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This website features work from the completion of Phase 1 of the SCALES Project.

We are currently seeking partnerships for Phase 2.

Place-Based Learning

Place-based learning involves learners interacting with their local community. With components of inquiry-based learning, experiential learning and/or service learning, place-based learning encourages the learner to ask questions about the local place which could touch on environmental issues, economic issues or issues of social equity. 

  • Pre-Travel Tutorial

    Students are expected to commit 5+ hours a week during November and December in a guided self-study on Malaysian culture, history, politics, geography, planning and economics. Students write three short response papers based on the assigned readings and are encouraged to integrate any additional readings on Malaysia beyond what is assigned. Students are also required to write a short topical literature review on a theme of their choice that is specific to a Malaysian city of focus

    Read more: Pre-Travel Tutorial

  • Urban Plans (Assignment 2)

    The purpose of this exercise is to explore the nature of plans and their impact on the form and function of cities. We are interested in the motivations for creating plans, the processes by which they are prepared, the languages of urban design which underlay them, and the long-term effects of plans — or lack thereof — on the city. Having considered these issues, you are asked to answer the question: What makes a good plan?

    Read more: Urban Plans (Assignment 2)

  • Urban Change (Assignment 1)

    This assignment addresses the underlying urban dynamics that are causing a city to change. It also seeks to develop or sharpen your skills of observation, encouraging you to make inferences from the evidence of the physical environment and to test these through interviews and research.

    Read more: Urban Change (Assignment 1)

  • Planning for Growth in the Lower Mystic (Assignment 4)

    After assessing the level of growth projected from the various developments in the Lower Mystic area, the impacts and capacity constraints of major transportation infrastructure in the area, and projected and estimated mode shares, now it's your turn to propose as individuals how to achieve a transportation plan that can maintain and improve access to jobs and opportunities while supporting the plans and goals of the surrounding cities.

    Read more: Planning for Growth in the Lower Mystic (Assignment 4)

  • Assessing the Impacts of Growth in Lower Mystic (Assignment 3)

    A 15 page (max) double-spaced memo to the Boston Chief of Streets

    Read more: Assessing the Impacts of Growth in Lower Mystic (Assignment 3)

  • Re-Designing Massachusetts Avenue (Assignment 2)

    The Cambridge Director of Transportation has asked you, his trusted advisor, to help him plan his strategy with respect to current issues regarding Massachusetts Avenue between Central Square and the Harvard Bridge.

    For this assignment, you will have access to the counting reports of the teams at three intersections and locations along Mass. Ave. You should walk and observe, and use the first several steps of the 19 step process as part of your background work in preparing to write the assignment. Pay explicit attention to the first step: "who are you?" and how this impacts the advice you give.

    Read more: Re-Designing Massachusetts Avenue (Assignment 2)

  • Assignment 3: Big Plan

    In Assignment 1, you explored the city through large-scale processes. In Assignment 2, you focused on unearthing key issues in specific Boston/Cambridge neighborhoods. For your final assignment, you will form your own vision, your own Big Plan.

    Read more: Assignment 3: Big Plan

  • Assignment 2: Site Probes

    In teams of 1, 2, OR 3, students will conduct visits to sites of their own choice. Using direct observation, photography, mapping, and online data collection, you will “probe” your site, uncovering social, political, economic, physical, and environmental conditions specific to that place.

    Read more: Assignment 2: Site Probes

  • Assignment 1: Elemental Case Study

    Small group project exploring the urban/planning implications of water, food, “nature” (however specifically defined), energy, and communications in the Boston area. Each small group will be assigned an “element” to research and document.

    Read more: Assignment 1: Elemental Case Study

Notice something that doesn’t seem right? Want to make a suggestion or provide feedback about how something is classified? 
Please reach out to esi [at] mit.edu and include SCALES Website in the subject of your email.
Feedback and any actions taken with regards to the feedback, will be shared as they are addressed.