Winter semester 2017/18

Module: Urban Planning/Urban Design (2 SWS/ 3 CP)
Prof. Barbara Schönig, Vertr.-Prof. Steffen de Rudder
L Perspectives on Urban Planning and Design in Germany – an introduction and discussion of understanding, tasks and strategies            

Content

Coming to Weimar to many international students from cities and megacities around the world feels like a trip to Disneyland. Weimar seems to be the showcase example of a European City. But what are the assumptions and strategies that lie behind the idea of planning and containing a so-called ”European City”? To what extent do German cities, as cities in Europe differ from other parts of the world and the challenges they are facing? How can urban development in Germany, how can planning and design strategies applied be interpreted in the context of urban developments in other parts of the world? And – last but not least – to what extent could these strategies help or be applied in international contexts?

The objective of this lecture is twofold: on the one hand it will give an insight and introduction into the German planning system, current tasks and challenges of urban development at stake in Germany and discuss planning and design strategies used to face those. Therefore, it provides an introduction into an understanding of planning and urban design in Germany especially to international students. On the other hand it will try to challenge the German view and position by confronting it with discourses and positions from the international students ‘countries. Doing so, the lecture will enable teaching staff and students to integrate their differing view on planning and learn from the others’ different national experiences and background. The lecture thus also can be understood international comparative studies in praxis in the field of urban design and planning.

The lecture can be combined with a research seminar but can also be attended exclusively. To receive credits for the integrated course in ”Urban Planning/Urban Design” (MA AdUrb and EU) one of the seminars offered by the Chairs for Urban Planning or Urban Design I and the lecture series must be attended.

Module  Urban Sociology  (2 SWS/ 3 CP)
Prof. Frank Eckardt         
L  Urban Sociology       

Content

Life in German cities has undergone substantial changes in the last decade. Not only the East German cities had to address new challenges after the reunification of the German nation in 1990, but also the West German cities had to reformulate their place in the complex urban networks. Cities are mirroring wider changes in German society where new social and political developments can be observed. Economic and cultural globalization has had a major impact on many aspects of urban life. This lecture will give an overview about major developments in German cities since the German reunification in 1990. It will provide both a sound source of information on the most important issues of German society and reflect important discussion of the international debate on urban studies. After delivering a historical overview of German cities, basic concepts of urban sociology will developed by discussing subjects like gentrification, segregation, migration, life style diversity and others. The lecture provides an insight view into classical theories of urban sociology as deriving from Max Weber, Georg Simmel and the Chicago School.

Module:  Project Development (2 SWS/ 3 CP)
Prof. Bernd Nentwig    
L  Basics and Methods of Real Estate Development          

Content

This lecture focusses main topics of real estate and urban development, analysis trends of the real estate market, economic calculation in phases of the development. Additional to this course the participants have to take part in the seminar „Real Estate Development“.

Prof. Dr.-Ing. Barbara Schönig, Dipl.-Arch. Zinovia Foka
S In the aftermath of conflict: spaces of becoming

Content

The second half of the 20th century has been dominated by a prominent shift from inter- to intrastate conflicts. The numbers of high intensity conflicts between 1945 and 2013 have been steadily rising from around 20 in 1965, to over 50 in the early 1990s. According to the 2013 Conflict Barometer published by the Heidelberg Institute for International Conflict Research, only in 2013 ‘the number of intrastate conflict increased to 337, while the number of interstate conflicts further decreased to 77’ (Conflict Barometer 2013, p. 17). Conflicts are taking place at various scales, involving state and non-state actors, and demonstrating diverse levels of intensity and violence. From the micro-level of social contestation to civil armed conflicts and the global networks of terror, the underpinnings of conflict rest on and reside within often ruthless struggles over power and control. The city has emerged as the primary geographical terrain where conflicts unfold, leading to radical spatial and social transformations affecting the urban dwellers’ everyday lives years or decades after. In the post-conflict period, as peacemaking efforts ensue, measures are taken to lessen the violence, or consensus is reached, the key relationship between people and place changes and new modes of space production emerge. As a result, spaces occur that are constantly transformed, reshaped, or reclaimed, in the process of becoming but not yet being, in-between the real and the imaginary.

This seminar is devoted to understanding the relationships between conflict and the built environment, and inquiring into the role of the planning and design disciplines in this context. Departing from the premise that architects, urban planners and designers are increasingly called in to play active roles in spaces in the aftermath of conflicts, this course will explore the different cognitive frameworks, tools, and types of interventions that these professionals are involved in. Furthermore, considering the built environment as both a product of power struggles and a medium to highlight power relations, the seminar will examine the interrelation and interaction of professionals (architects, planners and designers) with other actors involved in post-conflict space production, and explore the multiplicity of their intentions as reflected in spaces of becoming.

Prof. Dr.-Ing. Barbara Schönig, Dipl.-Ing. Arvid Krüger
S Urban Renewal in an international perspective:
Dealing with the existent urban fabric

Content

The development in Germany has become divergent; shrinking population areas are directly adjacent to growth poles. Towns and Regions have to cope with this divergent developments, sometimes even have to make U-turns like Leipzig and Berlin that have experienced the turn from shrinkage into growth within a short period of time. Elsewhere processes of de-industrialization and even de-economisation lead to shrinking population respectively socially challenged neighbourhoods. The Federal Renewal Funding Scheme of Germany, called “Städtebauförderung” is not only a monetary funding scheme, but serves also programmatic impacts for planning in Germany. Terms (literally translated) like “Social City”, “Actives Centres” and “Stadtumbau” (meant as the physical conversion of neighbourhoods with a lasting shrinking population) do not only refer to monetary funding, but also have a programmatic meaning. The Städtebauförderung has brought instrumental innovations like Neighbourhood Management, Integrated Urban Development Concepts and various means of participation.

The funding scheme is part of the logic of German Basic Law clause 104b which allows that the Federation “… may grant the states (Länder) financial assistance for particularly important investments by the states and municipalities … which are necessary to: (1) avert a disturbance of the overall economic equilibrium; (2) equalise differing economic capacities within the federal territory; or promote economic growth.”
A relevant substance of these German experiences has been implemented in the EU’s Leipzig Charter on Urban Development from 2007, which is also based on the European Funding Schemes URBAN I and URBAN II (1994-2007) as well as on similar renewal experiences throughout Europe. Also other areas in the world experience an urban development aside from building something new, but retrofitting the already built. The aim of the seminar is to mirror the worldwide experiences of the students with the research and practical expertise on Städtebauförderung of the lecturer. According to five general theme-fields of Germany’s urban renewal the students are expected to give presentations from their homeworld to find out differences and commons in dealing as planners with the existent urban fabric. Part of the seminar will be a one-day-trip to Leipzig which stands as an exemplary site for different urban renewal schemes.
The general seminar themes of urban renewal are: -heritage upgrading and preservation, -social urban regeneration, -retrofitting of large-scale neighbourhoods, -shrinking cities, -inner city renewal.

For more than four decades the Städtebauförderung has been a success in urban development policies. Originally it was meant to enable the municipalities to achieve measures by means of which an area is substantially improved or transformed with the purpose of alleviating urban deficits. Measures of this type may be employed only where there is a public interest in uniform preparation and speedy implementation. On the other hand urban renewal of this kind is meant to be a never-ending story (continuous problem without final solution – is the saying among planners). Urban deficits may be a matter of the quality of the building fabric or they may be considered to exist when an area is seriously impaired in its ability to meet the requirements placed on it by virtue and function. Important stages of a renewal procedure include preparatory investigations, the drawing up of a social plan, public participation, individual infrastructural measures and also constructional measures.

Prof. Dr.-Ing. Bernd Nentwig, Dr.-Ing. Alexandra Pommer
S Real Estate Project Development

Content

Constitutive on the course Basics and Methods of Real Estate Project Development a development task is the main topic of this course. Characteristics are market and location analysis, concepts for estimated usage and economic calculations. Additional information will be given in the first course.

Prof. Dr.-Ing. Bernd Nentwig, Antonia Herten M.Sc.
S Real Estate Project Development

Content

Constitutive on the course Basics and Methods of Real Estate Project Development a development task is the main topic of this course. Characteristics are market and location analysis, concepts for estimated usage and economic calculations. Additional information will be given in the first course.

Prof. Dr. Frank Eckardt, Maria Skivko M.A.
S To study a city like to study a fashion: Methodology for Urban Studies

Content

Nowadays, in order to know the city, it is possible to exercise media images, various information sources, tourism practices or consumption of goods, services, and urban lifestyle. The diversity of urban practices attracts attention to urban spaces and makes them being popular, changing and demandable – in other words, fashionable. Such consideration of a city as a fashion place opens the discussion for the proposed seminar.

Urban sociology develops various perspectives to consider and approach the notion of a city. The fashion approach on cities aims to investigate urban problems and urban changes under the scope of the fashion phenomenon as an influential part of the postmodern culture. Fashion represents cultural component of urban spaces, covering the ideas of city identity, urban lifestyle, and urban images of city dwellers. In the framework of the course fashion is considered dually, materially as clothing and abstractly as a social phenomenon. The city is considered dually, too: as a geographical location as well as a social institution. The aim of the course is to investigate the methodological ways of researching the city in the following dimensions: i) fashion as clothing and city as a geographical area; ii) fashion as clothing and city as a social institution; iii) fashion as social phenomenon and city as a geographical area; iv) fashion as social phenomenon and city as a social institution. Special attention is given to the process of city branding, fashion geography, and the concepts of urban culture and urban lifestyle.

Vertr.-Prof. Dr. Steffen de Rudder
S Theories of Urban Design: Reading Robert Venturi

Content

The architectural historian Vincent Scully called the book ‘probably the most important writing on the making of architecture since Le Corbusier's 'Vers Une Architecture'. That may be overstated, but Robert Venturi’s ‘Complexity and Contradiction’ from 1966 is shure to be one of the most-read publications on theory of design. 1972 the equally succesful ‘Learning from Las Vegas’ was published, a groundbreaking and sometimes even funny study on the visual representation of urban space and what we see when we look on the city through the windshield of a car.

Venturi is well known for catchy phrases like ‘less is a bore’ or ‘decorated shed’ – but there is much more: He had a keen interest in the ordinary city and how everyday places really look like. The seemingly ugly, the distasteful, bland and trivial raised his interest and stimulated his curiosity.

In the seminar we will read and discuss Venturi’s writings, try to understand his way of thinking and find out if we can learn from his non-dogmatic perspective on the city.

The seminar’s second subject is reading itself. You will learn about different reading techniques and and how to extract meaning from text and theory. The seminar is supposed to promote a knowledge-based, critical understanding and encourage taking up a personal position to become an autonomous reader.

Prof. Dr. Frank Eckardt, Hanieh Shamskooshki M.A.
S Social Exclusion and Spatial Segregation in Urban Areas

Content

This Seminar aims at a rigorous investigation of the complex relationship between the physical, functional and social space in the city, in relation to the concepts of social exclusion and segregation.
Social exclusion and segregation have been central concepts in many urban debates (Wilson 1987; Sassen 1991; Fainstein et al. 1992; Massey and Denton 1993; Hamnett 1994; Marcuse 1996; O’Loughlin and Friedrichs 1996; Musterd and Ostendorf 1998; Marcuse and van Kempen 2000). Cities reflect the socio-spatial outcomes of segregation according to the character and intensity of social processes. In their turn, these social processes depend upon a wider range of factors and developments.
Interpretations of segregation have often been formulated purely in terms of social and economic factors, without invoking space. Social initiatives rarely address urban form and prevailing methods of analysis provide few analytical insights from a spatial perspective. However, there are indications that interventions in space, such as housing and neighborhood policies and a variety of boundary programs, will produce more social inequality, polarization, and perhaps also social exclusion compared with economic policies (van der Wusten and Musterd 1998; Domburg-De Rooij and Musterd 2002).
In this seminar, we will discuss the manner in which patterns of spatial segregation influence the situation of different social groups in the city. We will argue that social exclusion and spatial segregation have an interactive relationship that needs to be understood as a contributing factor in forming patterns of integration and inclusion in urban areas. Discussion would be more related to urban sociology debates linked to urban planning.

Prof. Dr. Frank Eckardt
S Postwar Cities

Content

The subject of reconstructing cities after war damage has become an international research topic in the last years for two reasons. Firstly, in many countries around the world violent conflicts have destroyed large parts of cities and in some countries the process of reconstruction like in the Balkan countries is ongoing. Many of these conflicts also seemed to be endless like it appears to be now in the case of Syria and Jemen. However, if one leaves beside the extraordinary hundred year war in the European Middle Age, most wars have ended in the life time of one generation. The historical lessons also shows that after the end of a war like in Europe after the Second World War, little knowledge have been available how to reconstruct the cities. Looking back on the lessons of this and similar experiences is the second reason why the general subject of „post war cities“ have become an important subject. The main goal of this seminar is to discuss both questions: 1. How can we prepare the reconstruction of cities after war and conflict in the Middle East? 2. What can be learned from historical experiences in Germany and elsewhere?

Dr. phil. Liza Wing Man Kam
S Urbanism in China

Content

Like many other Asian cities, Chinese cities have been fundamentally undergoing a transformation process in the previous decades, as a result of globalization and intensive modernization. This development however, is accompanied by the destruction of the unique cultural heritage and identity represented by the built environment in the region. The broad discussion is, ‘Who are the actors contributing to the formation of the current China?’ This course enables students to throw a glance to both the traditional and contemporary built environment in the Chinese region through an interdisciplinary approach. The course aims at providing an introduction to several selected Chinese cities on a thematic basis, e.g., the vernacular architecture and urban settings for the Hakka tribe in the Southeast Region of China, development Vs destruction in contemporary Shanghai and post-colonial Hong Kong etc. Students are encouraged to interpret city and its urban settings by understanding and considering its traditions, culture, politics, climate and geography as well as the in- between dynamics and tensions of these issues. A range of themes and locations will be introduced and the students will be studying and investigating these Chinese cities/ towns/ regions as case studies. As the Chinese culture is foreign for most of the students, we shall commence our investigation with these Chinese cities/ settlements with the aid of different resources such as films, photography, documentaries and paintings, as well as journals and literature. The course includes a sequence of lectures and student presentations. The lectures will provide the historical and theoretical background necessary for the discussion of development issues in a broad perspective. Student presentations will focus on independent research including observations, literature reviews and hence critical thinking. Note: Participation is mandatory for AdUrb students in the first semester.

Dipl.-Ing. (FH) Philippe Schmidt, M.Sc.
S Introduction to Model Projects

Content

The seminar serves as preparation for the Model Project semester in spring/summer 2015. Besides an introduction to the 'Model Projects European Urban Studies', students will learn to present their personal portfolios for the prospective model project partners at an early stage in the semester. This also consist of individual presentations. The first semester students (only European Urban Studies) are also invited to participate in the third semester's meetings of the model project seminar to get first impressions of content and form of different experiences from last semester’s model projects.
Participation is obligatory and only for EU students and will be credited as part of the Model Projects.

Prof. Dr.-Ing. B. Nentwig, Dipl.-Ing. (FH) Philippe Schmidt, M.Sc
S Model Project Forum/Seminar

Content

The seminar’s goal is to exchange about and learn from different projects in the field of urban practice where second semester students have been involved in during their Model Project semester in summer 2016. The seminar challenges students to contextualize the own individual practical work and research experience into a broader context of urban research. This allows participants to deepen the understanding between practice and theory, to contribute real-world-experience in a reflective way and to develop a own set of interdisciplinary action approaches within their individual professional appreciation. Finally, the seminar also prepares students to hold a lecture for the International Model Project Forum in front of audience that is dedicated to an overarching conference title. The seminar mainly consist of three phases: 1.) Reporting and evaluating the Model Projects through individual presentations and group discussion, 2.) Introduction to the Model Project Forum including the preparation of and feedback on individual presentation concepts for the forum, 3.) Coached rehearsals for presentations, and last but not least the final presentations at the 17th International Model Project Forum (end of February or March 2017).
Note: Participation is mandatory for third semester EU students! Class based on continuous and active participation. Attested absence of more than two meetings leads to credit failure.

Dipl.-Kaufm. T. Dobberstein
E Introduction to Moderation

Content

Meetings with representatives of different interest groups are important milestones in today’s planning processes. The different expectations regarding the outcome of the meeting and the different backgrounds of the participants challenge the diplomatic skills of the planners who lead the discussion.The lecture teaches fundamental tools to guide group meetings and planning workshops towards a productive output. Practical exercise sessions address techniques to visualize and to moderate planning related issues.A consensus on multi-interest decisions in the urban context depends on the accurate detection of all different interests of the stakeholders involved and the right analysis of potentially conflicting positions. The implementation of informal planning strategies and dialogue based communication are discussed in the course.

Dipl.-Kaufm. T. Dobberstein
E Introduction to Moderation

Content

Meetings with representatives of different interest groups are important milestones in today’s planning processes. The different expectations regarding the outcome of the meeting and the different backgrounds of the participants challenge the diplomatic skills of the planners who lead the discussion.The lecture teaches fundamental tools to guide group meetings and planning workshops towards a productive output. Practical exercise sessions address techniques to visualize and to moderate planning related issues. A consensus on multi-interest decisions in the urban context depends on the accurate detection of all different interests of the stakeholders involved and the right analysis of potentially conflicting positions. The implementation of informal planning strategies and dialogue based communication are discussed in the course.

Justin Kadi, PhD
E Academic Skills

Content

At the beginning we will deal with the process of production of scientific knowledge as such considering basic ‘rules’ of scientific work. As learning by doing is usually a successful way which makes us experiencing the specific demands of a research process you will work in the course in small teams defining and planning your own research project. Starting the practical work we will first deal with different sources of information, how to decode and evaluate them as wells as how to quote and organize them properly in scientific working and writing. Now having an idea how and where to gather information you will define your own research question and develop a research concept step by step going from a proper wording of the research question to the selection of fitting research methods, time planning and documentation.

Justin Kadi, PhD
E Academic Skills

Content

At the beginning we will deal with the process of production of scientific knowledge as such considering basic ‘rules’ of scientific work. As learning by doing is usually a successful way which makes us experiencing the specific demands of a research process you will work in the course in small teams defining and planning your own research project. Starting the practical work we will first deal with different sources of information, how to decode and evaluate them as wells as how to quote and organize them properly in scientific working and writing. Now having an idea how and where to gather information you will define your own research question and develop a research concept step by step going from a proper wording of the research question to the selection of fitting research methods, time planning and documentation.

Justin Kadi, PhD /Professors from IfEU    
Master - Colloquium EU/AdUrb

Content

The course is the platform for presentation and discussion of the Masters theses. The candidates will present the intermediate results of their work on their individual topics. Suggestions for further action will be made by fellow students and academics attending the colloquium. Admission for the Master examination is required for participation. Performance record (attestation) will be achieved by giving an oral presentation.

Prof. Dr.-Ing. Barbara Schönig, Justin Kadi, PhD
L Lecture series “Welcome to Weimar.Architecture and Urbanism in Weimar and beyond”

Content

Welcome to Weimar! This lecture series will give international and German students insight into research at Bauhaus university’s faculty “Architecture and Urbanism”. Starting from Weimar the lecture series will provide an understanding of the latest developments in German scholarship concerning urban design, urban planning, and urban development as researched by the departments professors and staff. From landscape architecture, the historical Bauhaus and heritage conservation to sustainable mobility, the redevelopment of large housing estates and growing and shrinking cities – the topics of this lecture series will take you on a journey into the most important issues discussed in German cities and urban studies as seen by the university's teaching staff.

The lecture series will be given in English and is open to students of all departments. Each lecture will be held by another faculty member or invited guests. Students will have the opportunity to take part in an exam to acquire credit points and a grade.

Jun.-Prof. Dr. Reinhard König
S Introduction to Generative Urban Models

Content

The participants of this seminar are introduced to Generative Urban Models. We deal with the implementation of methods for generating and analyzing various spatial configurations. The learned skills are shown by several exercises.
The seminar is offered also in addition to design studio of the chair of computer science in architecutre (InfAr). In this context the exercises can be done as part of the tasks for creating urban configurations for small towns in Ethiopia.
Basic knowledge programming as well as in Grasshopper for Rhino3D is of advantage for this course. The latter one you can get them in a corresponding parallel course at InfAR.

Jun.-Prof. Dr. Reinhard König
S Advanced Computational Methods

Content

Requirement for choosing this seminar is the parallel of past participation at the course Introduction to Generative Urban Models, or good programming skills. In this seminar the programming skills and their application are enhanced.
Conentwise we deal with the combination of various spatial analysis methods with evolutionary algorithms for thie optimization of certain urban planning aspects. The semester performance it the definition and implementation of a self-defined task, which exemplifies the skills that are learned during the seminar.