Urban development study project

Prof. Dr. Detlef Kurth, Dr. Martina Stepper | Tuesday, 14:00-17:30 | 01-026/01-U62

In the context of the region and interdependent area, a model for a city will be developed at a city-wide level, which, with an integrated approach, includes the fields of action of urban structure, urban form and identity, open space structure, mobility, climate change, economic, social and demographic structure and is based on corresponding overall spatial analyses, which are developed using digital (e.g. GIS) and analogue investigation and visualization methods. On the basis of the mission statement, a city-wide development concept is drawn up in the relevant fields of action. This will also involve the use of bar mapping as a design task at a city-wide level. Scenario techniques for estimating and visualizing future development paths, various methods for evaluating alternatives and the creation of sketchy illustrations and visualizations as well as textual explanations are also applied. The aim of this year's project is to develop an integrated development concept for a sub-area of the city
Mannheim, which is based on the city-wide development concept "Model Spatial Order" (MRO) and develops concrete measures and future perspectives for solving existing problems in close cooperation with the city administration.

Students will be able to,

• independently analyze the context and structural features at a city-wide level
• evaluate data bases and sources
• independently apply digital and analog analysis and design methods
• independently formulate requirements and options for action
• develop models, designs and development concepts at a city-wide level
• use landmarks as a design tool at a city-wide level
• relate different spatial fields of action to each other
• Develop visualizations and explanatory texts

Theories and models of urban development

Prof. Dr. Detlef Kurth | Thursday 13:45-15:15/15:30-17:00| 01-006/01-U34

The module comprises the courses "Planning Theories" and "Models of Urban Development Planning" and provides in-depth knowledge of the basics of planning theory, historical developments and guiding principles of urban planning as well as planning models and requirements for urban development concepts.

• Fundamentals of planning theory
• Historical trends and tendencies in urban development
• Changing guiding principles in urban planning
• Concepts for the further development of the city and features and characteristics
• Content requirements for urban development concepts
• Planning models of urban development

Study project Urban planning design in existing buildings

No course in the winter semester.

At the neighborhood level, analyses and designs are developed in the context of the urban structure, with tasks of urban renewal, existing development or urban expansion, including participation and implementation strategies. The development is carried out as an integrated approach, taking into account aspects such as open space, mobility, building theory, climate change and planning law. During the planning process, students work on specific design tasks from urban planning and urban renewal, e.g. on the design of public spaces, the urban planning context or urban design, in sketches, texts and visualizations.

Students will be able to,

• independently classify neighborhoods in their context using integrated analyses
• formulate their planning problems and potentials
• develop urban planning concepts, models and concepts and concretize these in urban planning statements.
• develop implementation strategies that ensure architectural feasibility
• present and argue their project confidently.

Practice of urban development - instruments and fields of application of urban development

Prof. Dr. Detlef Kurth, Lennart Bruß M.Sc., Dipl.-Ing. Poliksen Qorri-Dragaj | Tuesday, 13:45-15:15 | 01-026

The module is entitled "resQ - Strategies and Measures for Resilient Neighborhood Development" and is dedicated to the practice-oriented development of measures for the upgrading of an existing neighborhood in a Ukrainian city.

Interdisciplinary study project

Prof. Dr. Detlef Kurth, Franziska Hero M.Sc. | Monday, 14:00-17:00 | 01-026

In the Master's study project, students learn to define and structure problems of urban and regional development and to work on them in teams of up to 5 students using scientific methods. After defining and analyzing the problem, the projects lead to the development of strategies, concepts and implementation strategies and thus show concrete, practice-relevant solution proposals. The project work promotes methodological competence, self-motivated work and deepens key skills such as communication and cooperation skills, presentation, project management and moderation. Compared to the Bachelor's project, the Master's project allows students to work on (methodologically and/or thematically) challenging issues of urban and regional development. The scientific and writing skills developed in the project also serve as preparation for the Master's thesis.

This year's Master's project examines the role of International Building Exhibitions (IBA) as a catalyst for resilient and sustainable urban development on the occasion of the planned IBA'34 Berlin-Brandenburg. At the beginning, the planning area and existing IBA models are analyzed, their innovative content discussed and current urban development-specific challenges, especially with regard to resilience, considered. Subsequently, a model and a development concept for Berlin's south-eastern area, including strategic recommendations, will be developed in close cooperation with the state of Berlin and in an interdisciplinary manner with various research groups.

Master's thesis

Individual deadlines.

The Master's thesis is a scientific work in the field of urban and regional development or environmental planning and law. The thesis can be theoretically conceptual, empirically conceptual or conceptually creative. Students can contribute their own proposals for the topic of the Master's thesis. The Master's thesis should demonstrate that students are able to work independently on a current, complex issue using academic methods within a specified period of time. In addition, they show that they can present the results of their work in writing according to scientific criteria and can adequately present and defend them orally.

• Master's thesis according to individual topic