Research-based teaching

In its multi-faceted teaching activities, the Research Unit of Local Planning focuses on forging a close connection between theory and planning practice. The spectrum ranges from capture, processing and evaluation of spatial information and data through to drafting and design of spatial concepts and planning-related processes at local and/or municipal level. A range of different teaching formats is employed to enable students to acquire and practise the necessary methodological, tool-based, communication, drafting and design skills. The key frame of reference at ifoer are concrete projects in which students are encouraged to work in close cooperation with colleagues from other research units and disciplines to tackle specific tasks and challenges from real-life planning practice. The Research Unit for Local Planning offers about 30 course modules per year, primarily as part of the degree courses in Spatial, Urban and Regional Planning at TU Wien. The spectrum ranges from basic lectures for the bachelor's programme and drafting and design projects for the bachelor's and master's degree courses to modules focusing on specific subject areas at master's level. These key foci are carried through to postgraduate level within the framework of doctoral colleges and individual PhD projects, as described above. The university's degree courses in Spatial, Urban and Regional Planning are based on the principles of research-led teaching, close-as-possible simulation of planning reality, project-based study in real-life "living labs" combined with field trips to these sites and locations, and constructive discussion with local policy-makers and citizens.

Learning through integrated, subject-related projects in real-life "living labs" incorporating direct interaction with actors, stakeholders and policy-makers is an essential key element of a practice-based degree programme in spatial planning and design. Two main integrated, subject-related  projects are offered as part of the bachelor's degree course, while a further project with multiple thematic foci forms part of the master's programme.

Further information on the spatial planning studies