Designplanning

Unfortunately, there’s currently only one faculty member for the urban design concentration, but I heard they’ve been trying to hire another. I think by combining classes in architecture and landscape architecture with the planning curriculum though, I could cover all my bases. I’m also considering Cornell, Columbia, and Pratt. And perhaps Berkeley if I get off the wait-list. Where else are you all considering?

I’d be doing Urban Design! I’m transitioning from architecture to planning by getting an MCP degree.

I talked with a current student last week. Overall, all the professors are very approachable and good to work with. There’s no requirement for independent work, like a thesis or a capstone project, but you can write a thesis if you want to. You can also do independent study in lieu of a class. The summer internship is the only non-course requirement. West Philadelphia is fine in terms of safety, just look like you know where you’re going and what you’re doing and you’ll be fine. I heard horror stories from students who went there for undergrad whose apartments were broken into (~10 years ago), but it seems like it’s gotten better since then. Although that is partly due to Penn’s campus being over-policed (good for students, bad for surrounding community). Definitely an interesting city to study in terms of social equity. Also, I was told transportation planning seems to be the thing they’re known for/are good at (unfortunately, not my concentration though).

Also considering Penn Planning!