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101-0259-00L 3 Credits MSC D-ARCH , D-BAUG

River Restoration

Lecturers: Dr. Volker Weitbrecht, Dr. Luiz Gustavo Martins da Silva, Dr. Matthias Mende, Simone Knecht-Hipp
Examiners: Dr. Volker Weitbrecht, Dr. Christine Weber, Dr. Luiz Gustavo Martins da Silva, Katharina Sperger, Dr. Matthias Mende, Simone Knecht-Hipp
VVZ CR n/a

Last Updated: 2026-06-03 00:14:03

Abstract

Based on enhanced understanding of river morphodynamics and the ecosystem of riverscapes, the course introduces different river engineering techniques. It copes with the different expectations (space for agriculture, water for energy production, flood protection...) towards riverscapes in modern society.The students work on a project study with the goal of restoring a given river section.

Objective

During this course, the students learn how to - describe the most important relations in river morphodynamics and their impact on the ecosystem of riverscapes - elaborate solutions within river restoration, dealing with the different societal expectations towards riverscapes. - deal with personal, social and technical obstacles in the planning of a river restoration project.

Content

River restoration aims to reestablish near natural processes in riverscapes to increase habitat quality and biodiversity. Based on enhanced understanding of river morphodynamics, the course introduces different engineering techniques with focus on sediment transport processes and flood protection. In addition, the course aims to cope with the different expectations (space for agriculture, water for energy production, flood protection, nature protection...) towards riverscapes in modern society. During the semester, the students work on a project study with the goal of restoring a river section with a certain focus topic. It follows a student-centered apporach, with field trips, a role play and interactive coaching sessions together with river restoration experts from engineering practice.

Resources

Lecture Notes

No lecture notes

Literature

Literature recommendations are given during the semester

General Information

Language
English
Levels
MSC
Frequency
Yearly recurring

Examination

Type
graded semester performance
Problem-solving interactive group project aiming at the restoration of a given river section with a certain focus topic (technical report with presentation, peer-review of other group’s report); additional reflective elements during the semester.

Registration & Places

Max Places
32
Signup End
24.02.2026
Priority: Registration for the course unit is until 15.02.2026 only possible for the primary target group

Course Components

Type Title Time & Place Hours
lecture with exercise River Restoration
Remark: Self-exploring excursion to project area in week 3. 23.04.2026: Excursion (whole day). Until FS22 course was in German (former title: «Revitalisierung von Fliessgewässern»)
  • Thu 09:45-11:30 (HCP E 47.4)
  • 19.02 Date 10:15-12:00 (RZ D 8)
  • 26.02 Date 10:15-13:00 (RZ D 8)
  • 12.03 Date 09:45-12:30 (HIT F 11.1)
  • 12.03 Date 09:45-12:30 (HIT F 13)
  • 19.03 Date 09:45-14:30 (HIT E 23)
  • 26.03 Date 10:15-15:00 (RZ D 8)
  • 02.04 Date 09:45-11:30 (HIT E 23)
  • 16.04 Date 09:45-12:30 (HIT F 11.1)
  • 16.04 Date 09:45-12:30 (HIT F 13)
  • 30.04 Date 09:45-11:30 (HIT E 23)
  • 07.05 Date 09:15-12:30 (RZ D 8)
  • 21.05 Date 10:15-12:00 (RZ D 8)
  • 28.05 Date 10:15-13:30 (RZ D 8)
3 h weekly

Offered In