Preparation Course for Certified Urban Designer (CUD)

Course CM-007

Preparation Course for Certified Urban Designer (CUD)

Urban design plays a vital role in shaping sustainable, functional, and livable cities. The Certified Urban Designer (CUD) preparation cours... The outline covers Foundations of Urban Design, Urban Form and Spatial Plann...

Classroom

8 sessions
18 - 22 May 2026 Istanbul €1,995 Register
17 - 21 August 2026 Barcelona €2,695 Register
21 - 25 September 2026 Rome €2,975 Register
19 - 23 October 2026 Munich €2,415 Register
2 - 6 November 2026 London €2,940 Register
21 - 25 December 2026 Amsterdam €2,975 Register
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Online / Live

8 sessions
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Introduction

Course overview

Why Attend

Urban design plays a vital role in shaping sustainable, functional, and livable cities. The Certified Urban Designer (CUD) preparation course is designed to equip professionals with the knowledge and skills required to successfully pass the CUD certification exam while also strengthening practical urban design competencies. Participants will explore key principles of urban planning, spatial design, public realm development, mobility, sustainability, and regulatory frameworks. This course bridges theory and practice, helping professionals design better urban environments while advancing their careers in planning and design disciplines.

Course Methodology

The course is delivered through a combination of structured theoretical sessions, exam-focused learning, and applied case studies. Participants will analyze real urban development projects, review planning frameworks, and practice exam-style questions. Interactive discussions, visual mapping exercises, and group critiques of urban design scenarios will enhance understanding. Emphasis is placed on both certification readiness and practical application in real-world urban contexts.

Course Objectives

By the end of this course, participants will be able to:

  • Understand core principles of urban design and planning theory
  • Analyze urban form, structure, and spatial relationships
  • Apply sustainable urban development principles
  • Interpret zoning regulations and planning frameworks
  • Design functional and livable public spaces
  • Understand mobility, transportation, and accessibility planning
  • Prepare effectively for the Certified Urban Designer (CUD) exam
  • Evaluate real urban design case studies critically

Target Audience

  • Urban Designers and Urban Planners
  • Architects and Landscape Architects
  • Civil Engineers involved in urban development
  • Municipality and government planning staff
  • Consultants in urban development and infrastructure
  • Professionals preparing for CUD certification

Target Competencies

  • Urban design principles and spatial analysis
  • Sustainable and resilient city planning
  • Public realm and place-making design
  • Mobility and transportation integration
  • Regulatory and planning framework interpretation
  • Critical analysis of urban environments
  • Certification exam readiness (CUD) 

What you will achieve

Learning objectives

  • Understand core principles of urban design and planning theory
  • Analyze urban form, structure, and spatial relationships
  • Apply sustainable urban development principles
  • Interpret zoning regulations and planning frameworks
  • Design functional and livable public spaces
  • Understand mobility, transportation, and accessibility planning
  • Prepare effectively for the Certified Urban Designer (CUD) exam
  • Evaluate real urban design case studies critically

Who should attend

Target audience

  • Urban Designers and Urban Planners
  • Architects and Landscape Architects
  • Civil Engineers involved in urban development
  • Municipality and government planning staff
  • Consultants in urban development and infrastructure
  • Professionals preparing for CUD certification
  • Target Competencies
  • Urban design principles and spatial analysis

Methodology

Learning approach

  • The course is delivered through a combination of structured theoretical sessions, exam-focused learning, and applied case studies. Participants will analyze real urban development projects, review planning frameworks, and practice exam-style questions. Interactive discussions, visual mapping exercises, and group critiques of urban design scenarios will enhance understanding. Emphasis is placed on both certification readiness and practical application in real-world urban contexts.

Course content

Five focused days of learning and application

Day 1

Foundations of Urban Design

  • Introduction to urban design principles
  • Evolution of cities and urban form
  • Key theories in urban planning and design
  • Elements of urban structure and morphology
  • Introduction to sustainable urbanism

Day 2

Urban Form and Spatial Planning

  • Land use planning and zoning concepts
  • Density, scale, and urban typologies
  • Street hierarchy and block structure
  • Public vs private space relationships
  • Urban design frameworks and guidelines

Day 3

Public Realm and Place-Making

  • Designing streets, squares, and public spaces
  • Human-centered urban design principles
  • Landscape integration in urban environments
  • Walkability and livability concepts
  • Case studies of successful public realm projects

Day 4

Mobility, Infrastructure, and Sustainability

  • Urban transportation and mobility planning
  • Transit-oriented development (TOD)
  • Infrastructure integration in urban design
  • Climate-responsive and sustainable design strategies
  • Smart city concepts and innovation

Day 5

Urban Design Practice and CUD Exam Preparation

  • Urban design process and project workflow
  • Reviewing real urban development case studies
  • Problem-solving in urban design scenarios
  • CUD exam structure and preparation strategies
  • Practice questions and final review session

FAQ

Frequently asked questions

What does Preparation Course for Certified Urban Designer (CUD) (CM-007) cover?

This course covers Contracts Management through a structured five-day outline focused on practical application, discussion, and implementation planning.

When is the next available session?

The next scheduled session starts on 18 - 22 May 2026, with additional classroom dates and mirrored Online / Live options listed in the course schedules section.

Who should attend this course?

Urban Designers and Urban Planners, Architects and Landscape Architects, Civil Engineers involved in urban development

How can I register for a session?

Use any Register button next to the available course dates to open the participant registration page and submit your booking request for the selected session.

Is this course available online as well as classroom-based?

Yes. The course detail page includes both classroom sessions and Online / Live sessions, with online options aligned to the same course dates for easier planning.

Where are classroom sessions delivered?

Current classroom venues include Istanbul, London, Munich, Barcelona, Rome, Amsterdam.

Still Have Questions?

Contact the academy team for course details, delivery options, and delegate guidance.

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