Department of Spatial Planning

We conduct high-quality research and education and work actively to collaborate with the surrounding community. The department is located in Blekinge's scenic landscape, on Campus Karlskrona in modernised barracks buildings near the center of Karlskrona.

Education and training

At the Department of Spatial Planning we offer education at both undergraduate and advanced level:

• Bachelor's Program in Spatial Planning (undergraduate level):
  Breadth and depth in spatial planning, with a focus on detailed and comprehensive planning.
• Master program (advanced level):
  • Urban Planning - focus on urban development and design.
  • Strategic Physical Planning - focus on comprehensive and regional planning.

Research activities

Research at the department focuses on the interaction between people and their social and physical environments. We work interdisciplinary with expertise from several different areas to contribute to sustainable urban development.

Our research areas are:

Inclusive urban planning and urban morphologies

We study urban morphogenesis - how urban form and patterns evolve over time. Through a morphological perspective, we identify principles and frameworks for how sustainable cities can emerge. The research is based on an inclusive and participatory perspective where citizens are involved in planning and design.

Planning processes and power relations

Here we investigate sustainable development processes, power relations and decision-making in spatial planning. Researchers critically analyse municipal planning processes and study contemporary strategies, land use and trends aimed at a more sustainable built environment.

Spatial relations and processes in planning and the built environment

We adopt a socio-material perspective and study how power, subjectivity and spatial practices take shape in planning and built environments. The focus is on the interplay between:

1. Visions, ideas and intentions
2. Material spaces
3. Perceptions and experiences

We analyse relationships and processes, both in contemporary and historical contexts.

Environmental planning processes

The research highlights the complexity of planning processes from environmental, legal and technical perspectives. We investigate how new technologies and increasing environmental concerns affect large-scale planning projects and how these processes are managed in social and spatial contexts.

Want to know more?

Find out more about our research and projects in spatial planning.

Internationalisation

As a student with us, you have the opportunity to study part of your degree abroad. This will give you

• Experience of a new academic environment.
• The opportunity to take courses not offered at BTH.
• New perspectives and insights into your subject.
• International experience and language skills that are sought after by future employers.

For more information about exchange studies, please contact:

• Manda Bensköld - manda.benskold@bth.se
• Malin Altenby Larsen - malin.altenby.larsen@bth.se