Springfield Studio
MIT's Department of Urban Studies and Planning offers this practicum course built around a real project in Springfield, Massachusetts. Students combine classroom instruction with fieldwork focused on neighborhood economic development, using analytical and planning tools to assess local economic conditions and design strategies for community renewal. The course materials on OCW include the syllabus, assignments, and project guidelines that structure the studio work, giving a clear picture of how students move from economic analysis to applied planning recommendations for an actual urban neighborhood. It is aimed at students with some background in urban planning who want hands on experience translating classroom concepts into a functioning community development proposal. As an OpenCourseWare offering, all materials are free to access, though no certificate is provided.