BA Urban Planning and Design Introduction BA Urban Planning and Design
Course Leader: Luz Navarro
BA Urban Planning & Design is an interdisciplinary programme that integrates urban design, architecture, landscape and environmental planning to address the urgent challenges facing contemporary cities. The course equips students with the conceptual and practical tools needed to design urban environments that are inclusive, sustainable and resilient in the face of climate change, social inequality and rapid urban transformation. Revalidated and relaunched in October 2024, the course reimagines design not merely as a product but as a method of enquiry; a way of critically engaging with the city, testing ideas and envisioning alternative futures. Through studio-based learning and design research, students explore imaginative and socially responsible urban strategies.
The course foregrounds climate urbanism, integrating climate mitigation, adaptation and ecological awareness into every stage of the planning and design process. Students address pressing global concerns, from biodiversity loss to environmental justice, while learning to reframe cities as spaces of opportunity for regeneration, health and wellbeing. Working in alignment with ArCCAT, cities are understood as both problems and opportunities in the transition towards net-zero emissions. At the same time, they are places in which one can experience new ways of living and are linked to emerging narratives of happiness, wellbeing and diversity.
Students gain a comprehensive grounding in planning theory and practice, while developing a strong design sensibility. The course explores the political, social and spatial dynamics of urban change and equips students to develop interventions that are visionary, grounded and equitable, from neighbourhood-scale to city-wide strategies. Therefore, our teaching focuses on solving emerging urban problems such as the increasing demand for more active and sustainable modes of travel for everyone, and better access to quality green open space in cities. This has been the focus of our students’ work in the context of Year 1’s City Design Urban Planning and Design Studio, geared towards tackling climate change, social justice and health inequalities in London.
In the past, we have organised industry projects with our key partners (including Jacobs, Grosvenor, WSP), exposing students to new problems to solve, and providing an opportunity to explore new solutions. The best student work is generously awarded by JC Decaux and has also been the recipient of the ArCCAT Award for active engagement with the climate crisis in the School of Architecture + Cities. Accredited by the Royal Town Planning Institute (RTPI), the course prepares students for professional practice across both the public and private sectors.
