This team-taught planning seminar/studio course brings together students with a variety of skills and knowledge and provides an opportunity to apply their accumulated expertise to a real problem facing an island community. The intent is for students to realize the potential of a truly interdisciplinary approach to problem solving.  A major challenge facing the town of Bar Harbor is how to grow in a way that fosters a healthy year round economy, protects the environment, doesn't overload the existing public services and infrastructure, and provides potential for affordable housing.  Growth areas have been designated in the town's proposed comprehensive plan, but just how and what type of growth is desirable and how to regulate and foster it have yet to be determined.  Students work closely with town leaders and citizens using the ArcInfo geographical data base system developed for the island, computer modeling, land use planning methodologies, policy planning, and design skills on specific sites to assist decision makers in developing regulations and policies to enhance the quality of life. 

Level:  Advanced.  Prerequisite:  Land Use Planning or permission of the instructors.  Other recommended courses include any one or more of  the following:  Geographic Information Systems, Systems Dynamics, Architectural or Landscape Architectural Design Studio or Introduction to the Legal Process.  Offered every third year.  Lab fee $25.