Overview

Welcome to Sustainable Cities Case Studies, the third and final course in the Building Sustainable Cities Specialization. This course is intended to build upon foundational concepts and ideas developed in the previous two courses. Upon completing Sustainable Cities Case Studies, you will be able to analyze and evaluate practical strategies for urban sustainability and resilience in context. You will gain insights by exploring significant events and locations, such as the August 2023 wildfire on Maui. You will also examine the effects of transit-oriented development in Washington DC, the development of bicycle infrastructure in Copenhagen, and urban agriculture in Singapore. These case studies will provide a diverse understanding of how different cities address sustainability and resilience challenges. You will benefit from a comprehensive understanding of best practices in urban sustainability and climate resilience, using real-world examples to inform and put this knowledge into context. You will develop a vision for creating sustainable and resilient cities in the future, focusing on practical, actionable strategies. Sustainable Cities Case Studies uniquely integrates diverse global perspectives, providing you with the tools to assess and formulate plans that address ecological, policy, and social contexts, ultimately preparing you to contribute effectively to urban resilience initiatives.

Syllabus

Welcome to the Course

Welcome to the Sustainable Cities Case Studies course. Get started by meeting the instructors, reviewing expectations for the specialization and course, and introducing yourself to the class.

Case Study 1: Wildfire and Firewise Community in Lahaina, Maui

This module explores the ecological, policy, and social factors surrounding the August 2023 Maui wildfire. Students will compare it to similar wildfires and urban firestorms, and develop a recovery strategy using "Firewise" community practices. The module includes quizzes and case studies to aid in understanding urban firestorm risks and effective recovery methods.

Case Study 2: Development and Gentrification in Washington, D.C.

This module examines the impact of transit-oriented development policies on housing, employment, and food security in Washington, DC. Students will analyze access to green spaces and public transit, exploring their role in urban gentrification and developing strategies to mitigate green gentrification. Additionally, the module evaluates the green jobs transition, focusing on new career opportunities and economic growth. Quizzes and case studies support the development of sustainable urban policies.

Case Study 3: Climate Resilience and Sustainability in Copenhagen, Denmark

This module investigates Copenhagen's 2030 carbon-neutral goal and its influence on urban infrastructure. Students will evaluate the social, economic, and environmental benefits of bicycle transit in comparison to car dependency. The module also addresses the challenges and prospects of transitioning from carbon to renewable energy and identifies strategies to enhance flood resilience in coastal cities, using Copenhagen as a case study.

Case Study 4: Urban Agriculture and Circular Economy in Singapore

This module delves into Singapore's water management priorities, highlighting the global applicability of its technologies and policies. Students will assess urban agriculture's impact on food security and public health, and explore how circular economy principles promote resource efficiency, sustainability, and economic growth. The module includes case studies and quizzes to facilitate understanding of sustainable practices and resource management.