Sustainable Cities of Northern Europe
Sweden, Denmark, Germany, Switzerland
- Dates – TBD
- Max Enrollment – 26
- Taught In – English
- Prerequisites – Yes
- Academic Area – Environmental Science and Policy; Landscape Architecture
Program Overview
In this program, we will study the policies, plans, systems, technologies and designs that support urban sustainability, exploring transit, bike and pedestrian circulation; renewable energy and water systems, recycling and solid waste management; economic equity and development; land use and urban design; landscape/open space design and the planning principles on which they are based. Relying on lectures, field trips, bike and walking tours, guest speakers, and reading-the-city exercises, the program shows what lessons can be taken from Europe back to U.S. cities. We will visit 6-8 cities—large and small—in four countries that have demonstrated a commitment to and success in becoming more sustainable. This includes looking in-depth at various deliberate eco-districts and neighborhoods in places like Stockholm, Malmö, Copenhagen, Freiburg, and Lucerne.
Program Contacts
- Program Coordinator – TBD
- Instructor – Jeff Loux
Program Highlights
- Visit some of the most sustainable and vibrant cities in Europe, seeing them on foot, train, tram, ferry, and bicycle.
- Learn how European communities have embraced energy efficiency, recycling, renewable energy, water management, car-free transportation, nature areas in the city, alternative affordable housing and social organization and innovative urban design.
- Get exposed to innovative business models such as cooperatives, co-housing, co-location of businesses, and waste to energy solutions.
- Explore 6-8 European cities in four countries that demonstrate many principles and design strategies for sustainability.
What Students Are Saying
- "I have learned more and understand more now than I feel I have during my entire time at Davis."
- “I learned about effective policies and technology that are worth trying to implement in the US. It opened up a new potential career field for me.”
- "I feel like I've left the program more focused on my academic goals. I feel like I've learned something many people haven’t learned and will carry it with me for the rest of my life."
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