Up Close And Personal: Me And My Urban Design Journey!
Quick Introduction
Hello guys! I’m Catia and I’m currently doing my Urban Design Master’s at Newcastle University. As conveyed in my brief biography, I have recently graduated from Newcastle University with an Urban Planning degree with specialization in in Green Infrastructure and Landscape planning with a successfully completed year of experience in the planning industry. My interest and passion for this field grew during my time in practice.
My Background
My origin Story and How I first Stumbled Upon The Concept Of Urban Design
I am originally from Portugal but me and my family moved to England when I was quite young. With the changes I had the opportunity to be exposed to different built environments and the drivers of what made them so different in nature- I could see specially why some seemed to succeed and others not. Urban planning has always since then captivated my interest as I saw how different layout structures within different locations offered some places the ability to become better and establish stronger, more sustainable societies in comparison to others.
From Urban Planning to Urban Design
How I’ve come upon Urban Design and why choose it for a master’s degree?
Throughout my academic journey particularly, I developed a profound understanding of these changes and challenges that affect planning and the importance of designing and creating resilient, well interconnected spaces and the need for more individuals who understand these changes and that can navigate and create solutions to overcome the many existent obstacles in our ever-growing societies. Studying urban planning established a great knowledge and understanding for planning process, policy and design, design awareness and the crucial importance of consultancy, communication and participation in today’s’ society. Development management and urban design were specially areas during my degree that I have enjoyed learning thoroughly. With my previous volunteering opportunity and most recent placement, I also got to actively to put all my academic knowledge to use and practice it- allowing me to share many different ideas, and to contribute to important discussions and projects which has further developed my research, analytical and communicative planning skills.
During my placement year, I discovered a genuine passion for urban design. I had numerous opportunities to shadow the urban designers on my team, and I found the entire concept of the profession—and the skills it requires—fascinating. I realized that urban design was a field I wanted to actively participate in, especially since, as planners, we are often aware of the many issues and considerations in developing built environments but don’t typically engage in the creative design process itself. I wanted to bridge this gap by gaining the knowledge and skills necessary to contribute to design.
Moving Forward…
Looking ahead, I plan to graduate and move to London, where I can further apply and build on the expertise I’ve developed during my final year at university alongside finally completing and becoming a chartered planner! So although hopefully now you know a little more about me and my journey.
Till next time!
