Introduction
The study and administration of human settlement and urban development is known as urban planning. The Urban Planner specialises in integrated land use planning, zoning rules, phases of urbanisation, infrastructure needs, changing economic development and decline patterns, and quality of life concerns such as poverty and homelessness. He studies planning techniques, real estate finance, forecasting techniques, transportation systems, environmental and cultural restrictions, and the political process. Planning may take place on a variety of dimensions, from tiny neighbourhoods to the national level.
It’s a crucial programme for the development and management of the built environment. The study concentrated on the country’s needs in the built environment of our regional, urban, and rural towns. Urban and regional planning assists communities in imagining their future and achieving the correct mix of new growth, critical services, environmental preservation, and innovative transformation.
Nature of work
Urban and regional planners typically do the following:
- Consult with government officials, developers, and the general public about land use and development plans.
- Administrate government land-use plans and policies.
- Data from market research, censuses, and economic and environmental studies are gathered and analysed.
- Conduct field research to examine factors that influence community growth and decline, such as land usage.
- Examine the site plans that developers have submitted.
- Examine the viability of plans and make any necessary revisions.
- Make a recommendation on whether proposals should be accepted or rejected.
- Demonstrate your plans to local governments, planning authorities, and planning commissions.
- Keep up with the latest zoning and construction standards, environmental restrictions, and other legal matters.
Scope of urban planner
Rapid urbanisation in Pakistan has resulted in a higher demand for planners and professional developers. The growth of new residential colonies on the fringes of cities and large corporate hubs has created a plethora of chances for graduates in this field. Graduates of this profession not only serve as city doctors, but also have crucial positions in government, semi-government, and national and international non-governmental organisations.
How to become an urban planner
To become an urban planner you need to get a bachelors degree in the relevant program, and then go on to pursue a masters degree in urban and regional planning.
For details on institutes offering urban planning as a program, visit https://www.eduvision.edu.pk/institutions-offering-urban-regional-planning-with-field-engineering-at-bachelor-level-in-pakistan-page-1
Job opportunities
They have good opportunities in government as well as private sectors. The potential employers include:
- Ministry of Housing
- Environment and Protection Department
- Planning and Development Board
- Research Institutes
- The Punjab Housing and Town Planning Agency
- Civil Aviation Authority
- Transport Department
- Local Government and community development (TOP&C)
- NGO’s and INGO’s
- Development Authorities
- Military Engineering Services
- Pakistan Air force
- Administrations
Qualities required becoming an urban planner
- Effective leadership and decision-making skills
- Ability to function in multidisciplinary team
- Ability to identify, formulate and solve engineering problems
- Understanding of professional and ethical responsibility
- Management skills
- Ability to communicate effectively