Architect and urban planner Maria Santos is renowned for her community-centered design philosophy, which integrates input from residents, local busine...
GMAT Information and Ideas : (Ideas) Questions
Architect and urban planner Maria Santos is renowned for her community-centered design philosophy, which integrates input from residents, local businesses, environmental scientists, and cultural historians when developing neighborhood revitalization projects. Her inclusive planning process has inspired other urban developers to adopt participatory approaches, resulting in projects that incorporate community gardens, public art installations, affordable housing, and sustainable transportation systems. In a policy brief, an analyst contends that the widespread adoption of participatory elements by other developers reflects the influence of Santos's collaborative planning model.
Which statement from an urban planning review most effectively supports the analyst's contention?
Santos has received recognition from the American Planning Association for her innovative work in three different cities over the past decade.
Before establishing her own firm, Santos worked for municipal planning departments in both Chicago and Portland, gaining experience in zoning regulations and community outreach.
Santos's emphasis on meaningful community engagement in the planning process has inspired planners nationwide to reconsider how public participation can strengthen urban development projects.
The comprehensive nature of Santos's planning approach is evident in her integration of environmental impact studies, demographic analysis, and historical preservation requirements.
Step 1: Decode and Map the Passage
Part A: Create Passage Analysis Table
| Text from Passage | Analysis |
|---|---|
| 'Architect and urban planner Maria Santos is renowned for her community-centered design philosophy, which integrates input from residents, local businesses, environmental scientists, and cultural historians when developing neighborhood revitalization projects.' |
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| 'Her inclusive planning process has inspired other urban developers to adopt participatory approaches, resulting in projects that incorporate community gardens, public art installations, affordable housing, and sustainable transportation systems.' |
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| 'In a policy brief, an analyst contends that the widespread adoption of participatory elements by other developers reflects the influence of Santos's collaborative planning model.' |
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Part B: Provide Passage Architecture & Core Elements
Main Point: An analyst argues that Maria Santos community-centered planning approach has influenced other urban developers to adopt participatory methods in their projects.
Argument Flow: The passage introduces Santos and her inclusive planning philosophy, explains how this approach has inspired other developers to use similar participatory methods, then presents an analyst claim that this widespread adoption reflects Santos influence on the field.
Step 2: Interpret the Question Precisely
What's being asked? We need to identify which statement from an urban planning review would best support the analyst contention about Santos influence.
What type of answer do we need? Evidence that demonstrates Santos collaborative planning model has indeed influenced other developers to adopt participatory approaches.
Any limiting keywords? Most effectively supports means we need the strongest evidence, not just any supporting evidence.
Step 3: Prethink the Answer
- The analyst contention is that widespread adoption of participatory elements by other developers reflects Santos influence
- To support this claim, we need evidence that shows Santos approach has actually influenced other planners or developers
- Demonstrates a connection between her methods and changes in how others work
- Indicates her impact extends beyond just her own projects
Santos has received recognition from the American Planning Association for her innovative work in three different cities over the past decade.
- This tells us Santos received recognition for her work in three cities
- While this shows she accomplished, it does not demonstrate that her work influenced other developers
Before establishing her own firm, Santos worked for municipal planning departments in both Chicago and Portland, gaining experience in zoning regulations and community outreach.
- This provides background about Santos previous work experience
- Her past employment gives context but does not show influence on other developers
Santos's emphasis on meaningful community engagement in the planning process has inspired planners nationwide to reconsider how public participation can strengthen urban development projects.
- This directly states that Santos emphasis on community engagement has inspired planners nationwide to reconsider their approach to public participation
- This matches exactly what we need - clear evidence that her methods influenced other professionals
The comprehensive nature of Santos's planning approach is evident in her integration of environmental impact studies, demographic analysis, and historical preservation requirements.
- This describes the comprehensive nature of Santos own planning approach
- While it shows her methods are thorough, it does not demonstrate influence on other developers