Studio I builds on the background knowledge and skills learned in the fall semester to produce team-based neighborhood/corridor plans. Studio I is where you learn to make plans—a skill that is foundational to being an urban planner, which is why we are all here! This course walks through each step of the typical plan-making process, each step building on the previous. This generally includes:
Assembling and summarizing existing conditions
Analyzing and understanding community identity
Identifying issues and opportunities
Developing plan goals
Creating alternatives or strategic directions for development
Devising plan recommendations
Setting a course for plan implementation
In addition to completing the steps of the plan, this course also helps students learn skills for working in groups, graphic design and presentation, verbal presentation, project and workflow management, understanding community dynamics, and overall professionalism. These are skills that every planner needs, and will rely on heavily in their professions, so Studio I is also helpful in preparing each student for work readiness, regardless of concentration.
Refer to Penn Course Search for the official roster and details of courses offered in a particular term.
