Learning Outcomes:
By undertaking this module, the students will develop:
- Ability to describe and explain the rationale for spatial planning policy and practice;
- Ability to outline the evolution of planning theory and practice, and approaches including plan-led and market-led systems;
- Ability to explain how spatial planning operates within different political, institutional and legal frameworks; Understanding of the key elements underpinning the planning process, including the legal context of land use designations;
- Recognition of the challenges of sustainable development in China and around the world; capacity to understand the wider social, economic and political contexts for planning sustainable environments;
- Understanding the values and vulnerabilities of the natural, built and cultural environments;
- Ability to outline key planning areas and relevant policies, and give examples of how they are implemented in practice;
- Ability to diagnose planning problems and suggest potential solutions; understanding of mediation processes among competing interests in planning;
- Understanding of the role of urban design in shaping urban environments; ability to explain place-making principles;
- Evaluation and independent thinking skills to produce individual and team-work based on clear evidence and reliable information;
- Ability to effectively communicate planning concepts through presentations and report writing;
Indicative Module Content:
Learning Unit 1: What is Spatial Planning?
-Human settlements and urbanisation (infrastructure and resources; natural and cultural environment);
- The evolution and justification for spatial planning;
-Basic planning theory (including ‘The Garden City’ and ‘City Beautiful’);
-General development frameworks; Sustainable development and SDGs;
- The concept of ‘land’; planning as a professional discipline; the role of urban planners;
Learning Unit 2: Modern spatial planning
-Planning as physical design (‘blue print’);
-Comprehensive planning; Collaborative planning;
-Planning Instruments, Planning Systems, Planning ‘Products’ (local to transnational);
-Institutional contexts, Administrative and Legal Development, Implementation;
-Concepts of: regeneration, renewal, heritage, urban sprawl, transit-oriented development, public participation, etc.;
-International cases and comparative approaches (Europe, US, China);
-Information systems for planning;
Learning Unit 3: Topics in spatial planning
-Economic development;
-Planning for environmental conservation;
-Community/social planning;
-Transportation planning;
-Rural planning;
-Urban design principles and placemaking;