Seminars and lectures

Prof. Dr. Karsten Zimmermann

091171 | Lecture with Seminar | 2 SWS | German | 2 Credits

Day               From   To         Room                                              Start                End

Tuesday    12:15    13:45    Hörsaalgebäude I – HS 3    14.10.2025    03.02.2026

Cancelled 18.11.2025 (excursion week), 23.12.2025 and 30.12.2025

Prof. Dr. Karsten Zimmermann

092011a | Lecture | 2 SWS | English

Day              From    To          Place                                           Start              End
Tuesday    14:15    15:45    Hörsaalgebäude I – HS I    14.10.2025    03.02.2026

Content

This lecture gives an overview on current topics of the scholarly debate on spatial planning. This includes co-production, climate urbanism, comparative planning studies, digitization, planning conflicts, urban design governance, planning policies, etc.. 

I will present these topics by referring to research projects. This allows us to learn about research design and methods – something students need for their master thesis. The lecture will have also seminar-like elements and gives room for student presentations. Hence, students are requested to read the material provided on the moodle platform.  Students need to submit a written assignment, Details to follow in October.  

Performance record

5 pages essay

0920361 | Seminar | 4 SWS | Englisch | 8 Credits

Day                      From   To            Room                                 Begin              Finish

Donnerstag    8:30      10:00    Geschoßbau I – 410    16.10.2025    05.02.2026

Canceled on 19.11.2025 (excursion week)

Part A: Zimmermann

Urban Regeneration – Theories and principles, contemporary debates

The rehabilitation of deprived neighourhoods is a long-standing topic in urban planning. The purpose of urban regeneration, however, has changed as new issues such as renewable energies, preparedness for climate change (Climate Improvement Districts, Local Green Deals) and re-industrialization have emerged (Cities of making). In addition, we observe new governance techniques and experimental collaborative approaches such as temporary use. In this course, we will start with the emergence and evolution of urban regeneration in European cities and German cities in particular. This includes discussing culture-led urban regeneration, social city programmes as well as property-led urban regeneration. Then, we will discuss the mentioned changes, the role and influence of EU Urban Policies and give a specific emphasis on emerging topics such as the regeneration of suburbia. We will also learn about urban regeneration in France (Politique de la Ville) and England. International students will learn about urban regeneration in Germany. 

Active participation: students will do presentations in groups of two. I will also ask for the accomplishment of minor tasks and a field visit a the Dortmund Harbour area. 

Part B: Schramm

Urban Infrastructures in Transformation 

Urban infrastructures are under pressure due to climate change, financialization, geopolitical dynamics, and technological advances. Because of these pressures, cities and their infrastructures need to change from conventional, energy intense, state-governed systems to become more sustainable, smart and decentralized in terms of governance and technologies. Smart city, sponge city, circular city and energy communities are notions that capture new visions of cities that may use AI for a more sustainable management of urban infrastructure, where rainwater does not drain in large sewers but infiltrates locally, where (building)materials are re-used and recycled and not disposed of, or where inhabitants produce their own energy.  In this seminar we examine the topic of urban infrastructures in transformation through discussions of conceptual approaches to infrastructural change, starting with classic readings on urban infrastructure and then focusing on literature on Southern infrastructures and dynamics of change;  and through concrete examples of smart cities, sponge cities, circular cities and energy communities across the globe. 

Grading: oral examination (25-30 minutes)

Day                 From    To           Room                                 Begin               Finish

Thursday    12:15      13:45    Geschoßbau I – 410    23.20.2025    05.02.2026

The purpose of urban and regional development planning is to initiate, plan, programme and implement balanced and sustainable socio-economic development. This is a long-term effort and process involving diverse actors and institutions, both governmental and non-governmental, which have to negotiate a common goals and that has to be co-ordinated by means of appropriate organisational structures and procedures. The choice of organisational and managerial policies can greatly influence the regions’ capacities for achieving defined goals. It is therefore particularly important for development planners to be equipped with a profound knowledge about governance and decision making processes as well as ongoing discourses on state modernization.

Hence the objectives of the course are (1) to introduce the theoretical basis of decision making (2) to familiarise students with institutional change (3) to learn about organizations (including learning theories) and (4) to get an idea of state modernisation (i.e. decentralistion, multi-level governance).

The course comprises analysis of the original texts, presentations, and discussions to identify the use of theoretical approaches for practical planning.

At the end of the course, participants will possess analytical ability to link theory-based knowledge to complex, real world conditions of planning structures prevalent at the urban and regional level. They will be able to assess location-specific institutional and organisational structures in terms of their evolution, socio-cultural context and politico-administrative environment.

Grading: paper of max. 20,000 characters