Urban Planning Course Analysis

Words: 2047
Pages: 9

I came into this quarter not knowing much about planning. To me, planning was just an abstract concept of how cities were put together, much in the way people play city-building games like SimCity or CityXL. My idea of planning was very limited and purely from a physical standpoint: the arrangement of public transportation, the regulation of building height, the placement of residential and business structures. However, this course has helped me improve and broaden my understanding of what urban planning is and how it can change communities for the better. Planning shapes communities through improving residents’ physical, mental, and social wellbeing, transportation and accessibility to resources, sense of identity and attachment to location, …show more content…
Planners can wield building placement and zoning in the creation of mixed-use centers to inspire residents to walk more and rely less on autonomous transport. Residents are not only getting more exercise by walking to the local stores and restaurants from their homes but also meeting more people along the way because they are no longer isolated in their cars or other modes of transportation. This helps build inter-relationships which can strengthen social bonds and boost mental health by combating feelings of loneliness and detachment from communities. My understanding is that people are social creatures, even introverts, so planners should strive to offer opportunities for residents to interact with one another. In addition, it is commonly thought that exercise helps boost endorphin levels which can also help residents feel happier while they are getting healthier. Thus, considering health during planning improves physical activity and increases social interactions within the …show more content…
I never have fully appreciated the role of art in society until this class. Art was important as a form of expression but it ranked pretty low on my personal list of priorities. Plus, a lot of the times I thought art was a bit ugly and didn’t see the point. But during our week on creative place-making, I learned that art can actually bring life back into communities and boost residents’ mood and how much they can relate to where they live. Planners should include creative place-making to empower residents to create and customize their own