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For more information contact mark.a.kinders@uwrf.edu or brenda.k.bredahl@uwrf.edu.
UW-RF Offers Class in Residential Design
APRIL 28, 2006-- Learn about community character by exploring the design
of residential neighborhoods through a class offered at the University
of Wisconsin-River Falls June 22-24 and June 26-28 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Residential developments reflect aesthetic and environmental sensibilities
of a region’s population as well as economic and social realities
of the times, according to Eric Sanden, professor of land use planning
at UW-River Falls and workshop instructor.
“Typical ‘cookie-cutter’ subdivisions became popular
in the post-World War II era,” says Sanden. “Returning service
personnel found their piece of the American dream in these suburban developments.”
In an increasingly affluent country, new subdivisions offered affordable
housing and easy commuting to cities served by newly established highway
networks. Although convenient and efficient, these developments are viewed
by some as being homogenous and sprawling. Traditional U.S. neighborhoods
were more compact, contained more diverse types of housing, and were pedestrian-friendly.
Features of the old neighborhoods are getting a second look from planning
professionals.
“We are seeing a move toward more creative designs as planners incorporate
open spaces and elements of the older, more traditional neighborhoods,”
says Sanden. In addition to the traditional planning tools of zoning,
subdivision regulations, and building codes, planners can now draw on
tools such as conservation development, traditional neighborhood design
and planned unit developments to enhance the livability of a neighborhood,
he added.
The residential building boom of recent years has boosted demand for people
who understand how to use these tools, says Sanden, who designed the course,
“Residential Design Options,” in response to these needs of
students, planners, government officials, land developers and concerned
citizens.
The course is open to students, professionals and interested members of
the public. Participants will have opportunities to see examples of and
examine different approaches to residential development. Noncredit fees
for the class are $280, and participants who want undergraduate credit
will pay applicable tuition and campus fees.
The UW–River Falls Outreach and Graduate Studies Office provides
lifelong learners with academic, professional development and enrichment
programs that are practical, flexible, convenient and affordable. A complete
list of courses, course descriptions and online registration information
is available at http:/www.uwrf.edu/ogs or can be obtained by calling at
715-425-3256, 1-800-228-5607 or e-mailing outreach@uwrf.edu.
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