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Introduction to Spatial Development and Transformation
Last Updated: 2026-02-05 15:35:27
Abstract
The course deals with important theoretical, material and methodical foundations for action and decision-making of spatial relevance. This course discusses central tasks and possible solutions for current and future challenges of spatial development in Switzerland and Europe.
Objective
Spatial development deals with the development, formation and arrangement of our environment. In order to be able to mediate between the different demands, interests and projects of multiple actors, a forward-looking, action-oriented and robust planning is necessary. It is committed - in the sense of a sustainable spatial development - to the economical handling of resources, in particular of the non-replicable resource soil. The lecture introduces necessary basic knowledge and is based on the following main topics: – Inward development and challenges of spatial transformation – The (political) steering of spatial development – Interplay of formal and informal processes and processes across different scales of spatial development – Methods of action-oriented planning in situations of insecurity – Integrated space and infrastructure development – Different types of participation in spatial development By taking up the lecture, the students are able to recognize cross-scale, complex tasks of spatial development and transformation and to use their theoretical, methodical and professional knowledge to clarify them.
Content
Tasks of spatial planning and spatial development – Theories and instruments to plan and steer spatial development – Local and supra-local tasks – Formal and informal tools and procedures – Regularities of spatial changes, influencing factors and indicators – Conflicts, problems and opportunities of spatial relevance – Participation of different actors in spatial development Methodology of action-oriented planning: – Spatial planning as sequences of actions and decisions – The influence of knowledge and language in planning – Spatial assessment and reasoning – Process and process management Focus tasks: – Inward development and transformation – Integrated spatial and infrastructure development – Transboundary issues of spatial development – Transboundary issues of spatial development
Resources
Lecture Notes
Further information and the documents for the lecture can be found on the homepage of IRL/STL
General Information
- Language
- English
- Levels
- MSC
- Frequency
- Yearly recurring
Examination
- Type
- session examination
- Mode
- written 120 minutes
- Aids
- None
Course Components
| Type | Title | Time & Place | Hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| lecture with exercise |
Introduction to Spatial Development and Transformation
Former Title until HS18: Nachhaltige Raumentwicklung I
Common excursion on 03.11. together with 103-0417-02L Theories and Methods in Planning.
|
|
2 h weekly |