Course information

Urban Planning is focusing on preparing projects for improving existing cities and settlements and developing new ones by applying principles based on environmental enhancement, economic and social development. In other words, urban planning consists of a practice aiming to promote inclusive human settlements that might be resilient, sustainable and of a good quality in terms of aesthetics and social characteristics. To gain that goal, a variety of methods is available; specific processes have been institutionalized in order for planning procedure to be successfully completed. Planning documents are the main means used not only in Greece but also in most European countries. However, such documents’ types differ each other due to the fact that planning systems present variations, as well. In that context, this module introduces planning systems, particularly in Greece but within their European framework, providing a wider context for what planning is, why we plan, how planning fits within the general government context and the role of the urban planner in modern society. Taking into account the great interest in sustainable mobility which is one of the most important sectors in planning procedure, special emphasis is putted in the waytransport planning can be integrated to the programming of a whole municipality. Lectures, that are at the core of this module, are structured in three main thematic areas: (a) theoretical and methodological issues in urban planning, (b) institutional framework of urban planning in Greece and (c) mobility as a service anda parameter for integrated urban planning. More specific: 1. The first thematic area focusing in providing students with an understanding of planning as an interlocking system of policy and political intervention located in the intermediate of governmental and private interest, on the one hand, and high expectations from stakeholders, on the other. A special reference is made on methodological issues and the way new technologies can make its implementation easier. Some major trends in planning practice are explained by reviewing the theoretical background of the development, typology and form of cities and studying the nature of planning in cities by the perspective of a practitioner in Greece. That means that students will be encouraged to approach planning through multiple and competing perspectives that bridge the worlds of planning practice and theory. 2. The second issue seems to be the most important part of the module. The Greek legislative framework about planning is briefly presented. The most important plans in various scales in a local level are presented, in detail. Emphasis is putted in informal housing and its management, as it is an important topic for urban planners across the country. 3. Finally, theway urban planning and sustainable mobility planning can be integrated is explained. An integrated planning process is going to aim the sustainability goal expressed through the Agenda 2030 framework. For the undergraduate students in the NTUA, this module seems to be an initial framework for understanding complex spatial issues in the scale of a city, the challenges and the effects of planning as an activity as well as the managerial and organizational aspects of the urban space.