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052-0728-24L 3 Credits BSC , DR , MSC D-BAUG , D-ARCH

4D-Geodesign for Urban Transformation

4D-Geodesigning Urban Transformation

Lecturers & Examiners: Prof. Hubert Klumpner, Dr. Sibylle Wälty

VVZ CR n/a

Last Updated: 2026-02-05 16:38:58

Abstract

This course tackles critical urban planning issues through advanced technology for analysis and communication. Students actively engage with building and zoning regulations, involving the reconstruction, reformulation, and simulation/virtualization in web-based 4D urban models. Ongoing exchanges through peer review activities in class enrich the learning experience.

Objective

- Analyze the past and present, and design, present, and discuss future living spaces in 4D. - Read, understand, deconstruct, and formulate new zoning and building rules (BNOs). - Set up an ArcGIS Urban model, integrate current and new urban rules, and visualize/simulate development scenarios/variations of urban designs. - Encourage cross-disciplinary, project-based learning through teamwork and peer reviews, facilitating the acquisition of transferable skills.

Content

This course addresses crucial urban transformation issues at the 10-minute-neighbourhood level. Leveraging technology, communication, and online materials, it combines opportunities for online interaction with traditional place-based teaching methods. It can be offered as an elective with exercises or as an integrated discipline in design classes. The online material also supports self-paced learning. (i) Students actively engage with building and land use regulations by reconstructing them in a 3D model, formulating new 3D regulations based on design and land use criteria, and simulating possible developments in 4D. Collaboration among students from different disciplines, working in teams and sharing knowledge through mutual work and peer reviews, enhances cross-disciplinary learning. (ii) Urban design lecturers benefit from being relieved of the task of teaching software, focusing more on design aspects in their classes.

General Information

Language: English
Levels: BSC , DR , MSC
Frequency: Yearly recurring

Examination

Type: ungraded semester performance

Course Components