Sinclair, Brian R.Alinaghi Pour, Sara2018-05-032018-05-032018-04-25http://hdl.handle.net/1880/106604The first and foremost goal for the present dissertation is to invent and introduce an interconnected policy model for sustainable urban planning by proposing holistic and integrated approaches that consider the whole system of planning together to achieve our goals. The overarching question is: How can we use the best possible approach to create great neighborhoods that are sustainable, livable, and complete? The design and planning process for creating complete communities requires critical understanding and analytical perspectives of both architectural aspects and urban planning visions. The construction and provision of different housing options, local businesses, and amenities to provide a resilient city is important. In such a city, there is a well-designed and well-functioning built form that supports health and public life with enough connections by bicycle, foot, public transit, and vehicle to all destinations, including local amenities, work places, learning centers, open spaces, recreation areas, and other services. With this purpose in mind, this project has used mixed research techniques (literature review, case studies, and embedded researcher experience) to investigate the research question. To validate the research results and propose a holistic model, the results of each case study have been tested and compared in the last pages of each case study chapter. This research claims that the effective elements in creating sustainable urban plans are repeated in different geographical locations (no matter in which continent they are located) with a variety of climatic situations, ethnicities, and cultural values among people. Specifically, research discoveries prove that different organizations need to collaborate with each other to provide a stronger and more robust sustainable city evolution for the future. Additionally, research shows that policy makers and planners as professionals have important roles in creating an integrated approach to urban planning, improving existing ideas, strengthening communication and collaboration among various sectors, and enhancing policy developments and implementations. The research findings are valid and hold promise for application in cities that desire to become sustainable (with more efficient use of resources) and to provide a compelling response to sustainability initiatives.engUniversity of Calgary graduate students retain copyright ownership and moral rights for their thesis. You may use this material in any way that is permitted by the Copyright Act or through licensing that has been assigned to the document. For uses that are not allowable under copyright legislation or licensing, you are required to seek permission.ArchitectureUrban Designurban planningConceptual FrameworkHolismIntegrationHousing SustainabilitySustainabilitybuilt environmentArchitectureLandscape ArchitectureUrban and Regional PlanningEngineering--EnvironmentalPsychology--Developmentaldoctoral thesis10.11575/PRISM/31890