Communities invest millions in bicycling infrastructure, often based on scant evidence. Part of my research develops empirical evidence about the effectiveness of bicycle planning efforts. I show that cyclists go two miles out of their way for a bicycle path; but also that bike paths might suppress property values. I aim to shape policies on land use/transportation and advance local planning efforts that further sustainable infrastructure. I do this via projects like Design for Health (US APA’s National Planning Excellence Award for Best Practice) where I developed health impact assessments, research briefs and other tools for planners to assess policies. My recent activities ensure (1) practitioners get relevant and accessible research; (2) policy questions and initiatives are guided by robust and transparent performance measures. These are part of a wider research program aiming to help planners and policy makers make evidence-based decisions that further sustainable communities.
keywords
Land use-transportation planning & policy Travel behavior, including cycling Planning for accessibility and sustainable transport infrastructure, Healthy communities, Information and communication technology
ENVD 1040 - Studio 1: Introduction to Planning and Urban Design
Primary Instructor
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Spring 2024
The fourth of four introductory studios in which students learn concepts and strategies related to urban planning and design. Students collaboratively develop a design solution to a small-scale problem within an urban fabric using basic skills of analysis and design iteration.
ENVD 1052 - Design and Communication 1
Primary Instructor
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Spring 2018
Using both lectures and drawing exercises, this class extends understandings of the representational conventions used by the design professions through its introduction to the possibilities offered by emerging digital techniques for the depiction of designed artifacts and environments, allowing students to extend and enhance their understandings of advanced practices for design visualization, representation and communication. Recommended corequisites: ENVD 1004 and ENVD 2001.
ENVD 1140 - Studio 2: Fundamentals of Planning and Urban Design
Primary Instructor
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Fall 2023
Through a small-scale urban planning and design project, students explore solutions to challenges in dynamic urban systems. Builds on knowledge and skills gained in the introductory studios to explore the human and environmental dimensions of intertwined systems within the built environment.
ENVD 3122 - Research Issues and Methods in Design and Planning
Primary Instructor
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Fall 2018
Explores topics of current interest in planning. Looks at the development and social consequences of the neighborhood movement, forms of municipal and regional governments, regional settlement patterns, and new communities. Introduces selected methods from the social sciences used by planners and urban designers. Recommended corequisite: ENVD 3100.
ENVD 4361 - Special Topics: Social Factors in Design
Primary Instructor
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Fall 2019
Addresses variable topics in the relationship of human experience and behavior to the built environment, e.g., social research methods in environmental design.
ENVD 4363 - Special Topics: Physical Factors in Environmental Design
Primary Instructor
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Fall 2018 / Spring 2021 / Spring 2023 / Spring 2024
Includes such topics as appropriate technology, public policy and natural hazards, organization of the designing and building process, and physical elements of urban development.
FYSM 1000 - First Year Seminar
Primary Instructor
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Fall 2020
Provide first year students with an immersive experience in an interdisciplinary topic that addresses current issues including social, technical and global topics. Taught by faculty from across campus, the course provides students with an opportunity to interact in small classes, have project based learning experiences and gain valuable communication skills. Seminar style classes focused on discussion and projects.
PLAN 3005 - Process and Practice
Primary Instructor
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Fall 2022 / Fall 2023
Introduces the regulatory and legal structures surrounding sustainable planning, design, and development. Covers issues of environmental policy, property rights, zoning, and building codes and laws. Includes work on professional development in the field of planning and design.
PLAN 4100 - Capstone in Planning and Urban Design
Primary Instructor
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Spring 2021
Applies advanced concepts in comprehensive planning and plan-making for communities. The project engages communities to solve complex problems in social and ecological systems using qualitative and quantitative skills.
