Episode Details

In this episode of pplpod, we explore how our cities are being reimagined through the lens of urban planning, a discipline focused on the design of land use and the built environment to improve public welfare. We dive into the principles of Smart Growth, a planning theory that combats urban sprawl by concentrating growth in compact, walkable centers featuring mixed-use development and a range of housing choices.

We also unpack the concept of Transit-Oriented Development (TOD). You’ll learn how planners maximize residential and business space within walking distance of public transport—typically a half-mile radius—to reduce reliance on private cars and solve the "last mile" problem. We discuss how these strategies aim to create symbiotic relationships between dense urban forms and transport networks, as seen in cities from Curitiba, Brazil to Arlington County, Virginia.

Finally, we look at the structures themselves through the practice of Green Building. We discuss:

• Lifecycle Assessment: How buildings are designed to be resource-efficient from construction to demolition.

• Energy & Materials: The push for energy efficiency, the use of renewable resources, and the reduction of waste and toxics.

• Human Health: How indoor environmental quality affects occupant health and worker productivity.

• Rating Systems: Understanding frameworks like LEED and BREEAM that certify sustainability.

Join us to understand how these interconnected concepts are shaping the health, economy, and sustainability of our communities.