What is the concept of planning human settlements known as?

The concept of planning human settlements is referred to as ekistics, which is the science and art of human settlements and their organization. This term encompasses a comprehensive approach to understanding how communities are formed, managed, and sustained in their environments. Ekistics takes into account a variety of factors including social, economic, cultural, and environmental elements to create livable and functional spaces for people.

This concept includes the study of urban and rural areas and how they relate to one another, emphasizing the importance of human relationships and the functionality of spaces in promoting well-being and quality of life. It is grounded in the idea that human habitation should be carefully considered to ensure harmony between people and their environments.

Other terms, while related to aspects of urban development or design, do not capture the entirety of planning human settlements as effectively as ekistics does. For instance, arcology refers specifically to a design philosophy that combines architecture and ecology but does not encompass the broad spectrum of human settlements. Conurbation describes large, extended areas formed by the growth of multiple cities or towns, while neighborhood design focuses on the layout and aesthetics of smaller, specific parts of urban areas rather than the holistic planning of entire settlements.