Ecodesign for Cities and Suburbs from the University of British Columbia on EdX taught by Jonathan Barnett and Larry Beasley
There is an internet course based on this book, here is the syllabus. https://www.edx.org/course/ecodesign-for-cities-and-suburbs
Week 1: How the usual urban growth model operates and why it needs to change. • •
Three growth models that we can learn from: Vancouver, Helsinki, and Portland. The six axioms of Ecodesign The four urgent sets of issues that are at the heart of this course.
Week 2: Adapting to climate change and limiting global warming locally: • • • •
Ways to adapt to sea level rise, changing coastlines and storm surges; Adapting to other climate risks and to threats to global food supplies. Limiting global warming locally by using alternative energy sources. Prototypes for urban and environmental harmony – Stockholm’s Hammarby Sjostad, Abu Dhabi’s Masdar City, Vancouver’s Southeast False Creek Village.
Week 3: Balancing cars and other kinds of transportation, assuming, as we do, that the automobile is here to stay. • •
• •
Toronto’s Big Move and other balanced transportation systems – where the most energy-efficient mode for each kind of trip is also the most attractive. Transit-oriented development – how the Washington Metro is transforming suburban Tyson’s Corner; and how BRT could also restructure suburbs in places where rail transit is not economic. Cutting traffic related deaths – the Sweden and New York examples. Improving walkability and cycling.