Winter semester 2018|19"

Module: Urban Development and Design (2 SWS/ 3 CP)
Prof. Bernd Nentwig, Dr. Steffen de Rudder,
Dipl.-Ing. Philippe Schmidt and other invited lecturer
L Urban Development and Design

Content
The understanding of a well-balanced urban development regarding social, economic and environmental needs is one of the main outlines of European Urban Policies to promote more sustainable cities. In 2007 the responsible ministers for urban development from 27 countries declared the Leipzig Charter as guiding principle to reach a stronger cohesion of the different factors that would be necessarily be more streamlined to reach such sustainable development. Integrated Urban Development Concepts since then have become a main instrument of urbanists to guide this process.

Urban and architectural qualities under the objective of climate adaptation and protection, renewable resources and resource conservation we well as long-term intergenerational perspectives are just some of the topics that have to be negotiated for more comprehensive future cities. For the disciplines concerned with urban design this means to develop a holistic view on the city and an understanding between the different disciplines, also in terms of a social equilibrium in urban space. Although the goals seem to be of common value, the practice, however, shows that it is a complex and challenging task to overcome established paradigms within urban systems. The integration and coordination of diverse factors that would be needed to adapt physical space, for example regarding environmental or health threats, It is a primary task for urbanists. It is often hard to reach due to the different priorities of the many different disciplines involved in urban development.  

For this purpose the lectures in this module is framing different objectives of the Master’s Programme »Integrated Urban Development and Design« with the idea to support the “urban curator” to develop a holistic view on the city and an understanding between the different disciplines. The lecture introduces different perspectives on integrated urban development in the sense of multi-disciplinary planning approaches with a closer look on their implementation. Creative strategies and selected examples of “good practice” show how different approaches can be implemented through the lens of different disciplines, bringing together an academic and application-oriented reflection of the subject. Aspects like new mobility, resource oriented development, environment, energy and sanitation are shown.

The lectures are held by different chairs from the Faculty of Architecture and Urbanism as well as the Faculty of Engineering who are involved in research and implemented projects on urban development and through invited guests lecturers. The goal is to develop a general understanding and overview about how urban development and urban design can be considered as an interdisciplinary and integrated approach. Additional to the lecture a seminar is providing students to research and present projects on integrated urban development from the EU-perspective as well as from their home countries related to specific features of the content described above.

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 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“.

Module: Introduction to Study Project (2 SWS/ 3 CP)
Vertr.-Prof. Sven Schneider, Abdulmalik Abdulmawla
S Parametric Urban Design and Analysis

Content
The definition of urban form (street network, plots, building volumes) is a crucial step in the planning of cities because it has the longest lasting effect on their social, economic and ecological performance. Thus, this step needs to be undertaken with greatest care. In this course we will deal with computational methods to support this process. Firstly, you will learn to create parametric models, that allow to quickly generate a large amount of design variants. Secondly, you will get introduced to spatial analysis methods (density, visibility and accessibility) in order to identify different (human centered) qualities of the generated structures.
The knowledge provided through online seminars will be deepened in consultations and documented in several exercises. No prior technical knowledge is required.

Module: Urban Sociology (2 SWS/ 3 CP)
Dr. Bernhard Stratmann
S Green Dreams of Suburbia: Climate Change, Sustainability and Urban Form

Content
When looking at suburbs, people and planners often see something very different. Whereas the former dream of a better lifestyle, the latter often talk about urban sprawl and point to a long list of negative aspects of this kind of urban from. Particularly in view of rising energy consumption, Peak Oil and possible climate change continuing trends towards global suburbanization have caused concerns. However, more recently the “reading” of suburbs has changed. The prevailing critical discourse has been challenged by the assumption that suburbs – if designed and managed well – can be aligned with the overall goal of sustainability. This includes a reappraisal of “suburbanism as a way of life” that might offer a lot. The seminar will examine the current debate by taking American, Australian, Chinese and German cities as an example. To this end concepts of sustainable urban development will be explored, followed by a practice review. It will be argued that the debate on suburbia is embedded in a much larger, underlying debate on the good life.

Module: Urban Development and Design (2 SWS/ 3 CP)
M.Sc. Karl Eckert
S  Impact of spatial policies on Europes urban and regional development

Content
The European Union is heavily investing in the revitalisation of its urban environment. This is in recognition of the importance cities hold to realize broad political goals such as Europe 2020 Strategy of "smart, sustainable and inclusive" growth for the Union. Broad EU policies are mainstreamed and are defined by historical, cultural, socio-economic and environmental aspects (among others). This makes EU funds and their use an important subject to debate, especially in sight of the current programming period, which, at least on the surface, represents a new holistic and sustainable approach. But is this really the case? Are critical views being heard and are creative integrated solutions truly being implemented?

Integrated urban strategies will be a focus of the seminar. First a presentation of research results and experience in integrated urban projects funded by the EU, including the theoretical foundation and analytical methods will be presented. Topics such as "territorial cohesion" and the urban dimension of EU Cohesion Policy will be presented to exemplify the impact currently happening on the city and state level. Students will undertake their own research on a topic of personal interest related to integrated urban development and compare this to the set EU standard. At the end of the seminar students shall be able to navigate through EU urban policy, to positively interpret the effects of integrated urban strategies on cities and also understand how integrated strategies can be applied for new and creative urban Environments.

Module: Project Development (2 SWS/ 3 CP)
Prof. Bernd Nentwig, Antonia Herten, M. Sc.
S Real Estate Development

Content
Constitutive on the course Basics and Methods of Real Estate 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.

Module: Model Project (2 SWS/ 3 CP)
Dipl.-Ing. M.Sc. Philippe Schmidt
P  Reflective Urban Practice – Model Project Preparatory Course

Content
The Model Project Preparatory Course “Reflective Urban Practice” introduces course participants to current trends in urban development and interdisciplinary approaches that target on “good practice” in applied research, practice and administration. With the diverse professional fields existing in the field of urban development and design participants are prepared to streamline their existing experience for the application at a Model Project Partner. The seminar serves as preparation for the application and placement phase prior to the Model Project semester in autumn/winter 2019. The “Model Project” (24 CP) is the praxis semester that takes place world-wide at a selected “Model Project Partner” (offices, institutions, administration) for the purpose of practical training. The internship arrangement (minimum 3 months) is related to urban design, planning, research and development. The training place is either proposed through the programme or the student, and approved through the coordinator of the Model Projects.
Learning Objectives  
Besides an introduction to the 'Model Projects Integrated Urban Development and Design’ students learn how to link their existing professional experience and interests to a broader field of professional activities related to planning and design. They present and reflect their professional experience. In a second part, the students are coached to further develop their specific interests and communicate them in their professional portfolio and actively take part in the targeted application for the reflective practice semester. First semester students are also attending the Model Project Forum to get first-hand impressions of content and form of different experiences from last semester’s Model Projects. 

Participation is mandatory for first semester students in Integrated Urban Development and Design - Reflective Urban Practice (IUDD-RUP). Class based on continuous and active participation.

Module: Model Project (4 SWS/ 6 CP)
Prof. Bernd Nentwig, Dipl.-Ing. Philippe Schmidt, M.Sc.
S Model Project Forum and Seminar

Content 
In this module, the International Model Project Forum is prepared in different steps. The seminar’s goal is to exchange about and learn from different projects in the field of urban practice where third semester students have been involved during their Model Project semester in the winter semester 2018/19. The seminar challenges students to contextualise the own individual practical work and research experience into a broader context of reflective urban practice and 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 approaches within their individual professional role. The seminar also prepares students to hold a lecture dedicated to the International Model Project Forum, which closes as a highlight of the academic training. For this public academic event  International Model Project Partners are invited to the forum as senior experts and critiques to the student presentations.

Course structure and requirements 
The seminar mainly consist of three phases and is accompanied through a virtual class-room, including a guided course with specific due dates, individual and groupwise online-consultations, life-meetings of the entire group and P2P-meetings as well as video-based presentation-coaching through Adobe Connect.

Course requirements include a final presentation, an interim report and a final report (25-30 pages) which is handed in online and as a printed version. After final rehearsals the module closes with the 19th International “Model Project Forum” (end of April 2019), requiring students attendance in Weimar or any selected place where the forum tales place. The forum fosters a critical but practice -related discussion among students and model project partners who are attending as guest critiques. 

Learning Objectives  
In this module students develop an in-depth understanding and exchange about professional fields dedicated to integrated urban development in an international context. Participants reflect the self-positioning and self-understanding of their professional role in the sense of ‘Reflective Practice’ related to urban strategies and interdisciplinary planning approaches. The final goals is to focus individual experiences about ‘Good Practice’ through adequate professional project-based training and praxis reflection.

Participation is mandatory for third semester students in European Urban Studies.
Class based on continuous and active participation.  

Module: Master´s Thesis (2 SWS/ 3 CP)
Lisa Vollmer, M.A. / Professors
Master Colloquium European Urban Studies / Advanced Urbanism

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.

Please note: Registration for the Colloquium is not necessary. All students accepted for the Master examination have to participate.

Module: Transfer of  Methods and Expertise (2 SWS/3 CP)
Dipl.-Kaufm. Tore Dobberstein
E Moderating Urban Planning Processes

Content  
Integrated development and design processes require skills to effectively communicate with multiple urban actors, ranging from project stakeholders to citizen audiences. Fundamental knowledge of moderation is an important asset for the work with different interest groups in the urban sphere. The exercise course introduces basic moderation skills to meet today’s challenges in the field integrated urban development and design, such as cooperative planning, mediation, and project evaluation. This includes the accurate detection of different interests, strategies for multi-interest decisions, and to work with potentially conflicting positions.

The lecture teaches tools to guide group meetings and planning workshops towards a productive output. Practical exercise sessions address techniques to visualise and to moderate planning related issues. The implementation of informal planning strategies and dialogue based communication are discussed in the course.

Module: Transfer of  Methods and Expertise (2 SWS/3 CP)
Lisa Vollmer, M.A.
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.

Module: Transport System Planning (2 SWS/ 3 CP)
Prof. Max Uwe Plank-Wiedenbeck, Dipl.-Ing. Stefanie Blei, Dipl.-Ing. Julius Uhlmann
L International Case Studies

Content
Part A: How can we achieve sustainable mobility and make cities more liveable? The question will be answered by presenting best practice solutions worldwide. Guest lectures about planning practices in an international context, particularly in urban areas. Detailed information about the eight guest lectures (speakers and topics etc.) will be announced. 

Part B: At least one student trip (about three to four days) to a European city (e.g. Kopenhagen – cyclist capital, Hamburg – Town planning Harbour city, Berlin – German Aerospace Centre etc.). Detailed information about the excursions (destination, venue, timetable etc.) will be announced.

Costs (transport, admission fees, etc.) will need to be paid by the participants!

Literature: SCHILLER; KENWORTHY: An introduction to sustainable transportation – Policy, planning and implementation (2018) | HUTTON: Planning sustainable transport (2013) | TUMLIN: Sustainable transportation planning – Tools for creating vibrant, healthy, and resilient communities (2012) | Various articles in the journal INTERNATIONAL TRANSPORTATION

Module: Computational Architecture (2 SWS/ 3 CP)
Jun.-Prof. Reinhard König
S Computational Urban Modeling and Simulation

Content
The participants of this seminar are introduced to urban simulation methods. We deal with the modeling of complex spatial systems on the regional and urban level. In this context computational analysis methods for urban fabric (e.g. for pedestrian movement or economic potentials) and models for computing interactions between land uses are introduced. By means of system dynamics models we can simulate temporal changes of “stocks and flows”. The knowledge provided through online seminars will be deepened in consultations and documented in several exercises. No prior technical knowledge is required.

Module: Culture and Urbanism of China (2 SWS/ 3 CP)
Dr. Eduard Kögel
S Chinese Culture and Society in the Perspective of Urban Development and Architecture

Content 
Over the last 40 years, society and cities in the People’s Republic of China have changed dramatically. At the beginning of the 1980s China was still considered a developing country, but today it is one of the world powers whose voice is clearly audible in many parts of the world. Urban and cultural development in the context of architecture and planning show the possibilities and dreams of a society. In the case of China, the realities and constraints of a mass society, which must find its way between individualisation and equality, are also reflected in design, which in turn has an impact on social and political developments. So what does design look like that has to find a way between these poles that takes into account the different conditions in the metropolis and the hinterland?

The seminar provides background information, discusses scenarios and draws a picture of future challenges. But it also asks what can be learned and under what conditions solutions can be exported from China.

Module: Urban Planning/Urban Design (2 SWS/ 3 CP)
Vertr.-Prof. Steffen de Rudder
S Theories of Urban Design: Reading Le Corbusier

Content 
Was Le Corbusier, the hero figure of modernism, the brilliant designer and self-inventor of many times, a theorist? – Yes. – No. It is hard to tell how is writing can be separated from his tremendous architectural output, if his numerous books were merely accompanying, preparing, promoting his architectural and urban works or if he developed a consistent and solid theory in its own right. 

Standalone theory or not, the great architect, urbanist, designer and painter was a prolific and highly productive writer. He published at least 16 books, among them legendary long sellers like ‘Vers une Architecture’ (1923) or ‘La Ville Radieuse’ (1935). He is probably one of the most quoted and referred to architects, coining phrases like ‘a house is a machine for living in’ and developing iconic schemes like ‘Plan voisin’. And, finally, reading Le Corbusier is fun: his manifestos his pamphlets, his pleas and rants are surely no scientific theory but they are insightfull and entertaining.

In the seminar we will read selected texts of and about Le Corbusier, try to figure out what kind of writer he was and discuss if his thoughts have more than historic value.

The seminar’s second subject is reading itself. You will learn about different reading techniques 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.

It is a course for everyone who truly enjoys reading, writing and discussing text. Good language skills are required.