In this episode of pplpod, we explore how our cities are being reimagined through the lens of urban planning, a discipline focused on the design of land use and the built environment to improve public welfare. We dive into the principles of Smart Growth, a planning theory that combats urban sprawl by concentrating growth in compact, walkable centers featuring mixed-use development and a range of housing choices.

We also unpack the concept of Transit-Oriented Development (TOD). You’ll learn how planners maximize residential and business space within walking distance of public transport—typically a half-mile radius—to reduce reliance on private cars and solve the "last mile" problem. We discuss how these strategies aim to create symbiotic relationships between dense urban forms and transport  ...