After successful completion of the course, students are able to work on complex design tasks in the field of urban planning independently, systematically and with an original, contemporary design approach based on a precise design language. They have the competence to recognize fields of action in the urban context and to develop appropriate urban planning solutions. Students are able to carry out independent research and establish topic-related basics. They are able to create design concepts and to present them comprehensively in the form of strategic, draft and detailed plans in teamwork.

Paris s'éveille... Reinventing Paris... This kind of slogan currently describes highly interesting urban transformation processes, which are to be read against the background of a rapidly increasing demand for housing and (climate) politically motivated adaptation measures: derelict, under-used or externally designated areas are becoming central urban development areas: Zones d'Aménagement Concerté - ZAC. At the same time, massive efforts are being made to redesign public space: the deconstruction of parking spaces, the expansion of the cycling infrastructure and intensive greening of the city are intended to have a lasting effect on the mobility behaviour of the population, reduce CO2 emissions and thus reduce the heat island effect.

We will primarily investigate the outskirts of Paris: here, within the ring road (Périphérique), the disused railway line of the former ring road La Petite Ceinture is located. It will be the starting point for our search for suitable fields of experimentation to work on the above-mentioned transformation topics in analysis and design.

An excursion to Paris (23.03. - 01.04.) is the prelude to the design process. In collaboration with the architecture universities ENSA La Villette and ENSA Belleville we will work on site and explore the city. In addition, we will get an insight into the Parisian urban planning practice through APUR (Atelier parisien d'urbanisme), LAN (Umberto Napolitano), Hamonic+Masson and Nouvelle AOM Chartier-Dalix.

Back in Vienna, we will examine the insights gained in Paris and the defined areas of work for their transformative potential and transfer them into an urban planning design.

Introduction date: Monday, 09.03.2020, 14.00, project room STB

Excursion date: 23.03.2020 - 01.04.2020

Excursion costs: approx. 350 Euro accommodation, approx. 150 Euro arrival/departure

In preparation for the excursion to Paris, the students will work on research topics in group or individual work, in order to then present these on site in Paris. The excursion from 23.03. - 01.04. serves to explore the structures, transformation processes, urban planning topics and problems of the city of Paris. In addition, several office visits will take place to give students an insight into the planning realities and processes of urban planning practice in Paris. Cooperation with local universities will be sought in order to facilitate an exchange with teachers and students. The aim is to sketch a picture of current urban planning issues in Paris that is as complex and impressive as possible and to raise students' awareness of possible topics for work that correspond to their research interests and design motivation.

These will be further developed back in Vienna in a team of 2-3 students in the sense of research-led teaching. Through in-depth research, elaboration of the basic question, concept development and formulation of an urban design, student projects will be developed that can contribute to the current urban planning discussion in Paris.

The students will be supported by workshops in Paris, weekly meetings in Vienna and interim and final presentations. Guest critics will be invited and accompanying impulse lectures are planned.

Proof of performance is provided through the presentation of the agreed research topics, participation in the excursion, discussion of the project progress in the weekly meetings and the presentation of the concept and draft in the interim and final presentations.