After successful completion of the course, students are able to perceive space in a visual way, analyze and examine it based on the chosen research question. The students will develop questions on the chosen topic and examine them using mapping methods. Additionally, tools for scientific writing will be researched and used.

 "See space. Cartography as a methodological approach for spacial examination."

Video presentation: https://owncloud.tuwien.ac.at/index.php/s/DMxOzuns8zV0sNY

The space is to be explored and analyzed in its morphological, functional, historical, economic, ecological and identity-creating aspects. The chosen research topic should be approached very selectively, but impartially and curiously. Change of scale and perspective as well as reinterpretations are used to see and understand the space in detail. Based on the research topic, independent excursions will be held in Vienna, which should be helpful in developing the material.

City means overlapping over time. Whereas evidence of natural events can be found in the topography, the newest layers are usually shaped by manmade development. How space appears and functions today is more of a recent development that disguises itself as given.

We are looking for the last 100 years of urban development: Which influences have shaped our space, our thought patterns, technical innovations or images of society, which events can be read in the space and perhaps even give indications for future developments?

Picture credits: Oswalt, Overmeyer, Misselwitz: Urban Catayst, Berlin 2013

Cartography or mapping as a scientific method will be learned and applied during the seminar. The map has always been the tool of architects, not only in design, but also in research. In addition to common methods of anaylsis of social sciences and humanities, maps and spatial graphics are primarily intended to be used for research and ultimately knowledge transfer. 

This course is held in together with the course 260.221 'Excursion Urban Planning'. The excursions take place in teams of two or three students, the seminar work is done individually.

‘Literature packages’ will be developed, presented and discussed in teams using methods for mapping and scientific writing. Research questions will be developed and an independent scientific paper will be written and presented.