planning.

Learning Unit 3: Introduction to the Irish Planning System
This unit will provide an introductory overview of the Irish planning system, outlining the framework of plans and the management of development. The key themes addressed include: the key agencies in the Irish Planning system; the role of central and local government; objectives of the Planning system; key planning instruments – development plans and development control

Learning Unit 4: Topics in Planning & Sustainability
This learning unit will provide an introduction into key planning topics that illustrate the role of planning in creating more sustainable places and communities. Topics covered include: Planning & Sustainable Development; Cities and Climate Change; Planning and the Global South, Planning & Heritage, and Planning and Healthy Communities.

Student Effort Hours:
Student Effort Type Hours
Autonomous Student Learning

78

Lectures

18

Seminar (or Webinar)

4

Total

100


Approaches to Teaching and Learning:
The module is delivered through a blended learning approach comprising in-class lectures, group discussions, short videos and structured reading. There will be opportunities for discussion, questions and peer learning.

Requirements, Exclusions and Recommendations

Not applicable to this module.


Module Requisites and Incompatibles
Incompatibles:
PEP30120 - Topics in Urban & Reg Planning

Equivalents:
Intro to Spatial Planning (PEP10020)


 

Assessment Strategy
Description Timing Component Scale Must Pass Component % of Final Grade In Module Component Repeat Offered
Assignment(Including Essay): Students select one topic for an individual written assignment Week 12 Graded No
70
No
Group Work Assignment: Preparation of group-based project, comprising a written report Week 7 Graded No
30
No

Carry forward of passed components
No
 

Resit In Terminal Exam
Spring No
Please see Student Jargon Buster for more information about remediation types and timing. 

Feedback Strategy/Strategies

• Feedback individually to students, post-assessment

How will my Feedback be Delivered?

Individual assignment at the end of module Feedback will be provided in writing post assessment

Name Role
Reza Tavangar Lecturer / Co-Lecturer

Timetabling information is displayed only for guidance purposes, relates to the current Academic Year only and is subject to change.
Autumn Lecture Offering 1 Week(s) - Autumn: All Weeks Tues 14:00 - 15:50