If you want to help shape the development of a city skyline, you must be an architect, right? While architects design buildings, urban planners influence entire communities by deciding on the development of areas and even the location of buildings.
So how can you decide if urban planning or architecture is right for you? Read on to learn more about these two disciplines. What the differences are, what the similarities are, and how you should decide.
What do urban planners do?
Urban planners decide how should use space, considering the impact of development on the entire region or area. They assess long-term factors such as demographic and economic trends. And make recommendations for the extent of development in an area, the types of buildings that they can build, and the infrastructure elements needed to support growth.
Urban planners go beyond the issues that affect developers and play an important role in the development and implementation of public policies. In their work, they work closely with a variety of stakeholders, including developers, government officials, policymakers, permitting agencies, and even architects.
What do architects do?
Architects design buildings. Landscape architects design the surrounding physical spaces. Architects design new building plans, but they may also create plans for the renovation or repurposing of an existing building. Architectural designs focus on the esthetics or appearance of the building as well as ensuring performance, safety, and code compliance.
Can an architect be a city planner?
Architects who want to expand their skills can benefit from adding credibility to urban design. The required lessons offer insights into public policy and administration and a different perspective on land use and location.
What is the difference between urban planning and architecture?
Urban planners decide what can use where and how outdoor spaces can use. Architects create specific designs. Urban planners focus on the big picture of community needs and their impact on the environment. While architects focus primarily on the needs of their clients. Both urban planners and architects must ensure that their projects comply with building codes, use restrictions, and other regulations.
A career in architecture requires a bachelor’s degree in architecture, several years of professional experience, passing an examination to register as an architect, and other local licensing board requirements.
Jobs in urban planning usually require a master’s degree in urban planning. For those who want a career in urban planning but they are not fully prepare to earn a master’s degree, a program like the Online Graduate Certificate in Urban and Regional Planning provides core knowledge. The knowledge they need to perform tasks in urban planning.
How can you start a career as an urban planner?
The Online Graduate Certificate in Urban and Regional Planning is an interdisciplinary program offered entirely online through the Master of Public Administration (MPA). The curriculum includes basic skills in economics, demographics, law, management, and technology such as GIS, which are required to work in urban or regional planning. Credits for these courses can be applied toward the MPA. And fulfill the need to focus on urban and regional planning.
