Selected Topics in City and Regional Planning (BYG640)

The predominantly project-based course addresses a number of environmental, social and economic urban challenges. It seeks to understand how different planning solutions can support urban resilience by minimizing risks and threats, whilst providing a return to society.

The aim of the course is to enable students to engage in critical and reflective discussions about key concepts and challenges in modern urban and regional planning. The course is based on current issues related to the development, transformation and management of urban and regional areas, and gives the students insight into both empirical and theoretical perspectives.

Students will work with planning measures and strategies that take into account spatial, social, environmental and technological dimensions. Through lectures, workshops, and project work (online unless otherwise stated), students will develop the ability to balance different considerations and interests in planning processes, including user needs, environmental considerations, and the long-term development of society.

The course gives students the opportunity to apply different research methods and analytical tools to identify and evaluate holistic and cost-effective solutions. Students will also explore the possibilities and limitations of new technologies, and develop planning analyzes or proposals for selected locations, individually or in groups.

After the course the student should have

Knowledge

• Understanding of holistic planning processes and their importance for societal development, inclusion, health, safety and economic growth.
• Insight into how spatial qualities and local identities affect planning and decision-making.
• Knowledge of how different factors—human, technological, and natural—affect planning strategies and urban development.
• Overview of technological tools and solutions, as well as their applicability and limitations in planning.

Skills

• Ability to apply scientific methods and analytical tools to develop proportional and effective planning approaches.
• Competence in analyzing and evaluating planning ideas and strategies in light of various societal and environmental considerations.
• Ability to carry out theoretical and creative project work, both individually and in groups.

General competence

• Ability to approach complex planning challenges in a critical and reflective manner.
• Understanding of how to balance risk prevention with social and human needs.
• Skills in presenting planning projects in a professional and convincing manner, through text, visual representations and modelling.

Lectures.

Independent and group work with tutoring.

Brainstorming sessions.

Individual mentoring.

Field work.