Department of Spatial Planning

The department of spatial planning is the largest educational institute of its kind in Europe. Since 1969, around 6,000 students have graduated from our De­part­ment and started working in public, semipublic and private institutions. 

Compared to other planning schools, Dortmund focuses on a practice-oriented and interdisciplinary approach. Former is provided via project work, field work and urban design studios. Anyway, this does not exclude a sound basis of theoretical knowledge.

The integrative approach is reflected by manifold research priorities within the de­part­ment:

• concepts for sustainable spatial planning & development
• spatial planning in developing countries
• European planning cultures
• spatial dimensions of gender studies
• land use and transport
• transformation of post-industrial regions
• urban development and qualification of urban design

Apart from that, De­part­ment of Spa­ti­al Plan­ning has always been emphasizing international perspectives on its campus. As a member of the UN-Habitat’s partnership with universities, Dortmund offers a huge variety of partners all over the world. Moreover, a lot of our students study abroad for a semester or take part in international urban design studios or projects.