After successful completion of the course, students are able to give an overview of the physical and structural conditions and challenges of rural and alpine spaces and have knowledge of the following terms: spatial and system structure, spatial perception and representation in relation to physical structures.

The course deals integratively with rural and alpine areas and the needs of their inhabitants related to spatial structures, but also with possible spatial and infrastructural demands in rural and alpine areas as supra-regional production, recreation and transport areas. The contents refer to spatial structural conditions and developments ("planning hardware"). The range of topics includes in particular the spatial characteristics of rural and alpine areas as well as particularly relevant topics such as settlement development and natural hazards, topography and building development, restrictions on use, development systems and infrastructure offers with a focus on energy, transport and mobility. In addition, an overview is given of problems in the context of climate change and natural hazards, energy as well as recreational use and tourism.

Lecture input on selected topics related to landscale, infrastructure- and settlement deveolopment

Written exam

Interest in the challenges and problems in rural and alpine areas as well as basic knowledge of planning instruments, concepts, cultures and strategies is expected.