Public realm management is a critical aspect of urban planning and development that impacts the quality of life for residents and visitors. This course discusses the management of publicly accessible spaces used by everyone in a community, including their design and maintenance. We begin by exploring the components of public realm management and explaining what each entails. We then lay out the fundamental principles of town planning and urban design, which include sustainability, diversity and accessibility.

This urban planning course then explores the core elements of public realm management and maintenance. We discuss stakeholder engagement and community involvement and take you through the stages of developing maintenance plans. We then examine measures that can be implemented to enhance sustainability and resilience, including effective waste management and the ‘circular economy’ concept. The course also establishes the importance of energy efficiency and using renewable energy sources to mitigate the effects of global climate change.

We explore the legal and regulatory framework that applies to public realm management. We discuss zoning regulations (a vital tool used in town and urban planning), land ownership laws and procurement and contract rules. Lastly, we investigate best practices used to ensure inclusive design in public realm management and strategies for promoting diversity and equity. This urban and town planning course suits anyone who wants to understand what effective public realm management means. Sign up to learn how public spaces are managed to promote sustainability, fairness and social wellbeing.