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Sweden, Denmark, Germany, Switzerland
- Dates – July 7–August 1, 2025
- Max Enrollment – 26
- Taught In – English
- Prerequisites – Yes
- Academic Area – Environmental Science and Policy; Landscape Architecture
Program Overview
In this program, we will study the policies, plans, systems, technologies and designs that support urban sustainability, exploring transit, bike and pedestrian circulation; renewable energy and water systems, recycling and solid waste management; economic equity and development; land use and urban design; landscape/open space design and the planning principles on which they are based. Relying on lectures, field trips, bike and walking tours, guest speakers, and reading-the-city exercises, the program shows what lessons can be taken from Europe back to U.S. cities. We will visit 6-8 cities—large and small—in four countries that have demonstrated a commitment to and success in becoming more sustainable. This includes looking in-depth at various deliberate eco-districts and neighborhoods in places like Stockholm, Basel, Copenhagen, Freiburg, and Lucerne.
Stories about Sustainable Cities: student Story Map GIS assignment examples:
Selected Story Maps from 2019
Public Engagement in Planning and Development
Social Cohesion vs. Defensive Design
Types of Urban Gardens in Northern Europe
The importance of beauty in sustainable design
2018
Integrating new sustainable neighborhoods
Wayfinding for pedestrians and cyclists
Urban Happiness and Public Health