Master of Science Programme

Urban Planning & ManageMent

Managing the challenge of urban planning and mobility in the global era A unique integration of engineering and social science Project-based group work An international environment for study and research

www.urban.aau.dk introdUction the Master of science PrograMMe

Urban development is societal develop- The Master of Science Programme in Ur- fessionalism with personal identity, offer- ment! images may be today’s winners, whereas ban Planning and Management at Aalborg ing a Master’s programme that points to cities outside the reach of such networks University was established to meet these a lifelong engagement with the fascinating Planning and managing the development are running the risk of ‘splintering’ into lay- radical urban transformations. world of urban planning and management. of contemporary cities is one of the major ers of mobili ty and living spaces mainly societal challenges all over the world regulated by economic powers. Such ur- Aim Content today. Hardly any place on the globe is ban competition leads developers, politi- The aim of the Master’s programme is to To meet such challenges the Urban Plan- left untouched by urbanisation, as the cians and planners to consider the par- teach students how to make theoretically ning and Management programme makes global spread of technology and economic ticular identity of their individual cities in a informed analyses using the newest systematic use of the project and problem activity continues to impact towns, cities global urban context. based model of learning. Students work and urban megaregions. In short we live urban planning and management. The together in groups on research questions, in an ‘urban society’. But who will decide these urban chang- students will then be capable of producing - es? Whose city is it? Who should have concrete suggestions for plans and tional environment with students of many The production of values, culture and a say when plans are made and imple- interventions in real-life urban planning different nationalities. Such a way of or- innovation is the hallmark of cities and the mented? Such crucial issues have to do situations. Reaching such a level of ganising the learning environment is in ac- outcome of urban development. However, with democracy and governance in urban problem solving synthesis is dependent cordance with the nature of the challenges so are the negative features of urban planning and management, as the imple- on the interdisciplinary approach built in urban planning and management today, density such as urban poverty, crime and mentation of various forms of participatory into the programme, taking the best from as problems do not exist within narrow pollution. organisation suggest. engineering and social sciences. boundaries of individual disciplines. Thus, the learning model is very closely related The city may be seen as a complex physi- These development trends mean that the Through focusing on the urban develop- to the real-life situation which urban plan- cal, technical and social phenomenon ’urban society’ is in need of plans, visions ment trends of today and tomorrow, the ners and managers face in their profes- linked to networks of both local anchoring and guiding principles for intervention in this Urban Planning and Management pro- sional capacities. and global spread. However, not all cities complex context. To increase the positive gramme puts emphasis not only on solid share the same fortune in terms of positive social, economic and environmental theoretical and methodological skills, but The Master’s programme fuses engi- development. In an age of global transfor- facets of the urban society, and to reduce also on integrating professional skills with neering and social science theories and the negative ones means putting forward the ability to build relationships with oth- methodologies, offering a complex and companies, employees and investment. well-informed analyses, realistic visions er people, recognising that planning and solution-oriented ‘tool box’ for dealing with Cities linked to global networks of trans- and sound interdisciplinary solutions. managing cities has as much to do with urban issues. During the programme, stu- communication and interaction as with dents will also have the option to take an technical and theoretical skills. Focus- internship, in for example a private plan- ing on a solid ability to build and sustain ning consultancy, a public planning de- personal relationships means fusing pro- partment or a NGO. 2 3 strUctUre coUrses

seMester 1 seMester 2 1st semester 2nd semester Urban Development, Causes and Con- The Deliberative Practitioner (5 ECTS) The complex city Power in planning sequences (5 ECTS) This course looks into the institutional This semester takes its point of departure in the Taking its point of departure in the notion of The course focuses on the potential so- contexts and power relations which the ongoing processes of change that mark Western contemporary urban development being affected cial, economical and environmental con- professional planner is a part of in his/ cities and urban agglomerations today. This includes by increased complexity and new local-global sequences of urban development. Rel- her daily work. The course deals with the the global-local change of the ability of cities to attract transformation processes, the theme of this semester evant concepts, theories and models to different understandings of the planner’s investments and labour, but also the changes in inter- understand the complexity of spatial de- role, and the ethical questions and profes- nal as wells as external infrastructural communica- and management. Leaving aside the idealised notion velopment of cities will be presented and sional behavioural code that exist around tions of cities. It also includes cities’ material trans- of urban planning and management as something actions with nature, their contribution to greenhouse neutral or inherently consensus-based, the theme discussed, in order to provide the students the planning profession. The course gives gas emissions, and the urban strategies developed deals with real-life issues such as: Who decides? with the ability to critically analyze and the students a profound understanding of in order to mitigate and adapt to climate change. Who gains and loses? And by what strategy is urban evaluate different strategies of urban de- central elements of the professional plan- Internationally these tendencies are described under development performed? velopment in a sustainable perspective. ner’s practice. The students will be able headings such as ‘splintering urbanism’, ‘polycentric Students will gain insight into the power realities On this basis the students will be able to to take an independent and critical stand urban development’ and ‘urban sprawl’. At the end of of urban planning, drawing on planning theories consider alternative strategies of how to the day, the common denominator is that contempo- focusing on power and rationality. During this towards how to deal with complex plan- rary urban development is, more than ever, charac- semester, each project group conducts an in-depth manage the complex issues that are re- ning process as a planner, and be able to terised by complexity. power analysis of a topical, national or international lated to urban development projects. The semester is devoted to understanding and urban or infrastructural development project. The aim professional work. assessing the complexity of multiple forms of trans- is to understand and analyse the tension between Complexity, Interrelationships, Syner- formation of urban land use and transport infrastruc- planning intentions and realities, between visions and Planning Theory (5 ECTS) ture. Special emphasis is put on the behavioural, real life implementations. This analysis is performed welfare-related, distributional, environmental and with reference to concepts such as manipulation, This course provides insight into cities as This course introduces international plan- economic consequences of such transformational illegitimate coercion and exclusion of relevant actors complex systems, where different con- ning theory. The course provides the stu- processes. During the project-oriented group work, and stakeholders. Of special interest is the role texts, structures, alterations and condi- dent with the ability to understand the the students are asked to evaluate a particular urban played by urban planners and managers. The aim tions are constantly affecting each other. context, strategy or plan, consider the environmental, of the analysis is to prepare strategies for improved The aim of the course is to enable the upon them. The students will be able to social, welfare and economic consequences of this, practice within a topical case. - students to understand how urban de- analyse and evaluate the core values of ground of their analysis. velopment initiatives can create feasible planning theories and methods and be outcomes for one purpose or group, whilst able to apply theories. This creates an at the same time disregarding the needs understanding of the role of planning and of others. The insight into potential eco- the planner in the society, and it provides nomic, social and environmental ‘side ef- knowledge of participation and democracy seMester 3 seMester 4 fects’ of urban development provides the in planning. students with the skills to understand and Internship, study abroad or Master’s thesis manage the interdisciplinarity that is often Policy, Planning and Governance extended master’s thesis associated with planning professions. (5 ECTS) This course introduces the concepts of This semester will provide students with the option of applying the theoretical and methodological of the master’s thesis. Students work individually or in Theories of Science and Research Designs power, politics and policy in relation to de- knowledge gained during the 1st and 2nd semesters small groups under the guidance of supervisory staff. (5 ECTS) cision making processes. The course will 4 in real-life situations in Denmark or abroad. This could The master’s thesis, being the highest level of work This course enables the student to reach provide the students with knowledge of 5 take form of an internship with a private planning undertaken, should aim at synthesising theories and an understanding of the main positions discourses, institutions and actors, and an consultancy, a public planning department or a NGO. methods in order to perform a potential solution for within the epistemology (theory of knowl- understanding of these elements in plan- An alternative option is to enrol at another (Danish or real-life urban planning and management problems. edge) of the social sciences and engineer- ning processes. Furthermore the students foreign) university in order to undertake a semester’s study there. ing, as well as the application of these to Finally, it is possible to combine the 3rd and the 4th planning research and practice. The stu- these elements are being used and how semesters to form a ‘prolonged master’s thesis’, if for dents will be trained in evaluating the ad- to apply them, in order to create an un- instance the research question demands more time equacy of different perspectives on knowl- derstanding of complex decision making edge and science in relation to planning. processes. Projects research environMent

Semester 1 Project Examples Semester 3 Example of Internships Urban Planning and Mobility • Planning theory, planning methods and Research Group the philosophy of science of planning re- - • Internship in the Social Planning depart- search. ence on the social sustainability of North- ment in a private consultancy company in The complex nature of planning in the 21st western Jutland Melbourne, Australia, working with social/ century requires a research program that • Sociology of mobility, primarily through planning issues related to gated communi- builds bridges between planning theory the study of air travel and the politics of • Eco-cities: towards sustainable urban ties and shopping centers airport development. development?: A case study of Hammarby and practice. Our research draws on the Sjöstad, Stockholm • Internship at Manukau City Council, New interdisciplinary, problem-based learning • Governance of mobility, including the mi- Zealand, working with Live-Work Develop- approach for which Aalborg University is cro-dynamics of planning practice as well • The Rural Challenge: Provision of public ments well-known. The research group is par- as strategic planning and visioning. services in rural areas in the time of demo- ticularly concerned with analysing power graphic change and decision-making in spatial policy and • Structuring of mobility, with a strong fo- working with a regeneration project for de- cus on the ways in which urban structures planning, examining the causal relation- • Creating place within the space: Quality of public spaces in a planning perspective - • Internship at the University of Reykjavik, ban development, and developing new • The role of transport models and other Semester 2 Project Examples Iceland as an assistant researcher work- approaches for mobility research. All re- quantitative assessment methods in plan- ing with sustainable mobility search aspects are grunded in rich empiri- ning and decision-making in large infra- • A Bridge over Troubled Water: Stories, cal studies. structure projects in Scandinavia. - Semester 4 Project Examples In addition, the research group plays a holm Crossing. • Decoupling economic growth from en- • Urban Life in the Experienced City -The leading role in the Centre for Mobilities vironmental consequences: possibilities • Brand Power: Power interests in the Daily Places, The Cool Places, The Taken and Urban Studies (C-MUS). and limitations within urban development change of the Danish law of Planning, the Places, and The Black Holes and the housing sector. case of IKEA in Aalborg. The group’s research themes include: • The Transformation Potential in Århus: A The group engages in dialogue with policy • A New Beginning for Planning Culture: mobility sociological analysis of the Future • Emerging spaces and practices of gov- and planning practitioners in Denmark and With Focus on Ikast-Brande Municipality Light-Rail in the Århus Area ernance and power in planning. internationally, aiming to contribute to an • Sustainable urban development pat- improved knowledge base for more ef- Deliberation structures’ impact on travel terns, including the investigation of the environmental and social consequences socially equitable development. • Walking - A Discussion of Walkability and of urban land use and transport infrastruc- Pedestrian Culture ture interventions.

6 7 stUdying at aalborg University

A Different Experience another course. By spending most of their Overall, the time at Aalborg University pro- Located in the centre of Aalborg, the de- time solving real-life problems, students vides students with a unique opportunity partment is connected to virtually every Both research and teaching at Aalborg do not merely learn about the subject mat- to develop analytical and research skills, area of Aalborg and Nørresundby by ex- University are based on inter-disciplinary ter, they learn how to use their knowledge. gain experience in working with people cellent bus services, as well as a train sta- and problem-oriented studies organised This process makes applying skills after from different cultures and explore subject tion 250 metres away. The network of cy- around group work. The project work graduation easier, whether in doctoral areas of interest. The focus on group prob- cle paths is exceptionally well developed generally accounts for 50% of the study studies or in occupational settings. lem solving is key to this experience, as it in Denmark, so many student choose to time, while the other 50% is devoted to cycle. lectures and seminars. The projects take Student Centred which contribute to a highly enjoyable and their starting points in real-life problems, worth-while experience. Student Environment and are often prepared in conjunction with x- ibility in how they choose to organize The Planning and Environmental Associa- local companies, authorities or organisa- Studying in Aalborg Centre tions. Projects are normally prepared in their projects. This is particularly impor- tion of Students (PEAS) is an organization groups of 3 to 5 students who work togeth- tant in the context of an international pro- Whilst the main university campus is lo- of students from planning, environmen- er throughout the entire semester under gramme, where students come from dif- cated at the south-eastern outskirts of tal and energy related educational pro- the supervision of one or more members ferent cultural backgrounds and may have Aalborg, the Department of Development grammes at Aalborg University. The or- of academic staff. different ways of working. Some prefer and Planning moved in the spring 2012 ganization (founded and run by students) to work alone whilst others thrive on be- into new facilities at Aalborg Harbour front, organizes social activities throughout the Project Work ing surrounded by other people. As the less than one kilometer from the most cen- semester such as discussion seminars, university does not specify how the pro- tral square in Aalborg. The location at the Friday Bars, a Christmas Party and a On the contrary to standard university projects must be completed other than that harbour front represents a unique oppor- Summer Party. grammes, Aalborg University puts an em- they must be done well, students organ- tunity to study in one of the most interest- phasis on group project work. Here prior- ise themselves and their work in whatever ing and vibrant urban development areas ity is given to students’ experiences from way they choose in order to achieve their in Aalborg. Recent urban development addressing real-world problems, providing goals. Thus, over the course of a semes- projects at Aalborg Harbour front include them with skills that they can use in real ter, students not only create a project, but a brand new harbour promenade and city life. Whilst many universities incorporate also a way of creating a project. park, the Utzon Centre, Nordkraft, and a group work and project work into their cur- new music house (expected to open sum- riculum, Aalborg University takes this a To aid the completion of group projects, mer 2013). And many more projects are step further. With half of the term devoted students are provided with a ‘group room’, on the way. to the project, and the remainder being which provides an ideal setting for group courses related to the theme of the se- discussions, project work and meetings mester, the project experience is an inte- with supervisors. gral part of the curriculum rather than just 8 9 job Profiles adMission

Anne Bach Admission requirements Scholarships You can apply either as a guest student, New students who have registered for a full-time study programme at Aalborg Uni- or two semesters or as a Master’s pro- versity but who are not nationals of an EU/ gramme student, following a degree pro- EEA country will be charged tuition fee. collective efforts towards realisation of a light rail in Eastern Jutland. My work tasks are gramme for two years. Semester start is primarily project management oriented, i.e. to keep track of everything in relation to the September 1st for the 1st and 3rd semes- Aalborg University does, however, grant ters, and February 1st for the 2nd and 4th tuition waivers and scholarships to non- semesters. EU/EEA students. The faculties of Aalborg University were awarded 20 tuition waiv- Students seeking to enrol in the pro- ers and scholarships for September 2012. Patrick Driscoll gramme are required to have the following Research Assistant , Department of Development and Planning, Aalborg University Students cannot apply for the scholar- I am currently part of a team working on a large research project in conjunction with ships but will be nominated by the facul- DTU (Danish Technical University) investigating sources of uncertainty and inaccuracy • A Bachelor of science degree in plan- ties of Aalborg University when they apply in transport model forecasts. My doctoral work will mainly focus on examining decision ning, engineering, architecture, geogra- to Aalborg University. phy, social science or equivalent. decisions in situations where there are so many uncertainties. Tuition Fees • Documented working knowledge of writ- ten and spoken English (e.g. a minimum There are no tuition fees for EU citizens. score of 6.5 points in an IELTS-test). Maren Friederike Ritter Tuition fees for other nationalities can be found: All applications are evaluated individually. http://www.studyguide.aau.dk/apply/tuition processes for urban planning projects such as European “Shared Space” projects or city Deadlines development plans. At Aalborg University I learned to understand the different views Further Information Deadlines for applicants requiring visa: planning processes with differing private and public interests in daily business. Working as For more information on admission appli- an urban planner for Grontmij GfL I am also concerned with designing land-use plans for March 15th for the September intake (de- cation form, scholarships, accommodation cities and communities, like new residential areas or shopping centres. gree students and guest students) etc. visit the website August 15th for the February intake (guest students only) http://www.studyguide.aau.dk Seth Schromen-Wawrin Active Communities Program Director, Feet First, Seattle, Washington, USA Deadlines for applicants with EU/EEA citi- For contact with the masters programme zenship and applicants from partner/co- please send an email to: improve the walkability of Seattle. The organization’s approach is to empower community operating institutions: groups to affect change in the area and to provide education and support on the technical [email protected] May 1st for the September intake (degree elements of transportation and planning. I have worked on projects varying from developing students and guest students) audits and surveys of streetscape and neighborhood conditions, to advising transportation October 1st for the February intake (guest students only) 10 11 aalborg info

Aalborg University is one of Denmark’s most The city of Aalborg, with around 125.000 inhabit- innovative institutions of higher education with ants, is the regional centre of Northern Jutland. approximately 15,000 students, of which more Aalborg is a high-tech industrial centre as well than 1.800 are international students. The range as a popular tourist and cultural centre. The city of subjects covered by the University’s four offers a rich and varied selection from just about faculties is wide ranging and over the years, the every cultural genre and its many leisure and University has expanded vigorously, and the entertainment facilities provide students with campus area is still developing. The University extensive opportunities to enjoy social activities. campus is situated in the south-eastern part of In addition, the city of Aalborg is located close Aalborg with easy access to the city centre and to some of the most popular sandy beaches in the main student residential areas. northern Europe and also has easy access to Copenhagen, the capital of Denmark.

For more information, visit the homepage: Denmark www.visitaalborg.com Aalborg

Copenhagen Layout: Jacob Hilmer • Aalborg University December 2012 © • Photo: Mette Nielsen, Pernille Falborg Petersen, Kristian Olesen Kristian Olesen Editors: Mette Nielsen, Helen Carter, ApS Print: Sindal Bogtrykkeri - ComVision