Managing Urban Complexities, 5 op

The course focuses on urban and regional development and instruments for managing asymmetries that stem from spatial and socio-economic transformations. Of special interest are the various mechanisms to adapt to territorial dynamics that challenge socio-economic, ecological and even political sustainability. These mechanisms are studied on large and small urban systems alike, ranging from grassroots to complex frameworks of governance.

The course starts by looking at the way spatial information has been historically processed for planning and governance purposes, and moves on to planning as a peculiar way of working with and processing knowledge. Next a case of major urban transformation is introduced for reference use in the following stages of work. Sessions of tutored problem-based learning will follow to facilitate sensemaking concerning a jointly researched topic. The course will be competed by presentation of one or more recent or ongoing planning cases that involve particular co-operation across the boundaries of administrative sectors, offices or departments.