Negotiation and Conflict Resolution in Urban Planning and Design

This course introduces students to the practice of negotiation and mediation in the context of urban planning and development. Learning from general theories of negotiation and conflict resolution, students will consider the role of urban designers and planners as mediators and consensus-builders who must reconcile conflicting visions about how the city should be designed and developed.The ability to negotiate solutions and mediate conflicts over land use and urban development policy is becoming a critical aspect of the practice of urban planning and design. In order to implement controversial development projects, urban plans and urban design proposals, planners must be adept at negotiating consensus and agreement among many competing stakeholders. The ability to build consensus and mediate competing interests depends on a mastery of negotiation skills and an understanding of negotiation theory.