Sustainable Transportation Networks and Streetscapes

Go to Course: https://www.coursera.org/learn/sustainable-transportation-networks-and-streetscapes

Introduction

### Course Review: Sustainable Transportation Networks and Streetscapes In an era where urbanization and environmental concerns increasingly collide, the need for sustainable strategies in urban planning and transportation has never been more pertinent. This is where Coursera's course, **Sustainable Transportation Networks and Streetscapes**, steps in, presenting participants with an invaluable education on how to create effective and sustainable urban environments. #### Course Overview The course is designed to evaluate best practices in transportation networks, thoroughfare designs, and streetscape applications. It emphasizes the movement of people, goods, and services through meticulously crafted urban designs and sustainable principles. The course adopts a holistic approach to smart urban planning, intertwining considerations of growth and lifestyle with strategies aimed at building equitable and healthy communities. #### Course Content The syllabus of the course is divided into three primary modules, each crucial for understanding the multi-faceted aspects of sustainable urban environments: 1. **Sustainable Transportation Thoroughfares, Networks and Smart Urban Planning, Growth, and Lifestyle**: This module introduces participants to the fundamental concepts of transportation networks designed to interconnect urban areas. It addresses how major thoroughfares provide critical connections to city centers, while also exploring the dynamics of smart urban planning and the lifestyle implications of these designs. This foundational knowledge sets the stage for understanding how transport systems can influence urban growth. 2. **Transportation Thoroughfare Design and Equitable, Healthy, and Sustainable Communities**: The second module focuses on neighborhood design, illustrating how various types of thoroughfares cater to diverse modes of transportation. Participants will learn about creating balanced transportation options that support pedestrian, bicycle, and vehicular traffic equitably. By evaluating policies and techniques that promote multimodal transportation, learners will gain insights into sustainable smart growth neighborhoods that embody equity and accessibility. 3. **Sustainable Streetscapes, Storm Water Management, and Environmental Enhancement**: The final module dives into the intricate details of streetscape design, revealing that a successful public streetscape transcends mere infrastructure for automobiles. It encompasses elements such as sidewalks, trees, lighting, and the environmental significance of these features. The course also discusses the relationship between public and private streetscapes, emphasizing how well-designed private spaces can enhance public life through strategic configurations. #### Learning Experience One of the standout features of this course is its accessible yet comprehensive approach. The instructional methods include a mix of theoretical foundations enriched with real-world applications. Learners can expect to engage with a variety of case studies, tools for sustainable design, and interactive assessments that facilitate a deep understanding of the subject matter. The expert instructors bring a wealth of experience, offering insights that are both practical and beneficial for future urban planners, policymakers, and architects. #### Recommendations I highly recommend **Sustainable Transportation Networks and Streetscapes** to anyone interested in urban planning, civil engineering, environmental studies, or even social justice through equitable city design. With its emphasis on sustainability, this course not only equips participants with the knowledge and skills necessary for effective urban planning but also instills a sense of responsibility towards creating healthier communities. Whether you're a seasoned professional looking to enhance your expertise or a newcomer eager to make a meaningful impact in urban environments, this course is a perfect fit. Engage with fellow learners to discuss innovative ideas and join a community passionate about driving forward the future of sustainable cities. In conclusion, this course represents a vital step towards understanding the intricate relationship between transportation, design, and the environment. So why wait? Enroll today and contribute to the movement towards sustainable, equitable, and beautiful urban landscapes.

Syllabus

Sustainable Transportation Thoroughfares, Networks and Smart Urban Planning, Growth, and Lifestyle

The importance of sustainable city thoroughfares designed to interconnect into a hierarchical network is introduced. The largest thoroughfares allow for direct connection to the urban center. Analysis of smart urban planning growth and lifestyles is also discussed.

Neighborhoods typically have a range of thoroughfare types to facilitate the movement of people through the neighborhood. Sustainable smart growth neighborhoods are designed to equitably allow pedestrians, bicycles, and the automobiles to move within the community. This module will evaluate a variety of techniques and policies that encourage this balanced multimodal use of transportation thoroughfares.

Sustainable public streetscapes are much more than just a part of the infrastructure to facilitate the movement of automobiles. In addition to the vehicular lanes, they must include sidewalks, trees, curbs, lighting, and other elements that collectively constitute a sustainable public streetscape. Public streetscapes require careful design attention to contribute to a successful neighborhood. This requires a full range of regional appropriateness that corresponds to the transect. Private streetscapes are an extension of the public streetscape but relate specifically to the private sector building configuration and frontage design. Successful private sector streetscapes can include properly sized porches students, terraces, balconies, that enhance activity to the street.