To become an urban designer, you typically need a Bachelor's or Master's degree in urban design, urban planning, architecture, landscape architecture, or a related field. Some urban designers also have degrees in engineering, geography, or environmental science. Additionally, many urban designers gain professional certification through organizations such as the American Planning Association or the Congress for the New Urbanism. Relevant coursework can include urban planning theory, sustainable design, architectural history, and GIS mapping, among other subjects. Experience in a related field, such as architecture, landscape architecture, or urban planning, is also highly valuable for a career in urban design.
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