What makes a city sustainable and resilient? In this course, you’ll explore how urban planners and communities address real-world challenges from land use and urban form at the site level and regional scale, to healthy communities, water, energy, economic development, green infrastructure, and transportation. Through readings, discussions, site visits, guest speakers, and hands-on projects, you’ll learn the key concepts behind sustainable and resilient urban design, including land use, green infrastructure, water and energy systems, and economic development. You’ll see how planners work with multiple stakeholders to ask the right questions, evaluate solutions, and make decisions that balance environmental, social, and economic goals. While the focus is on U.S. cities, with Boston as a primary example, you’ll also examine international perspectives and comparative examples. By the end of the course, you’ll be able to critically assess sustainability and climate adaptation strategies, propose high-level solutions to urban challenges, and understand the role planners—and other professionals—play in shaping cities that are adaptable, just, and prepared for the future.

Note that this information may change at any time. Please visit the MyBU Student Portal for the most up-to-date course information.