Facilities Overview
The Department of Urban and Regional Planning is committed to providing students with access to the technology, workspace, and industry-standard software needed to succeed in both academic and professional settings. Technology is integrated throughout the curriculum, allowing students to build and expand their technical skills as they progress through the program. Students are introduced to professional planning technologies early in their studies and continue applying them across coursework, research projects, studios, and capstone experiences.
This approach helps bridge academic learning and professional practice by giving students hands-on experience with the same tools used by planning agencies, consulting firms, nonprofit organizations, and private-sector employers.
The department's facilities provide specialized environments for learning, collaboration, research, and project development. Students have access to professional-grade computing resources, GIS and design software, collaborative workspaces, and dedicated facilities that support planning analysis, urban design, mapping, visualization, and presentation production.
Department Facilities
The Department of Urban and Regional Planning maintains several technology-enhanced facilities, including:
- URP Computer Classroom (SO 276) – A technology-rich instructional space designed to support courses in planning, GIS, urban design, data visualization, and related disciplines. The classroom provides students with access to professional-grade computing resources and industry-standard software in an interactive learning environment.
- SURP Production Studio (SO 285) – A dedicated workspace where students can develop maps, graphics, posters, presentations, and other professional-quality planning products using high-performance workstations and large-format displays.
- Research Assistant Offices (SO 274 and SO 289) – Dedicated workspaces that support graduate assistants and student researchers engaged in faculty research, data analysis, mapping projects, and planning-related initiatives.
Together, these facilities create a comprehensive learning environment that supports student success, professional skill development, interdisciplinary collaboration, and career preparation throughout the planning curriculum.
Software and Technology
Students have access to a wide range of industry-standard applications, including:
- Esri ArcGIS Pro
- Adobe Creative Cloud
- AutoCAD
- SketchUp
- Microsoft 365
- Google Earth Pro
- Cloud-based collaboration and storage tools
These resources help ensure that graduates are prepared to meet the technological demands of today's planning profession.