Research-STL
The Spatial Transformation Laboratories provide a platform for the elaboration of collective, experimental knowledge that is developed and negotiated between research, practice and society. Our knowledge is fed into the collective knowledge base of the STL, PLUS and SPUR chairs and shared through a variety of events. We drive innovation by applying academic thinking and knowledge to spatial development, planning, design and urban governance. In doing so, we act as an interface between academia and practice that can foster an exchange of academic knowledge and tools with planning and development practitioners. Currently, our research and development focuses on the following:
Processes and procedures for collaborative action
Our aim is to develop appropriate planning and decision-making processes for complex situations in multi-actor networks. Starting from known planning procedures such as competitions and test planning, the aim is to explore critical aspects of success and failure in order to adapt existing procedures to individual spatial situations, different scales, tasks and contexts of socio-political discussions. This is always down with regard to the growing demand for instruments of public participation.
Using the method of design to explore and solve complex planning tasks
Design has proven to be a promising explorative method to investigate “ill-defined problems” and to support the subsequent definition of the "planning task". This approach has proved promising in decision-making processes in multi-actor networks.
One research is concerned with the understanding of various methodological aspects of spatial design - including parametric design approaches to support collaborative and integrated development.
Design of planning strategies for urban transformation
Dealing with the relatively new task of urban transformation is not just a matter of designing new forms of urban fabric but rather of developing strategies that enable and secure the gradual development of neighbourhoods despite complex ownership structures.
Collective decision-making with a particular focus on the impact of megatrends such as connectivity and urbanisation
The so-called "smart urban technologies" will significantly shape the design of future urban regions. However, if we strive for a planning culture in which planning and design are implemented through a bottom-up logic, cities must not primarily become "smart", but responsive.
For cities to become responsive, spatial development must combine governance assemblages and novel technologies in a new process of becoming. In terms of research, this challenges us to rethink and understand cities as complex systems on the one hand and planning as a social and political need on the other.