Elevating Urban Living: Rowan's Planning Studio Claims Prestigious Award

Mahbubur Meenar, Ph.D.

We are excited to share that Rowan University's Planning Studio, from the spring 2023 semester, has secured the esteemed 2023 "Outstanding Student Project Award" from the American Planning Association NJ Chapter for their project, "Restorative City Planning: Parks, People, and the Environment." This initiative, recognized for its unique emphasis on the emotional and mental well-being of the community, surpassed conventional park planning norms.

Led by a passionate team of graduate and undergraduate students, along with the guidance of Dr. Mahbubur Meenar and Rowan University's Community Planning + Visualization Lab, the project engaged over 200 residents and stakeholders. Their collaborative effort presented replicable methods and concepts while addressing crucial aspects often overlooked in city planning. The partnership with Camden-based nonprofits and the subsequent presentation at the New Jersey Redevelopment Conference highlighted the project's relevance, potentially reshaping urban planning practices.

As Camden-based planner Jonathan Wetstein noted, "This project introduces a visionary approach by prioritizing a people-focused park planning process, surpassing traditional methodologies." APA NJ Executive Director Sheena Collum echoed the sentiment, stating, "It is incredible seeing the talent of Rowan students and what they can achieve with the right mentorship and guidance. This project can serve as a model for counties and towns throughout New Jersey and certainly takes an innovative approach to connecting the role of mental health to our open spaces." The project's impact extends beyond the university, benefiting the broader professional planning community through insights shared at this year’s annual conference.

To learn more about the studio projects, please visit the studio webpage: https://www.planviz.org/studio-2023. 

From top left (clockwise): Joseph Sheldon, Robert Chiaravalloti, Brandon Tracey, Anthony Nobile, Shahim Kodakkattu, Julia Moseley, Dr. Meenar, Joshua Masucci, Jenna Monaghan, Jonathan Hansel, Gwynna Crawford, Ciara Wenger, Madelyn Palmentieri, Cara Piergiovavnni, Christine Nolan, and Aspen Bethea (not in the picture).