Urban planning is an interdisciplinary field focused on designing and developing land use and the built environment, guiding how people live, work, and interact within urban, suburban, and rural areas. Traditionally a top-down approach prioritizing public welfare and efficiency, it has evolved to emphasize social well-being, environmental sustainability, and community needs, with experts like Jane Jacobs advocating for resident-centric designs in the early 21st century.
Planners manage essential infrastructure like transportation, water, and electricity, while also fostering economic growth, social inclusion, and the conservation of natural and heritage environments. Projects range from large-scale master plans for new cities, such as Pierre Charles L'Enfant's design for Washington, D.C., and Georges-Eugene Haussmann's transformation of Paris, to smaller interventions and refurbishments of existing spaces.