Master of Urban Design Online Courses

Town and city areas that are compact and walkable provide the most sustainable form of modern living. Spaces need to be built on the scale of humans rather than machines. They should provide a good mixture of uses and services, allowing you to do most things within walking or, at least, cycling distance of home.

A high-functioning space provides a range of housing options, giving different types of household units the opportunity to live there. Ideally, they're connected to extensive train or similar systems. They make it easy to include walking and/or cycling in daily life. To be sustainable, an urban space may contain green buildings and draw on renewable energy sources such as solar and wind power.

Smart planning brings together ideas and plans for energy-efficient living. At the same time, good designs create enjoyable places to live, work and recreate. In an era of rising energy costs, the payoff from a low-energy lifestyle is only growing.

For example, designing city areas to lessen our dependence on cars supports sustainability. Fewer cars reduces energy use and lowers carbon emissions. As added bonuses, reducing dependence on cars eases road congestion and puts more things close to home. All these things serve to boost our quality of life.

Urban designers and planners are professionals who work to shape the physical environment. However, they have different areas of responsibility.

Designers focus on the physical design of the environment, including buildings, public spaces, and infrastructure. They work to create functional, attractive, and sustainable spaces by considering factors such as form, scale, and materials. Designers are concerned with the aesthetic and functional aspects, and strive to create coherent and attractive environments.

Planners are interested in the broader development of cities and towns. They work to create liveable, sustainable, and economically viable communities by considering the needs of residents, businesses, and the environment. Planners develop plans and policies for how land is used, how transportation systems are designed, and how public spaces and infrastructure are created. They consider land use, transportation, housing, and infrastructure, and strive to create integrated and sustainable communities.

While there is overlap between the two professions, designers are primarily concerned with the physical design of the environment. Planners are more concerned with the broader development and organisation of cities and towns.

Urban design is a multidisciplinary field that draws from areas such as architecture, town and city planning, landscape architecture, and geography. Therefore, there is no one "best" major for the discipline, as it can be approached from different perspectives.

Nonetheless, some common majors that are highly useful and relevant are the following.

• Architecture offers a solid foundation for a career in shaping the physical environment. You learn design concepts, building technology, and construction techniques, which are crucial for comprehending the physical elements involved. Architectural programs often encompass subjects related to the constructed environment and the connection between structures and their surroundings. This knowledge of how buildings integrate into their environment is essential for those who strive to create functional, attractive, and harmonious spaces.
• Landscape architecture focuses on the design of outdoor spaces, including parks, gardens, plazas, and other public areas. Landscape architects consider the interplay between natural elements such as topography, vegetation, and water, and the physical environment, including structures, sidewalks, and streets. They work to create functional, sustainable, and aesthetically pleasing outdoor spaces that are integrated with the surrounding urban environment. Thus, a background in landscape architecture provides valuable knowledge and skills for creating cohesive and attractive spaces.
• Town planning centres on the development of cities and towns, including land use, transportation, housing, and infrastructure. Planners work to create liveable, sustainable, and economically viable communities by considering the needs of residents, businesses, and the environment. They develop plans and policies for how land is used, how transportation systems are designed, and how public spaces and infrastructure are created. Thus, a background in town planning gives you an excellent understanding of factors impacting on the city environment, including social, economic, environmental, and political considerations.
• Civil engineering focuses on the design, construction, and maintenance of the built environment, including buildings, roads, bridges, and other infrastructure. Civil engineers consider the various physical and technical aspects of construction, including materials, structures, and systems, as well as environmental factors such as soil conditions and hydrology. They work to create functional, safe, and sustainable built structures and systems that are integrated with the surrounds.
• Environmental design considers the relationship between the built and natural environment, encompassing how buildings and infrastructure can minimise their environmental impact. Environmental designers work to create sustainable, energy-efficient, and environmentally responsible built structures and systems. They consider factors such as energy use, water conservation, and waste management, and strive for harmony with the surrounding natural environment.

Ultimately, a Master's degree in Urban Design is the standard qualification for professional practice in the field. Once you have that degree, your undergraduate major, while still influential, has secondary significance.