Our Mission
The mission of the Academy of Urban Planning is to provide students with an engaging educational experience that prepares them for success in college and in the world. We also strive to help students become critical thinkers and active, caring, citizens of our world. We value the diversity of our community. We respect each other and we work together to ensure that all students reach their potential.
History of the Academy of Urban Planning
The Academy of Urban Planning was formed as part of the New Century High School Initiative. This initiative aims to reform large urban traditional high schools and transform them into smaller learning environments. The proposal for the Academy of Urban Planning was developed by a team of educators, parents/guardians, consultants and Brooklyn Center for the Urban Environment, our lead partner. Planning for the Academy of Urban Planning began in October 2002 and the school opened its doors to students in September 2003.
Each New Century high school has its own identity, yet all combine rigorous academic programs with innovative teaching, personalized learning environments and deep ties to the local community. Each school is created through a partnership between educators and community organizations, who work together on every aspect of the school?s design and operation.
What is urban planning?
Planning is a systematic, creative way to influence and respond to a wide variety of changes occurring in a neighborhood, in a city, in an entire region, or around the world.
- Envisioning ways to improve the places where human beings live, work and play
- Making connections between diverse parts of a community and diverse facets of a problem
- Staying focused on the future while appreciating and understanding the past
- Considering the needs of all stakeholders in every situation
- Understanding and analyzing the many dimensions of problems facing cities and regions
- Encouraging open participation in decision making
- Linking knowledge and collective action
Planners identify problems and opportunities, evaluating alternative solutions or plans, and communicating their findings in ways that allow citizens and public officials to make knowledgeable choices about the future.
Urban planning at AUP
At AUP, students use the 6 Building Blocks to integrate Urban Planning into their studies in class projects and elective courses. For more information on Urban Planning Electives, visit the student page.
6 Building Blocks of Urban Planning
- Urban Planning History - study of achievements, movements, trends in Urban Planning over time
- Open Space and Green Space - preservation or creation of open spaces, conservation, impacts of development
- People and Community - fostering the social infrastructure that allows for greater community understanding and participations; housing & social services
- Economic Development - job creation, fostering economic growth, business attraction and expansion
- Transportation and Infrastructure - roads, transportation, sewage, etc.
- Urban Design and Place-Making - focus on organization of buildings in space (not individual structures) and aesthetics