Architecture and urban planning

                          Architecture and Urban planning

What is urban planning in architecture?

On the other hand, English Lexicon describes Urban Planning as a branch of architecture dealing with the design and organization of urban space and activities besides determining and drawing up plans for the future physical arrangement.

 What to study?

If you want to shape the development of a city skyline, you should become an architect, right? While architects do design buildings, urban planners influence entire communities with decisions about how areas are developed and even where buildings can be placed.

So, how do you decide whether urban planning or architecture is the best fit for you? Read on to learn about these two disciplines – what’s different, what’s similar, and how to choose.

What do Urban Planners do?

Urban planners decide how spaces will be used, considering the impact of development for an entire area or region. They evaluate long-term factors, such as demographics and economic trends, and make recommendations for the level of development in an area, what types of buildings can go where, and what infrastructure elements are needed to support growth.

Urban planners look beyond issues that would impact building owners, playing an important role in developing and implementing public policy. Their work involves coordinating closely with a variety of stakeholders, including developers, government officials, policy influencers, permitting bodies, and even architects.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, urban planning has a faster than average projected job growth (13%) and overall median salaries of $71,490. Median salaries for urban planners in the federal government is $94,410.      

What do Architects do?

Architects design buildings; landscape architects design the surrounding physical spaces. While architects draw up the plans for new construction, they may also create designs for renovations or repurposing of space within an existing building. Architectural designs focus on the aesthetics or appearance of the building, as well as ensuring functionality, safety, and code compliance.

The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports  Slower than average job growth for architects (4%), and a median salary of $78,470 per year. 

Can an Architect be an Urban Planner?

   Architects looking to expand their skillset can benefit from adding an urban planning credential. The required coursework provides insight into public policy and administration and a different perspective on land-use and siting.

What is the difference between Urban Planning and Architecture?

Urban planners decide what can be built where and how outdoor areas will be used; architects create the actual design. Urban planners focus on the big picture of community needs and the impact on surrounding areas, while architects are primarily concerned with their client’s needs. Both urban planners and architects must ensure that their projects comply with building codes, land use limitations, and other regulations.

A career in architecture requires a bachelor’s degree in architecture, several years of professional experience, completion of the Architect Registration Examination® (ARE®), and any other requirements of your local licensing board.

Urban planning careers typically require a master’s degree in urban planning. For those considering a career in urban planning, but not quite ready to commit to earning a master’s degree, a program  provides the core knowledge needed for urban planning roles.

How can you get started on a career as an Urban Planner?

UTEP’s Online Graduate Certificate in Urban and Regional Planning is a 15-semester-hour interdisciplinary program offered completely online through the Master of Public Administration (MPA) program. The curriculum includes core knowledge in economics, demography, law, administration, and technology such as GIS needed for a career in urban or regional planning. Credits for these courses may be applied toward UTEP’s MPA and meet the requirement for a concentration in Urban and Regional Planning.

                           Architecture and urban planning

The annual Scientific Journal of Riga Technical University, Architecture and Urban Planning reflects most of the research themes and content of global and local problems in the regional context not only of Baltic Sea area, but also other regions in Europe, Asia, North and South America. The authors of articles are researchers and PhD students. The journal is focused on such themes as History of Architecture and Urbanism, Preservation and Development of Cultural Heritage, Theories and Criticism of Architecture and Urbanism, Local and Global Tendencies in Architecture and Urban Planning, Sustainable Architecture and Urban Environment; and Landscape Architecture. The Scientific Journal publishes articles Ahead of Print during the year and closes the issue in December.

Journal owner: The Riga Technical University (RTU) is the oldest (was founded in 1862) and only state multi-field technical university in Latvia. Faculty of Architecture (FA) of RTU is the only higher educational institution in Latvia offering versatile education (undergraduate, professional, Master, and Doctoral levels) in the sphere of architecture, urban planning and restoration of cultural monuments. The Scientific journal of Riga Technical University Architecture and Urban Planning has more than 10 years history and in last years has increased international editorial board and attracted authors not only from Europe, but also from North and South America and Asia.

Selected articles: ▶ Architectonic Quality of Industrial Log Architecture in the Scope of Tectonics – Learning from Architectural Competitions by M.Lakkala, J.Pihlajaniemi, Vol. 14, Issue 1, 2018. ▶ Urban Communication: The Uses of Public Space in Riga Historical City Centre by U.Bratuškins and S.Treija, Vol. 13, Issue 1, 2017. ▶ Assessing Quality of City Development by the Acquired Criteria of Landscape Urbanism by G.Stauskis and V.Deveikiene, Vol. 12, Issue 1, 2016 ▶ The Role of Social Engagement in the Development of Significant Architectural Objects by I.Miķelsone, Vol. 13, Issue 1, 2017. ▶ Network Connections and Neighbourhood Perception: Using Social Media Postings to Capture Attitudes among Twitter Users in Estonia by D.B.Hess, E.Iacobucci and A.Vaiko, Vol. 13, Issue 1, 2017.