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Biography

Cari Varner
Posted: March 31, 2008

Cari Varner received her undergraduate degree in Design and Environmental Analysis from Cornell University in 2001 and two master degrees from the University of Michigan; in Resource Policy and Behavior, and Urban Planning. Cari is currently Assistant Director of the Carl Small Town Center, where she works with municipalities to assess, understand and improve the built environment's impact on quality of life. Cari's current research endeavors include an investigation into contemporary suburban development and the single-family home, and its growing impact on the rural Mississippi landscape.

Maymester 2008

ARC 4990.03: Introduction to Urban Planning
Posted: April 05, 2008

May 12 - June 2, 2008; M - F 1:00 - 4:00 pm; Location TBD; No pre-requisites. This discussion-based class will provide a basic introduction to the field of urban planning with a focus on master planned communities and new urbanism. We will explore the history of urban planning and recent trends in the field, specifically the suburbanization of the U.S. Students will also use class time to develop and design their own master planned communities, responding to their unique geographical location in rural Mississippi. Travel to local examples in the Southeast (Birmingham, Florida, West Point, Starkville, Jackson, Atlanta) will allow students to experience and evaluate these places for themselves. Sense of humor and critical attitude required.