11.953 | Spring 2006 | Graduate

Comparative Land Use and Transportation Planning

Course Description

This course focuses on the land use-transportation "interaction space" in metropolitan settings. The course aims to develop an understanding of relevant theories and analytical techniques, through the exploration of various cases drawn from different parts of the world. The course begins with an overview of the role of …
This course focuses on the land use-transportation “interaction space” in metropolitan settings. The course aims to develop an understanding of relevant theories and analytical techniques, through the exploration of various cases drawn from different parts of the world. The course begins with an overview of the role of transportation in patterns of urban development and metropolitan growth. It introduces the concept of accessibility and related issues of individual and firm travel demand. Later in the semester, students will explore the influence of the metropolitan built environment on travel behavior and the role of transportation on metropolitan land development. The course will conclude with an examination of the implications of the land use-transportation interaction space for metropolitan futures, and our abilities to forecast them.
Learning Resource Types
Lecture Notes
Written Assignments with Examples
Examples of transportation infrastructure: a bridge, a bike path and a light-rail train.
The impact of transportation infrastructure on land development is a topic covered in this course. (Image courtesy of the U.S. Department of Transportation.)