This course is for urban planners, architects, environmental scientists, and professionals interested in sustainable urban development and Japanese urbanism. It addresses contemporary urban planning issues, focusing on the Garden City concept and integrating green spaces into cities to combat environmental challenges. The course examines the transition from traditional urban structures to green matrices, highlighting green spaces' role in enhancing resilience. It contrasts Western and historical Japanese cities' agricultural integration, advocating for new urban agriculture approaches. The course examines the symbiotic relationship between urban and rural land uses, offering strategies for sustainable urban planning.
By the end of this course, you will be able to:
- Analyze urban planning issues and the Garden City concept.
- Evaluate strategies for integrating green spaces and urban agriculture.
- Compare Japanese and Western urban-rural land management.
- Develop sustainable urban planning visions.
To be successful, a basic understanding of urban planning or environmental science concepts is helpful.
This module introduces core concepts for the course. It sets the foundation for understanding topics in Modules 2 through 7. Focus on key definitions to build your knowledge.
What's included
1 video2 readings1 discussion prompt
Show info about module content
1 video•Total 18 minutes
Unit1_Lecture Video•18 minutes
2 readings•Total 20 minutes
Grading & logistics•10 minutes
Course TA•10 minutes
1 discussion prompt•Total 10 minutes
Introduce Yourselves•10 minutes
Pre-Course Survey
Module 2•15 minutes to complete
Module details
Welcome to the course! Start by completing the pre-course survey to help us tailor your learning. Join the discussion forum to connect with peers and share insights. We aim for a collaborative learning experience. Enjoy the course!
What's included
1 plugin
Show info about module content
1 plugin•Total 15 minutes
Pre-Course Survey•15 minutes
Japanese Agri-Residential Urban Planning: Nishitokyo Case
Module 3•1 hour to complete
Module details
This module examines agri-residential neighborhoods, common in suburban Tokyo. Urban farmlands offer economic, social, and environmental benefits. Using Nishitokyo City as a case, you will learn about land use patterns, planning systems, and efforts to conserve urban farmlands. Focus on how these mixed-use areas contribute to urban sustainability.
What's included
4 videos1 assignment
Show info about module content
4 videos•Total 38 minutes
Unit1_Lecture Video•10 minutes
Unit2_Lecture Video•14 minutes
Unit3_Lecture Video•11 minutes
Unit4_Lecture Video•4 minutes
1 assignment•Total 10 minutes
Md2_Graded Quiz•10 minutes
Urban-Rural Landscape Integration
Module 4•1 hour to complete
Module details
This module examines Asia's distinctive urban-rural landscapes, where agriculture mixes with residential areas. It challenges traditional urban planning that separates urban and rural zones. Using Tokyo as a case, you will analyze characteristics of mixed land use landscapes and their formation. Consider how these integrated approaches redefine urban development.
What's included
2 videos1 assignment
Show info about module content
2 videos•Total 21 minutes
Unit1_Lecture Video•10 minutes
Unit2_Lecture Video•11 minutes
1 assignment•Total 10 minutes
Md3_Graded Quiz•10 minutes
Urban Agriculture: Local Food Systems
Module 5•1 hour to complete
Module details
Cities are thriving hubs of agriculture, not just concrete. Urban agriculture offers many benefits for urban sustainability. This module examines the link between urban agriculture and local food systems, a practice thriving in Tokyo's urban-rural mixed areas. The first half covers background, concept, and local context. The second half features interviews with practitioners supporting local food systems. Focus on how urban agriculture contributes to sustainable cities.
What's included
4 videos1 assignment
Show info about module content
4 videos•Total 57 minutes
Unit1_Lecture Video•16 minutes
Unit2_Lecture Video•22 minutes
Unit3_Lecture Video•13 minutes
Unit4_Lecture Video•6 minutes
1 assignment•Total 10 minutes
Md4_Graded Quiz•10 minutes
Urban Agroforestry: Living Heritage Systems
Module 6•1 hour to complete
Module details
This module focuses on urban agroforestry systems, integrating agriculture and forestry. It covers their historical background and contemporary significance. You will learn about conservation efforts and challenges faced by urban farmers in maintaining circular systems amidst urbanization. Understand how conserving these systems addresses global challenges like climate change and biodiversity.
What's included
4 videos1 assignment
Show info about module content
4 videos•Total 28 minutes
Unit1_Lecture Video•4 minutes
Unit2_Lecture Video•9 minutes
Unit3_Lecture Video•9 minutes
Unit4_Lecture Video•6 minutes
1 assignment•Total 10 minutes
Md5 - Graded Quiz•10 minutes
Urban Farms: Health & Well-being
Module 7•1 hour to complete
Module details
This module examines how urban farms in large cities serve as social platforms for diverse communities. It includes interview clips from two innovative urban farms in Tokyo. Consider the social impact and community benefits of these urban spaces.
What's included
4 videos1 assignment
Show info about module content
4 videos•Total 47 minutes
Unit1_Lecture Video•16 minutes
Unit2_Lecture Video•6 minutes
Unit3_Lecture Video•13 minutes
Unit4_Lecture Video•11 minutes
1 assignment•Total 10 minutes
Md6_Graded Quiz•10 minutes
Compact Cities & Regional Urban Agriculture
Module 8•1 hour to complete
Module details
Previous modules focused on Tokyo's metropolitan development. This module shifts to smaller regional cities in Japan, which face urban problems like population decline. It presents the role of compact city policy and urban agriculture in creating sustainable urban forms, both economically and environmentally. Learn how these strategies apply to diverse urban contexts.
What's included
4 videos1 assignment
Show info about module content
4 videos•Total 55 minutes
Unit1_Lecture Video•19 minutes
Unit2_Lecture Videoideo•9 minutes
Unit3_Lecture Video•9 minutes
New Video•17 minutes
1 assignment•Total 10 minutes
Md7 - Graded Quiz•10 minutes
International Urban Planning Perspectives
Module 9•2 hours to complete
Module details
This module presents the Contemporary Garden City Concept from an Asian, specifically Japanese, perspective, highlighting sustainable urban planning potential. A comparison of land use in East Rutherford, Argenteuil, and Nerima illustrates urban-rural integration differences and global relevance. A panel discussion with experts from the UK, Italy, and Germany offers international perspectives on Japanese urban agriculture and its implications for the Garden City Concept. Consider the global applications of these ideas.
What's included
5 videos
Show info about module content
5 videos•Total 95 minutes
Unit1_Lecture Videoideo•6 minutes
Unit2_Lecture Videoideo•22 minutes
Unit3_Lecture Videoideo•21 minutes
Unit4_Lecture Videoideo•18 minutes
Unit5_Lecture Videoideo•29 minutes
Course Discussion & Review
Module 10•10 minutes to complete
Module details
What's included
1 reading
Show info about module content
1 reading•Total 10 minutes
About the Discussion Forum•10 minutes
Post-Course Survey
Module 11•15 minutes to complete
Module details
This module provides a space to reflect on the course content. Share your insights and discuss key takeaways with peers. Consider how the concepts apply to your own context.
What's included
1 plugin
Show info about module content
1 plugin•Total 15 minutes
Post-Course Survey•15 minutes
Instructors
Instructor ratings
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We asked all learners to give feedback on our instructors based on the quality of their teaching style.
The University of Tokyo was established in 1877 as the first national university in Japan. As a leading research university, UTokyo offers courses in essentially all academic disciplines at both undergraduate and graduate levels and conducts research across the full spectrum of academic activity.
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Reviewed on Jan 16, 2025
A very interesting and documented class involving many different types of speakers. Maybe it should indicate in its title that it is studying mainly Japan.
This concept integrates green spaces and urban agriculture into city design. This course examines its application, particularly from a Japanese perspective, for sustainable urban management and architecture.
How does urban agriculture benefit cities?
Urban agriculture supports local food systems, enhancing food security and community health. It contributes to urban sustainability by providing fresh produce and green spaces.
What is unique about Japanese urban-rural integration?
Japanese urban planning often features agri-residential neighborhoods, blending agricultural land with residential areas. This course highlights these unique approaches to land management and sustainable architecture.
How do green spaces address environmental challenges?
Green spaces in cities combat environmental challenges like climate change by improving air quality, managing water, and supporting biodiversity. They are key to resilient urban architecture and environmental management.
When will I have access to the lectures and assignments?
To access the course materials, assignments and to earn a Certificate, you will need to purchase the Certificate experience when you enroll in a course. You can try a Free Trial instead, or apply for Financial Aid. The course may offer 'Full Course, No Certificate' instead. This option lets you see all course materials, submit required assessments, and get a final grade. This also means that you will not be able to purchase a Certificate experience.
What will I get if I purchase the Certificate?
When you purchase a Certificate you get access to all course materials, including graded assignments. Upon completing the course, your electronic Certificate will be added to your Accomplishments page - from there, you can print your Certificate or add it to your LinkedIn profile.
Is financial aid available?
Yes. In select learning programs, you can apply for financial aid or a scholarship if you can’t afford the enrollment fee. If fin aid or scholarship is available for your learning program selection, you’ll find a link to apply on the description page.