The course will be divided into the following segments:
Why Walkability?
While most clients and communities support the concept of walkability as a matter of course, this commitment can waver in the face of countervailing pressures from entrenched interests. Learn the most powerful economic, epidemiological, and environmental arguments for making a sustained investment in walking, biking, and transit.
The Ten Steps of Walkability
The central segment of the course will focus in great depth on the following ten strategies for making better places: Put Cars in Their Place; Mix the Uses; Get Parking Right; Let Transit Work; Protect the Pedestrian; Welcome Bikes; Shape the Spaces; Plant Trees; Make Friendly and Unique Faces; Pick Your Winners.
How to Do a Walkability Plan
The instructors have completed seven Walkability Plans for American municipalities in the past five years. Learn how to complete such plans for your client communities.
Design Charrette
The City of Somerville has been working on the redevelopment of three neighborhoods surrounding new rail stations in the MBTA’s planned Green Line expansion. One of these neighborhoods has had its design delayed due to utility issues, but, soon, it will be time to make new proposals. City of Somerville planning staff, led by George Proakis, will join the class for a half-day mini-charrette brainstorming the site.
Dinner Exploration
Off the clock and weather permitting, the class will transit/walk to dinner along some of Boston’s most memorable and instructive throughfares.
