Please note! Course description is confirmed for two academic years, which means that in general, e.g. Learning outcomes, assessment methods and key content stays unchanged. However, via course syllabus, it is possible to specify or change the course execution in each realization of the course, such as how the contact sessions are organized, assessment methods weighted or materials used.

LEARNING OUTCOMES

After the course, the student:

  • Knows the key theories and spatial models that elucidate contemporary regional urbanization processes.
  • Understands the nature of the city as a dynamic system.
  • Comprehends the role of economic and socio-cultural processes, as well as the significance of transportation and communication systems in urban progress, and the interlinkages among them.
  • Understands the possibilities and limitations of traditional master planning within the complex operating environment of urban development.
  • Is able to apply relevant professional tools and methods introduced for urban spatial and functional analysis.
  • Can apply these tools and methods to conduct strategic urban planning on multiple scales.

Credits: 10

Schedule: 27.02.2025 - 05.06.2025

Teacher in charge (valid for whole curriculum period):

Teacher in charge (applies in this implementation): Jenni Partanen

Contact information for the course (applies in this implementation):

CEFR level (valid for whole curriculum period):

Language of instruction and studies (applies in this implementation):

Teaching language: English. Languages of study attainment: English

CONTENT, ASSESSMENT AND WORKLOAD

Content
  • valid for whole curriculum period:

    The course entails an urban planning project that integrates various urban processes, such as strategic land use and transportation systems, addressing regional contexts as well as city and neighborhood scales.

    During the project, the students:

    • Analyze, synthesize, and interpret the relational, spatial, and functional properties of the city, using a variety of analysis methods and urban data.
    • Recognize relevant patterns and dependencies in the urban environment based on the analyses.
    • Define long-term developmental goals, formulate suitable strategies, and suggest tactical spatial interventions, incentives, or conceptual designs as progressive steps toward achieving the overarching strategic objectives.
    • Build strategic policies and plans with reference to analytical knowledge and understanding of urban processes.
    • Visualize analyses, plans, and designs in an informative manner.
    • Communicate the plans both to professional and lay audiences in English.
    • Act as proactive members of a design team.

Assessment Methods and Criteria
  • valid for whole curriculum period:

    Regular attendance is required. The study work consists of several compulsory planning and analysis assignments related to the planning case, involving both group and individual work.   
    Assessment is based on performance on the assignments and partly also on activity in class.

Workload
  • valid for whole curriculum period:

    Learning sessions (incl. lectures, workshops and meetings with instructors) 70 hours, group work and individual studying 200 hours.

DETAILS

Study Material
  • valid for whole curriculum period:

    Course literature and planning case -related documents and data.

    Basic information and classification details.

Substitutes for Courses
Prerequisites
SDG: Sustainable Development Goals

    11 Sustainable Cities and Communities

FURTHER INFORMATION

Further Information
  • valid for whole curriculum period:

    Teaching Language: English

    Teaching Period: 2024-2025 Spring IV - V
    2025-2026 Spring IV - V

    Registration:

    Registration for courses will take place in Sisu (sisu.aalto.fi). Students in the Master's Programme of Spatial Planning and Transportation Engineering are prioritized.