ABSTRACT
Many of us learn best “by doing,” that is, by working actively to find solutions to various challenges in which we must process information and apply concepts. Consequently, hands-on exercises are a good way to understand what sustainability planning might involve. The exercises in this section are appropriate either for classroom use or for individuals or groups to complete on their own. They have been developed by one of us (Wheeler) in conjunction with courses taught at the University of California at Berkeley. An entire undergraduate or graduate class can even be structured around a series of such exercises, which examine sustainability planning at different scales and in different contexts. (Bringing in guest speakers undertaking similar projects in the real world can help supplement the class material.)
Interested readers are encouraged to modify or expand these teaching exercises to fit their own needs. Generally these tasks are done in groups, on the theory that we can all learn enormously from each other and from the process of testing our ideas against those of others. Many of these exercises require some graphic representation – simple diagrams, plans, or maps to convey ideas. Although many of us are not used to presenting ideas visually, and may not have drawn anything since kindergarten, graphic work has been very much a part of the urban planning profession from the start. It is of course integral to architecture and landscape architecture as well. What matters in this case are not fine works of art but relatively simple diagrams, maps, or plans that can convey concepts effectively, especially for presentation to an audience. Clear labels that can be read at a distance are important for these postersize graphics. Even students or community members with no background in graphic representation should be encouraged to experiment with different ways of illustrating their sustainable urban planning ideas.
