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The Program
Program Objectives
Program Structure
Courses
Environmental Design - B.A.
Environmental Design - Minor
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Environmental Design
Department of Urban and Regional Planning
School of Architecture and Planning
116 Hayes Hall
South Campus
Buffalo, NY 14214-3087
(716) 829-2133, ext. 109
Fax: (716) 829-3256
E-mail: plandept@ap.buffalo.edu
Web: Urban and Regional Planning
Ernest Sternberg, Chair
Kathryn A. Foster, Director of Undergraduate Studies
We live in times in which our urban and built environments are undergoing unprecedented change. The B.A. in environmental design provides students with the skills to understand, analyze, and solve problems associated with such change, with a view toward economic vitality, social fairness, and environmental sustainability. The degree offers an interdisciplinary, preprofessional course of study combining the best of the liberal arts with on-the-ground training in urban and regional environments.
The B.A. in environmental design aims to provide students with the versatility to succeed in a variety of fields. Graduates will have sound preparation for entry-level employment in planning, design, real estate or related fields; in town, city, county, or state government; and in nonprofit organizations, such as community development corporations and housing or transportation agencies. Graduates will also be ready for graduate study in the professions or arts and sciences, in fields such as urban and regional planning, environmental studies, land and real estate development, architecture and landscape architecture, public administration, law, policy analysis, and business administration.
The major in environmental design is a 48-credit-hour curriculum divided into four parts: an introductory sequence, core workshops, department electives (including internship opportunities), and senior-year synthesizing courses. Courses from other UB departments, selected with the aid of a faculty advisor, supplement within-major courses.
120 Introduction to Urban Studies (3) (F)
Introduces concepts and content related to cities, suburbs, and metropolitan regions within and outside the U.S. From interdisciplinary perspectives, covers media images of cities and suburbs, patterns and trends in urban settlements over time and place, urban observation, demographics, culture, and design, and contemporary urban issues, including race relations, environmental health, and crime. Lectures, discussions, fieldwork. LEC
212 Introduction to Planning (3) (Sp)
Introduces concepts and content in urban and regional planning. Covers the who, what, why, and how of planning as a profession and process. Topics include the legal basis for planning, planning tools and techniques, the development process, design issues, and major planning foci, such as sprawl and growth management, neighborhood development, transportation systems, historic preservation, and international planning. Lectures, discussions, fieldwork. LEC
350 Environmental Design Workshop I: Information and Analysis (6) (F)
Prerequisite: environmental design major/minor or permission of instructor
First in a three-course sequence. Provides students with skills in gathering, analyzing, interpreting, and communicating qualitative and quantitative information about the contemporary environment and its possible futures. Data sources include U.S. Census materials, state and regional agency databases, historical archives, and online and hardcopy reports and surveys. SEM
360 Environmental Design Workshop II: Graphic Communication (6) (Sp)
Prerequisite: environmental design major/minor or permission of instructor
Second of a three-course sequence. Introduces modes of visual literacy for comprehending the built environment and rudimentary graphic skills for communicating design concepts through readings and hands-on exercises. Class activities include drawing, generating computer graphics, and urban observation. SEM
450 Environmental Design Workshop III: Projects and Processes (6) (F)
Prerequisites: PD 350, PD 360
Third in a three-course sequence. Engages students in urban planning and fieldwork in Western New York. Under the instructor's supervision, students work with clients and community groups to understand a complex urban issue, research best practices, and develop final reports and presentations. LAB
460 Visions of the City (3) (Sp)
Prerequisites: senior standing in environmental design or permission of instructor
Examines through extensive readings and films contemporary theories, analyses, and debates about urban life and the evolution of urban form. Considers changing conceptions and imagery of the city. SEM
490 Special Topics (3) (Sp)
Prerequisite: senior standing in environmental design or permission of instructor
Engages students in environmental design methods and research on a topic of contemporary interest. Topics vary annually. LEC
301 Perspectives on Land Use and Development (3) (F)
Covers concepts and practices of urban land use and development in U.S. Topics include zoning, growth management, site planning, and land use evolution. Includes fieldwork. SEM
312 Design of Cities (3) (F)
Traces evolution of urban form and character from Greek city-states to the present. Emphasizes how technological, social, economic, and political changes affect urban layout and functioning. LEC
355 Urban and Environmental Information (3) (Sp)
Examines, uses, and assesses urban information systems, such as signage, environmental data, and neighborhood demographics. Fieldwork. LEC
356 Computing for Environmental Analysis (3) (Sp)
Covers basics of GIS and other computer tools for understanding, mapping, and analyzing natural and built environments. Includes weekly computer lab. LEC
404 Introduction to Urban Management (3) (F)
Prerequisite: senior standing or permission of the instructor
Introduces concepts of urban management, including roles of planners as advocates, advisors, and information resources. Focus on complex, inner-city problems and reforms. SEM
405 Special Topics (3) (F)
Topics vary annually. In the past this course addressed Real Estate Development. LEC
406 Community Development Processes (3) (Sp)
Prerequisite: senior standing and permission of the instructor
Studies theories, concepts, and practices of neighborhood planning and community development, with emphasis on local urban neighborhoods. SEM
410 Special Topics (3) (Sp)
Topics vary annually. In the past this course addressed Local Government Policy and Politics. LEC
422 Economic Development Planning and Industrial Change (3) (F)
Prerequisite: senior standing or permission of the instructor
Covers theory, concepts, and practices in contemporary economic development planning. Considers alternative approaches to job growth, including industrial development, workforce training, and quality of life strategies. SEM
445 Internship (1-3) (F; Sp)
Offers opportunity to work in urban or rural agencies for housing, planning, transportation, community development, and design. TUT
463 Cities and Globalization (3) (Sp)
Prerequisite: senior standing or permission of the instructor
Considers "world cities" and how global trends and forces shape the design, politics, social life, and economies of urban places. SEM
469 GIS Applications in Planning (3) (F)
Prerequisite: senior standing or permission of the instructor
Covers theory, techniques, and applications in geographic information systems, particularly as applied to planning problems and issues. Includes weekly computer lab. SEM
473 Physical and Spatial Planning (3) (F)
Prerequisite: senior standing or permission of the instructor
Introduces concepts and techniques in land use planning, site plan assessment, property development, and redevelopment planning. Fieldwork. SEM
474 Negotiation and Conflict Resolution (3) (F)
Prerequisite: senior standing or permission of the instructor
Introduces and practices techniques in negotiations and bargaining, particularly as applied to planning and environmental conflict. SEM
479 Global Issues Futures (3) (F)
Prerequisite: senior standing or permission of the instructor
Covers concepts and methods in futures planning, including scenario development, projections, and global trend analysis. SEM
491 Special Topics (3) (Sp)
Topics vary annually. In the past this course addressed Facilities Planning. SEM
494 Special Topics (3) (F)
Topics vary annually. In fall 2002 this course addresses hidden systems of urban environments-utilities, water, sewer, telecommunications, and transport. LEC
Minimum GPA of 2.0 overall
Minimum GPA of 2.5 in PD 120 and PD 212
Transfer students from other colleges should complete the required introductory courses after being admitted to the major or may apply to waive these introductory courses if they have completed an equivalent course.
Minimum GPA of 2.5 in major courses is required to graduate
PD 120 Introduction to Urban Studies
PD 212 Introduction to Planning
PD 350 Environmental Design Workshop I: Information and Analysis
PD 360 Environmental Design Workshop II: Graphic Communication
PD 450 Environmental Design Workshop III: Projects and Processes
PD 460 Visions of the City
PD 490 Special Topics
18 credit hours of department electives
See Baccalaureate Degree Requirements (page 254) for general education and remaining university requirements.
First or Second Year
Fall-PD 120
Spring-PD 212
Third Year
Fall-PD 350, electives
Spring-PD 360, electives
Fourth Year
Fall-PD 450, electives
Spring-PD 460, PD 490, electives
Required courses - 30 cr
PD electives - 18 cr
Total required credit hours in environmental design - 48
Minimum GPA of 2.0
Minimum "B-" in PD 120 or PD 212
PD 120 Introduction to Urban Studies
PD 212 Introduction to Planning
Four department electives
Minimum cumulative GPA of 2.5 in minor courses required for successful completion of minor
Total required credit hours - 18
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Last updated: Thursday, 09-Dec-2004 15:21:17 EST
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