Doctor of Sustainable Urbanism

Numerous people gathered at several different tables working; the group in the foreground is gathered around a large map, and several individuals are working on their laptops.

John E. Fernández led a master class titled Designing an Urban Metabolism for Doctor of Sustainable Urbanism students.

In the Doctor of Sustainable Urbanism (DrSU) program, students learn a holistic and integrative methodological approach to sustainability thinking involving complex social, cultural, political, economic, and scientific issues as they are applied to a wide range of urban contexts and spatial patterns and conditions.

This post-professional applied research degree is intended to prepare professionals and advanced urban design students for careers in multidisciplinary, evidence-based sustainable urban design and planning practice and teaching. This includes research-oriented positions in nonprofit organizations, community design and research centers, and government agencies, as well as faculty positions at colleges and universities focused on applied research in sustainability and urban design.

Our individualized program allows each doctoral student to pursue their particular research interest while ensuring the development of the necessary research competencies and broadening of the student’s knowledge in sustainable urbanism. Students learn a holistic and integrative methodological approach to sustainability thinking involving complex social, cultural, political, economic, and scientific issues as they are applied to a wide range of urban contexts and spatial patterns and conditions.

Curriculum

Candidates’ Research

Map of informal settlements in Accra, Ghana.

Dissertation Abstract: Examining the Impact of In-situ Infrastructural Upgrading on Sustainability in Informal Settlements: The Case of Accra, Ghana

View work

Current Students

Wei Liu

Proposed dissertation: “Neighborhood Forms and Social Cohesion: What Lessons Can Be Learned From Times Before and During Social Distancing?”

Committee: Associate Professor Linda C. Samuels (Chair); Visiting Assistant Professor Ian Trivers; Professor and Associate Dean for Public Health Rodrigo Reis (Brown School); Malcolm Matheson Distinguished Professor of Architecture and Director of the Master of Urban Design Program Elizabeth Plater-Zyberk (University of Miami)

Bomin Kim

Proposed dissertation: “Weak Ties in Socio-Spatial Infrastructure: Social Sustainability, Older Adults, and Spaces of Encounters” (working title)

Committee: Associate Professor Linda C. Samuels (Chair); Associate Professor Patty Heyda; Betty Bofinger Brown Distinguished Professor of Social Policy Nancy Morrow-Howel (Brown School)