When you enroll in this course, you'll also be enrolled in this Specialization.
Learn new concepts from industry experts
Gain a foundational understanding of a subject or tool
Develop job-relevant skills with hands-on projects
Earn a shareable career certificate
There are 3 modules in this course
This course will evaluate best practices in transportation networks, thoroughfares, and streetscape designs for the effective movement of people, goods, and services in a region. Sustainable public and private streetscape design and application will be reviewed and evaluated for applications for sustainable cities. Considerations are assessed for smart urban planning, growth, and lifestyle. Strategies for creating equitable, healthy, and sustainable communities are also evaluated.
By the end of this course, you will be able to:
1. Survey and evaluate thoroughfare network considerations for connectivity, block size and sidewalk interaction.
2. Compare different complete street design options for application in smart growth planning.
3. Evaluate sidewalk design and planning strategies for public and private sidewalks to include street tree configurations and street light design.
4. Examine issues of water management with specialized curb design, ground water recharge areas and swales as part of the streetscape design and planning.
5. Identify and evaluate the differences between free-flow, slow-flow, and yield-flow thoroughfare design concepts.
6. Assess and evaluate smart urban planning, growth, and lifestyle indicators.
The target audience for this course includes:
- Government Officials involved planning, designing, monitoring, enforcement, and assessment of sustainable project developments at the local, state, and federal level.
- Private sector companies in the transportation and municipal design and construction business
- Architects interested in advancing sustainable concepts for cities and communities
- Foundations, associations, and other NGOs that support smart growth strategies
- Academic faculty and students studying and researching community sustainability and resilience
- Private citizens interested in improving their communities and living conditions
The importance of sustainable city thoroughfares designed to interconnect into a hierarchical network is introduced. The largest thoroughfares allow for direct connection to the urban center. Analysis of smart urban planning growth and lifestyles is also discussed.
Thoroughfare Networks and Infrastructure•30 minutes
1 discussion prompt•Total 10 minutes
Student Introductions•10 minutes
1 plugin•Total 15 minutes
2035 Regional Plan Highlights•15 minutes
Transportation Thoroughfare Design and Equable, Healthy, and Sustainable Communities
Module 2•1 hour to complete
Module details
Neighborhoods typically have a range of thoroughfare types to facilitate the movement of people through the neighborhood. Sustainable smart growth neighborhoods are designed to equitably allow pedestrians, bicycles, and the automobiles to move within the community. This module will evaluate a variety of techniques and policies that encourage this balanced multimodal use of transportation thoroughfares.
Curb Radii, Street Parking, Complex Geometries•5 minutes
Avenues and Boulevards, Free-Flow Streets, and Roads•7 minutes
Slow-Flow Streets and Roads, Yield-Flow Streets and Roads, Rear Alleys•5 minutes
Creating Equitable and Sustainable Communities•9 minutes
Creating Healthy and Sustainable Communities•6 minutes
1 reading•Total 10 minutes
Creating Equitable, Healthy, and Sustainable Communities•10 minutes
Sustainable Streetscapes, Storm Water Management, and Environmental Enhancement.
Module 3•1 hour to complete
Module details
Sustainable public streetscapes are much more than just a part of the infrastructure to facilitate the movement of automobiles. In addition to the vehicular lanes, they must include sidewalks, trees, curbs, lighting, and other elements that collectively constitute a sustainable public streetscape. Public streetscapes require careful design attention to contribute to a successful neighborhood. This requires a full range of regional appropriateness that corresponds to the transect. Private streetscapes are an extension of the public streetscape but relate specifically to the private sector building configuration and frontage design. Successful private sector streetscapes can include properly sized porches students, terraces, balconies, that enhance activity to the street.
The mission of The Johns Hopkins University is to educate its students and cultivate their capacity for life-long learning, to foster independent and original research, and to bring the benefits of discovery to the world.
OK
Explore more from Environmental Science and Sustainability
"To be able to take courses at my own pace and rhythm has been an amazing experience. I can learn whenever it fits my schedule and mood."
Jennifer J.
Learner since 2020
"I directly applied the concepts and skills I learned from my courses to an exciting new project at work."
Larry W.
Learner since 2021
"When I need courses on topics that my university doesn't offer, Coursera is one of the best places to go."
Chaitanya A.
"Learning isn't just about being better at your job: it's so much more than that. Coursera allows me to learn without limits."
Learner reviews
4.8
97 reviews
5 stars
82.47%
4 stars
13.40%
3 stars
2.06%
2 stars
2.06%
1 star
0%
Showing 3 of 97
K
KS
4·
Reviewed on Jun 9, 2023
Lot of finer details for street and sidewalk considerations and standards.
A
AL
4·
Reviewed on Mar 15, 2026
Full coverage of type of roads for automobile transportation networks. Would have liked more international case studies, including from developing countries.
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 subscribe to this Specialization?
When you enroll in the course, you get access to all of the courses in the Specialization, and you earn a certificate when you complete the work. 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.