Introduction to Urban Planning

Summary

In this introductory course on urban planning, Dr. Harshad Sosan Lakra from IIT Roorkee provides an overview of the growing importance of urban areas, with projections showing that two-thirds of the world’s population will live in cities by 2050. The course covers key topics such as urban planning concepts, challenges, planning frameworks, and the role of legislation and governance. Aimed at students, professionals, and residents alike, it offers valuable insights into creating sustainable, inclusive, and resilient cities. The course is designed to help learners at various levels engage with the dynamic field of urban planning.

Takeaways

• 😀 Dr. Harshad Sosan Lakra, Assistant Professor at IIT Roorkee, introduces a course on urban planning under the MHRD's Massive Open Online Courses program.
• 😀 The course aims to explore the evolving domain of urban planning and its significance in the modern world, especially with the rapid urbanization occurring globally.
• 😀 By 2050, it is estimated that two-thirds of the world's population will live in cities, highlighting the increasing importance of urban areas.
• 😀 Cities play a crucial role in addressing global and local needs, but they also face challenges such as health crises, climate change, and disaster risks.
• 😀 Proper urbanization management can maximize benefits like agglomeration while minimizing environmental degradation and other negative impacts.
• 😀 There is a growing need for professionals who can design and implement inclusive, resilient, and sustainable urban planning solutions.
• 😀 The course covers topics like urban planning basics, challenges, planning frameworks, and governance to help students develop a comprehensive perspective on urban studies.
• 😀 The course is suitable for students from fields like architecture, planning, civil engineering, social sciences, and journalism, as well as professionals working in urban development.
• 😀 Participants will explore topics such as town planning evolution, urban planning types (regional, development, and local area plans), housing problems, sanitation, and transportation.
• 😀 The course is divided into four major modules, with 40 lectures in total, each lasting about 30 minutes, along with weekly assignments for progressive evaluation.
• 😀 By the end of the course, participants can take an examination for a course participation certificate, enhancing their understanding of urban planning concepts.

Q & A

What is the purpose of the 'Introduction to Urban Planning' course?

The course aims to provide an introductory understanding of urban planning, addressing the challenges cities face and offering strategies to create inclusive, resilient, and sustainable urban areas.

Who is the instructor of the course and what is his background?

The instructor is Dr. Harshad Sosan Lakra, an Assistant Professor at the Department of Architecture and Planning at IIT Roorkee. He is also affiliated with the Center of Excellence in Disaster Mitigation and Management and the transportation systems center at IIT Roorkee.

What is the projected urban population by 2050, and what does this mean for cities?

By 2050, two-thirds of the world’s population is expected to live in cities, highlighting the need for effective urban planning to handle the growing urbanization and its associated challenges.

What are some key challenges faced by cities today?

Key challenges include health issues (e.g., pandemics like COVID-19), climate change, disaster risks, and quality of life problems such as housing shortages, slums, and inadequate water supply and sanitation.

What skills or knowledge can participants expect to gain from this course?

Participants will gain an understanding of urban planning concepts, the challenges faced by cities, planning frameworks, governance systems, and the techniques used to create sustainable urban environments.

How is the course structured in terms of modules?

The course is divided into four major modules: 1) Introduction to Urban Planning, 2) Problems and Issues in Urban Areas, 3) Planning Frameworks and Processes, and 4) Legislation and Governance in Urban Planning.

What type of audience is this course suitable for?

The course is suitable for undergraduate and postgraduate students from fields like architecture, planning, civil engineering, geography, economics, and social sciences, as well as professionals in urban local bodies, NGOs, and community representatives.

What are some specific urban issues that the course will address?

The course will address issues such as housing problems, slums, transportation challenges, water supply, sanitation, and public health concerns in urban areas.

How long is the course and what are its components?

The course spans 8 weeks and includes 40 lectures, each approximately 30 minutes long. There will also be weekly assignments and an end-of-course exam for those seeking a certificate.

What are the benefits for city residents taking this course?

Even city residents can benefit from this course by learning how to actively engage in the development of their own city, promoting informed participation in urban planning processes.