Search result: Catalogue data in Autumn Semester 2019

Spatial Development and Infrastructure Systems Master Information
1. Semester
Compulsory Courses
NumberTitleTypeECTSHoursLecturers
101-0467-01LTransport Systems
Only for master students, otherwise a special permisson by the lecturers is required.
O6 credits4GK. W. Axhausen, A. Kouvelas, P. Wang
AbstractHistory, impact and principles of the design and operation of
transport systems
Learning objectiveIntroduction of the basic principles of the design and operation of
transport systems (road, rail, air) and of the essential pathways of their
impacts (investment, generalised costs, accessibilities, external effects), referring to relatively constant, and factors with substantial future uncertainty, in the past and expected evolution of transport systems.
ContentTransport systems and land use; network design; fundamental model of mobility behaviour; costs and benefits of mobility; transport history

Classification of public transport systems; Characteristics of rail systems, bus systems, cable cars and funiculars, unconventional systems; introduction to logistics; fundamentals of rail freight transports; freight transport systems; intermodal transportation

Network layout and its impact on road traffic. Traffic control systems for urban and inter-urban areas. Fundamentals of road safety and infrastructure maintenance.
Lecture notesLecturer notes and slides as well as hints to further literature will be given during the course.
Prerequisites / NoticeObligatory lecture for students of the first semester of MSc Spatial development and Infrastructure Systems.
103-0317-00LIntroduction to Spatial Development and Transformation
Only for master students, otherwise a special permisson by the lecturer is required.
O3 credits2GM. Nollert
AbstractThe course deals with important material and methodical foundations for action and decision-making of spatial relevance. On the basis of current and future challenges of spatial develop-ment in Switzerland and Europe, central tasks and possibilities for their treatment are im-parted.
Learning objectiveSpatial development deals with the development and formation and arrangement of our envi-ronment. In order to be able to mediate between the different demands, interests and projects of multiple actors, a forward-looking, action-oriented and robust planning is necessary. It is committed - in the sense of a sustainable spatial development - to the economical handling of resources, in particular of the non-replicable resource soil.
The lecture introduces the necessary basic knowledge and is based on the following main top-ics:
– Inward development and challenges of spatial transformation
– Interplay of formal and informal processes and processes across different scales of spatial development
– Methods of action-oriented planning in situations of insecurity
– Integrated space and infrastructure development
By taking up the lecture, the students are able to recognize cross-scale, complex tasks of spa-tial development and transformation and to use their methodical and professional knowledge to clarify them.
ContentContents

– Tasks of spatial planning and spatial development
– Local and supra-local tasks
– Formal and informal tools and procedures
– Regularities of spatial changes, influencing factors and indicators
– Conflicts, problems and opportunities of spatial relevance
Methodology of action-oriented planning:
– Spatial planning as sequences of actions and decisions
– The influence of knowledge and language in planning
– Spatial assessment and reasoning
– Process and process management
Focus tasks:
– Inward development and transformation
– Integrated spatial and infrastructure development
– Transboundary issues of spatial development
Lecture notesFuther information and the documents for the lecture can be found on the homepage of IRL/STL
103-0347-00LLandscape Planning and Environmental Systems Restricted registration - show details O3 credits2VA. Grêt-Regamey
AbstractIn the course, students learn about methods for the identification and measurement of landscape characteristics, as well as measures and policies for landscape planning. Landscape planning is put into the context of environmental systems (soil, water, air, climate, flora and fauna) and discussed with regard to socio-political questions of the future.
Learning objectiveThe aims of this course are:
1) To illustrate the concept of landscape planning, the economic relevance of landscape and nature in the context of the environmental systems (soil, water, air, climate, flora and fauna).
2) To show landscape planning as an integral information system for the coordination of different instruments by illustrating the aims, methods, instruments and their functions in landscape planning.
3) To show the importance of ecosystem services.
4) To learn basics about nature and landscape: Analysis and assessment of the complex interactions between landscape elements, effects of current and future land use (ecosystem goods and services, landscape functions).
5) To identify and measure the characteristics of landscape.
6) Learn how to use spatial data in landscape planning.
ContentIn this course, the following topics are discussed:
- Definition of the concept of landscape
- Landscape metrics
- Landscape change
- Landscape planning
- Methods, instruments and aims of landscape planning (policy)
- Socio-political questions of the future
- Environmental systems, ecological connectivity
- Ecosystem services
- Urban landscape services
- Practice of landscape planning
- Use of GIS in landscape planning
Lecture notesNo script. The documentation, consisting of presentation slides are partly handed out and are provided for download on Moodle.
Prerequisites / NoticeThe contents of the course will be illustrated in the associated course 103-0347-01 U (Landscape Planning and Environmental Systems (GIS Exercises)) or in Project LAND within the Experimental and Computer Lab (for Environmental Engineers). A combination of courses is recommended.
103-0377-10LBasics of RE&IS Restricted registration - show details
Only for Spatial Development and Infrastructure Systems MSc.
O2 credits2GK. W. Axhausen, M. J. Van Strien
AbstractEvery Master student should acquire a number of basic skills that will allow them to practice science independently. Especially in such a broad and practice-oriented MSc program as Spatial Development and Infrastructure Systems, it is important that all students develop a solid foundation of general scientific skills. In this course such general skills are taught.
Learning objectiveThe aim of the course is to teach students starting a RE&IS Master basic skills that are not only required to successfully complete the RE&IS Master program, but are also important for the future career in science or practice. The course consists of two components covering the following topics:
-Learning the basics of the statistical software R
-Important aspects of sound scientific conduct and practice.
ContentThe first seven weeks of the course, students will learn the basics of the open-source software R, which is currently one of the most popular software programs for (statistical) data analysis and data modelling. During the computer lab sessions, students will learn how to read and write data from and to files, create and handle R objects such as vectors and data frames, plot data (histograms, boxplots, scattered plots and simple maps), write conditional statements as well as for- and while-loops. Each lab-session will start with a short lecture, after which students have to complete several exercises that have to be completed in order to pass the course.

In the following five weeks, issues related to scientific conduct, such as plagiarism or citation, will be discussed. In addition, the students will be introduced to proper citation style and the important elements in the design of tables and graphs. This part of the course will consist of lectures and exercises. Students have to complete the citation and the graph/table exercise in order to pass the course.

Two lectures in the course will be reserved for the students to work on their assignments.
Lecture notesA syllabus of the course will be handed out at the beginning of the course. Furthermore, handouts of the lectures and exercise materials will be made available during the course.
101-0509-10LNetwork Infrastructure 1 Restricted registration - show details O3 credits2GB. T. Adey, C. Kielhauser
AbstractThe course provides an introduction of how to make and defend estimates for spending on the maintenance of network infrastructure, and in evaluating multiple options in modifying network infrastructure in situations where there is substantial future uncertainty on the infrastructure requirements.
Learning objectiveUpon completion of the course, students will
- be able to make and defend estimates for spending on the maintenance of network infrastructure
- be able to evaluate multiple options in modifying network infrastructure in situations where there is substantial future uncertainty on the infrastructure requirements
Content- Setting goals and constraints
- Predicting the future with certain demand
- Justifying interventions with certain demand
- Predicting the future with uncertain demand
- Justifying interventions with uncertain demand
Lecture notesAppropriate reading / study material will be handed out during the course.
Copies of the slides will be handed out at the beginning of each class.
LiteratureAppropriate literature will be handed out when required.
Major Courses
Major in Spatial and Landscape Development
NumberTitleTypeECTSHoursLecturers
103-0337-00LSite- and Project DevelopmentW3 credits2GM. Sudau
AbstractThe main focus of the lecture is on site and project development questions in relation to recycling of industrial wasteland. A semester exercise covers a specific major project and serves as the semester grade (project report and presentation).
Learning objectiveObjectives of the lecture are:
1) Acquire knowledge of comprehensive and multifunctional large-scale projects and their problem areas
2) Get deepened knowledge in selected fields (site analysis, market analysis, project development, cooperative planning, participation processes)
3) Practical orientation, insight into occupational fields
4) Independent acquirement and acquisition of theoretical knowledge
ContentThe lecture consists of several modules. The main focus is on site and project development questions in relation to recycling of industrial wasteland. Technical presentations, lectured by scientific staff of the division of Planning of Landscape and Urban Systems PLUS as well as well guest referees treat different subjects.

The subjects are:
-Site and market analysis
-Real estate development and valuation
-Project development from the perspective of project developers and investors
-Parking and transportation models
-Cooperative planning, participation processes, mediation

The theory is discussed and illustrated at case studies and within the semester performance. The students explore the project area during an excursion in the first weeks of the semester. Specific large-scale projects that are currently in the development phase will be discussed, for example the area Gaswerkareal Bern, the Sihl-Manegg area in Zurich (GreenCity) or the area Alter Pilatusmarkt (Nidfeld) Luzern. For one specific industrial wasteland area the students will develop a vision for a possible redevelopment and a new land-use concept, which will be discussed with experts.
Lecture notes-Handouts of the lectures
-Extracts from relevant scientific articles and theory literature
-Exercise material

Download: https://irl.ethz.ch/de/education/vorlesungen/msc/project_developement.html
LiteratureReferences in the lecture notes
103-0417-02LTheory and Methodology of Spatial Planning
Only for master students, otherwise a special permisson by the lecturer is required.
W3 credits2GA. Peric Momcilovic
AbstractThe course introduces students to the basic spatial planning theories as well as principles, approaches and methods used to conduct spatial research. Students learn how to adapt and use research designs to guide observation, data collection, hypothesis formation, analysis, evaluation and report writing. Ultimately, this provides important preparation for work on the MSc thesis.
Learning objectiveKeeping the general aim of exploring the basic theories and methodologies in spatial planning research, the specific course learning objectives are as follows:
- to identify key questions and key concepts in contemporary planning research;
- to define research topic and research problem;
- to conduct critical literature review;
- to compose the research questions; and
- to select appropriate research method to properly address the research questions.

In practical terms, students:
- are informed about different (qualitative and quantitative) methods and techniques for spatial research;
- learn about different types of research (theoretical, empirical, action-oriented, qualitative, quantitative);
- get to recognise various types of scientific texts;
- learn how to develop the research proposal; and
- get skilled for writing simple research essays.
Content- Spatial planning theories / Evolution of planning thought
- “Wicked” spatial problems / Post-positivism and planning research
- Methodology in spatial research
- Research questions (types of research questions; research questions, hypotheses and theories); justification of research question
- Data generation methods (interviews and questionnaires, ethnography and observation, documents, official statistics)
- Data analysis (quantitative and qualitative data; quantitative analysis of survey data; qualitative analysis – content analysis, discourse analysis, case study)
- Research ethics
- Cross-national comparative research
- Structure of research paper
Lecture notesLearning materials: available online (Moodle) before corresponding lecture.
LiteratureObligatory literature:
• Farthing, S. (2015). Research Design in Urban Planning: A Student’s Guide. London: Sage.

Recommended literature:
• Davoudi, S. & Strange, I. (2009). Conceptions of Space and Place in Strategic Spatial Planning. Abingdon, Oxon, GBR: Routledge.
• Allmendinger, P. (2002). The Post-Positivist Landscape of Planning Theory. In P. Allmendinger & M. Tewdwr-Jones (Eds.), Planning Futures: New Directions for Planning Theory (pp. 3-17). London: Routledge.
• Healey, P. (1997). Collaborative Planning - Shaping places in fragmented societies. London: MacMillan Press.
• Friedmann, J. (1996). Two Centuries of Planning Theory. In S. Mandelbaum, L. Mazza & R. W. Burchell (Eds.), Explorations in planning theory I. New Brunswick, New Jersey: Center for Urban Policy Research.
• Rittel, H. & Webber, M. (1973). Dilemmas in a general theory of planning. Policy Sciences, 4, 155-169.
• Schönwandt, W. (2008). Planning in Crisis. London: Ashgate.
851-0707-00LSpace Planning Law and Environment
Particularly suitable for students of D-ARCH, D-BAUG, D-USYS
W2 credits2GO. Bucher
AbstractSystem of swiss planning law,
Constitutional and statutory provisions,
Space planning and fundamental rights,
Instruments,
Application, legal protection, enforcement,
Practical training.
Learning objectiveBasic unterstanding of nature and function of space planning from a legal point of view. Basic knowledge of space planning instruments, relationship between space planning and constitutional law (especially property rights), solving of practical cases.
ContentDie Vorlesung basiert wesentlich auf der Mitwirkung der Studenten. Es finden 3 Sitzungen im Hörsaal statt, in welchen sich in der Praxis stellende Probleme erörtert werden. Die Vorbereitung auf die jeweiligen Sitzungen erfolgt an Hand von Fallbearbeitungen und einem Selbststudium an Hand des Lehrbuchs zum Raumplanungs- und Baurecht. Lösen von drei Aufgaben (praktischen Fällen) mit je genügender Leistung für die Erlangung der KP. Als Lernhilfe werden Anleitungen und insbesondere ein Musterfall mit Musterlösung zur Verfügung gestellt.
Lecture notesHaller, Walter/Karlen, Peter, Raumplanung-, Bau- und Umweltrecht, 3.A., Zürich 1999

Hänni, Peter, Planungs-, Bau- und besonderes Umweltschutzrecht, 6.A., Bern 2016
103-0327-00LHistory of Spatial PlanningW1 credit1VM. Koll-Schretzenmayr
AbstractThe course examines the patterns of cleavage, conflict, convergence of interest, and consensus that have structured spatial planning.
Learning objectiveThis course aims to provide students with knowledge of the historical background to understand the current spatial structure and to face the current challanges in spatial planning.
Social, cultural, and economic forces will be analyzed for the roles they have played in shaping the landscapes and cityscapes and the answers spatiall planning had to spatial development. The course focuses on the history of planning ideas, paradigms and approaches. A link is made to current challanges in spatial planning.
ContentDie Veranstaltung gibt einen Überblick über die Geschichte der Raumplanung. Sie möchte das Verständnis für die Ideengeschichte wecken und den historischen Kontext für die gegenwärtige Raumplanung und Raumstruktur vermitteln.
LiteratureMartina Koll-Schretzenmayr (2008): gelungen-misslungen? Die Geschichte der Raumplanung Schweiz. NZZ Libro.

Leendertz, Ariane: Ordnung schaffen. Deutsche Raumplanung im 20. Jahrhundert. Wallstein Verlag, Göttingen 2010

Kleine Geschichte der Schweiz: Der Bundesstaat und seine Traditionen (edition suhrkamp)

Michael Koch, Städtebau in der Schweiz 1800-1990, Zürich 1992.

Angelus Eisinger: Städte bauen: gta Verlag 2004.

Daniel Kurz: Die Disziplinierung der Stadt - Moderner Städtebau in Zürich 1900 bis 1940. gta Verlag 2008
103-0569-00LEuropean Aspects of Spatial DevelopmentW3 credits2GA. Peric Momcilovic
AbstractFollowing the insight into historical perspective and contemporary models of governance and planning, the course focuses on the international dimension of spatial planning in Europe. This includes a discussion of how European spatial policy is made and by whom, how planners can participate in such process and how they can address transnational challenges of spatial development cooperatively.
Learning objectiveKeeping the general aim of exploring the European dimension of spatial planning in mind, the specific course learning objectives are as follows:
- to interpret the history of spatial planning at the transnational scale
- to understand and explain the content of the European spatial policy agenda
- to describe and analyse the role of territorial cooperation in making European spatial development patterns and planning procedures
- to discuss the changing role of planners and evaluate the ways of their engagement in European spatial policy-making
Content- European spatial policy agenda: introduction and basic directives
- governance models
- planning models; collaborative planning model (main concepts & critics)
- post-positivist approach to spatial planning
- transnational spatial planning in Europe; questioning the European spatial planning; spatial development trends in Europe
- EU as a political system: EU institutions & non-EU actors
- planning families in Europe; the European spatial planning agenda
- spatial planning strategies and programmes on territorial cooperation
- the notion of planning culture and planning system; planning cultures in Europe
- basic characteristics of planning systems in Europe
- the relevance of European transnational cooperation for spatial planning
- European transnational initiatives: CODE 24 (Rotterdam-Genoa), Orient/east-Med corridor (Hamburg-Athens), Danube region
Lecture notesThe documents for the lecture will be provided at the moodle.
LiteratureObligatory literature:
- Dühr, S., Colomb, C. & Nadin, V. (2010). European Spatial Planning and Territorial Cooperation. London: Routledge.

Recommended literature:
Governance models:
- Martens, K. (2007). Actors in a Fuzzy Governance Environment. In G. de Roo & G. Porter (Eds.), Fuzzy Planning: The Role of Actors in a Fuzzy Governance Environment (pp. 43-65). Abingdon, Oxon, GBR: Ashgate Publishing Group.

Planning models:
- Davoudi, S. & Strange, I. (2009). Conceptions of Space and Place in Strategic Spatial Planning. Abingdon, Oxon, GBR: Routledge.
- Allmendinger, P. (2002). The Post-Positivist Landscape of Planning Theory. In P. Allmendinger & M. Tewdwr-Jones (Eds.), Planning Futures: New Directions for Planning Theory (pp. 3-17). London: Routledge.
- Healey, P. (1997). Collaborative Planning - Shaping places in fragmented societies. London: MacMillan Press.

EU as a political context:
- Williams, R. H. (1996). European Union Spatial Policy and Planning. London: Sage.

Territorial cooperation in Europe:
- Dühr, S., Stead, D. & Zonneveld, W. (2007). The Europeanization of spatial planning through territorial cooperation. Planning Practice & Research, 22(3), 291-307.
- Dühr, S. & Nadin, V. (2007). Europeanization through transnational territorial cooperation? The case of INTERREG IIIB North-West Europe. Planning Practice and Research, 22(3), 373-394.
- Faludi, A. (Ed.) (2002). European Spatial Planning. Cambridge, Mass.: Lincoln institute of land policy.
- Faludi, A. (2010). Cohesion, Coherence, Cooperation: European Spatial Planning Coming of Age? London: Routledge.
- Faludi, A. (2014). EUropeanisation or Europeanisation of spatial planning? Planning Theory & Practice, 15(2), 155-169.
- Kunzmann, K. R. (2006). The Europeanisation of spatial planning. In N. Adams, J. Alden & N. Harris (Eds.), Regional Development and Spatial Planning in an Enlarged European Union. Aldershot: Ashgate.

Planning families and cultures:
- Newman, P. & Thornley, A. (1996). Urban Plannning in Europe: international competition, national systems and planning projects. London: Routledge.
- Knieling, J. & Othengrafen, F. (Eds.). (2009). Planning Cultures in Europe: Decoding Cultural Phenomena in Urban and Regional Planning. Aldershot: Ashgate.
- Stead, D., de Vries, J. & Tasan-Kok, T. (2015). Planning Cultures and Histories: Influences on the Evolution of Planning Systems and Spatial Development Patterns. European Planning Studies, 23(11), 2127-2132.
- Scholl, B. (Eds.) (2012). Spaces and Places of National Importance. Zurich: ETH vdf Hochschulverlag.

Planning systems in Europe:
- Nadin, V. & Stead, D. (2008). European Spatial Planning Systems, Social Models and Learning. disP - The Planning Review, 44(172), 35-47.
- Commission of the European Communities. (1997). The EU compendium of spatial planning systems and policies. Luxembourg: Office for Official Publications of the European Communities.
Prerequisites / NoticeOnly for master students, otherwise a special permission by the lecturer is required.
103-0307-00LMulti-Criteria Decision Analysis Information W3 credits2GA. Grêt-Regamey, M. J. Van Strien
AbstractPlanners need to make decisions about the best possible mix of land uses. With increasing availability of spatial databases and the analytical capabilities of GIS, more effective decision support systems can be developed. The goal of the course is to provide the basics of spatial analysis and to teach the integration of spatial data into multicriteria decision-making systems.
Learning objectiveThis course will:
1) introduce students to techniques and issues associated with spatial modeling and decision support systems, including analytical techniques that are unique to spatial analysis
2) provide hands-on training in the use of these spatial tools in R while addressing real planning problems.

The emphasis is on concepts, resources, and analysis tools that students can use in science, private companies and government careers.
Lecture notes- Handouts of the lectures
- Script
- Exercise material

Download: Link
Prerequisites / NoticeThe course will presume basic knowledge of the R software package. RE&IS Master students will acquire this knowledge during the
"Basics of RE&IS" (103-0377-10L) course. Provided there are still available places, students from other disciplines can also join the part of "Basics of RE&IS" in which R is taught (i.e. first five lectures; no credit points will be awarded). These students can register for "Basics of RE&IS" by e-mailing Maarten van Strien (vanstrien@ethz.ch). Alternatively, they can acquire basic R knowledge with online tutorials, such as "Introduction to R" by W. N. Venables and D. M. Smith available online at http://cran.r-project.org/doc/manuals/R-intro.pdf.
103-0347-01LLandscape Planning and Environmental Systems (GIS Exercises) Restricted registration - show details W3 credits2UA. Grêt-Regamey, M. Galleguillos Torres, A. Stritih
AbstractThe course content of the lecture Landscape Planning and Environmental Systems (103-0347-00 V) will be illustrated in practical GIS exercises (e.g. habitat modelling, land use change, ecosystem services, connectivity).
Learning objective- Practical application of theory from the lectures
- Quantitative assessment and evaluation of landscape characteristics
- Learning useful applications of GIS for landscape planning
- Developing landscape planning measures for practical case studies
Content- Applications of GIS in landscape planning
- Landscape analysis
- Landscape structural metrics
- Modelling habitats and land use change
- Calculating urban ecosystem services
- Ecological connectivity
Lecture notesNo script. The documentation, consisting of presentation slides are partly handed out and are provided for download on Moodle.
LiteratureWill be named in the lecture.
Prerequisites / NoticeBasic GIS skills are recommended.
701-1631-00LFoundations of Ecosystem ManagementW5 credits3GJ. Ghazoul, C. Garcia, J. Garcia Ulloa, A. Giger Dray
AbstractThis course introduces the broad variety of conflicts that arise in projects focusing on sustainable management of natural resources. It explores case studies of ecosystem management approaches and considers their practicability, their achievements and possible barriers to their uptake.
Learning objectiveStudents should be able to
a) propose appropriate and realistic solutions to ecosystem management problems that integrate ecological, economic and social dimensions across relevant temporal and spatial scales.
b) identify important stakeholders, their needs and interests, and the main conflicts that exist among them in the context of land and resource management.
ContentTraditional management systems focus on extraction of natural resources, and their manipulation and governance. However, traditional management has frequently resulted in catastrophic failures such as, for example, the collapse of fish stocks and biodiversity loss. These failures have stimulated the development of alternative ‘ecosystem management’ approaches that emphasise the functionality of human-dominated systems. Inherent to such approaches are system-wide perspectives and a focus on ecological processes and services, multiple spatial and temporal scales, as well as the need to incorporate diverse stakeholder interests in decision making. Thus, ecosystem management is the science and practice of managing natural resources, biodiversity and ecological processes, to meet multiple demands of society. It can be local, regional or global in scope, and addresses critical issues in developed and developing countries relating to economic and environmental security and sustainability.

This course provides an introduction to ecosystem management, and in particular the importance of integrating ecology into management systems to meet multiple societal demands. The course explores the extent to which human-managed terrestrial systems depend on underlying ecological processes, and the consequences of degradation of these processes for human welfare and environmental well-being. Building upon a theoretical foundation, the course will tackle issues in resource ecology and management, notably forests, agriculture and wild resources within the broader context of sustainability, biodiversity conservation and poverty alleviation or economic development. Case studies from tropical and temperate regions will be used to explore these issues. Dealing with ecological and economic uncertainty, and how this affects decision making, will be discussed. Strategies for conservation and management of terrestrial ecosystems will give consideration to landscape ecology, protected area systems, and community management, paying particular attention to alternative livelihood options and marketing strategies of common pool resources.
Lecture notesNo Script
LiteratureChichilnisky, G. and Heal, G. (1998) Economic returns from the biosphere. Nature, 391: 629-630.
Daily, G.C. (1997) Nature’s Services: Societal dependence on natural ecosystems. Island Press. Washington DC.
Hindmarch, C. and Pienkowski, M. (2000) Land Management: The Hidden Costs. Blackwell Science.
Millenium Ecosystem Assessment (2005) Ecosystems and Human Well-being: Synthesis. Island Press, Washington DC.
Milner-Gulland, E.J. and Mace, R. (1998) Conservation of Biological Resources. Blackwell Science.
Gunderson, L.H. and Holling, C.S. (2002) Panarchy: understanding transformations in human and natural systems. Island Press.
701-0565-00LFundamentals of Natural Hazards ManagementW3 credits3GH. R. Heinimann, B. Krummenacher, S. Löw
AbstractRisks to life and human assets result when settlement areas and infrastructure overlap regions where natural hazard processes occur. This course utilizes case studies to teach how a future natural hazards-specialist should analyze, assess and manage risks.
Learning objectiveConcepts will be explained step-by-step through a set of case studies, and applied in lab by the students. The following principal steps are used when coping with natural hazard-risks. At each step, students will learn and apply the following skills:
Risk analysis - What can happen?
-Characterize the processes and environmental measures that lead to a natural hazard and integrate modeling results of these processes.
- Identify threats to human life and assets exposed to natural hazards and estimate possible drawbacks or damages.
Risk assessment - What are the acceptable levels of risk?
- Apply principles to determine acceptable risks to human life and assets in order to identify locations which should receive added protection.
- Explain causes for conflicts between risk perception and risk analysis.
Risk management - What steps should be taken to manage risks?
- Explain how various hazard mitigation approaches reduce risk.
- Describe hazard scenarios as a base for adequate dimensioning of control measures.
- Identify the best alternative from a set of thinkable measures based on an evaluation scheme.
- Explain the principles of risk-governance.
ContentDie Vorlesung besteht aus folgenden Blöcken:
1) Einführung ins Vorgehenskonzept (1W)
2) Risikoanalyse (6W + Exkursion) mit:
- Systemabgrenzung
- Gefahrenbeurteilung
- Expositions- und Folgenanalyse
3) Risikobewertung (2W)
4) Risikomanagement (2W + Exkursion)
5) Abschlussbesprechung (1W)
701-1453-00LEcological Assessment and Evaluation Information
Does not take place this semester.
W3 credits3GF. Knaus
AbstractThe course provides methods and tools for ecological evaluations dealing with nature conservation or landscape planning. It covers census methods, ecological criteria, indicators, indices and critically appraises objectivity and accuracy of the available methods, tools and procedures. Birds and plants are used as main example guiding through different case studies.
Learning objectiveStudents will be able to:
1) critically consider biological data books and local, regional, and national inventories;
2) evaluate the validity of ecological criteria used in decision making processes;
3) critically appraise the handling of ecological data and criteria used in the process of evaluation
4) perform an ecological evaluation project from the field survey up to the descision making and planning.
Lecture notesPowerpoint slides are available on the webpage. Additional documents are handed out as copies.
LiteratureBasic literature and references are listed on the webpage.
Prerequisites / NoticeThe course structure changes between lecture parts, seminars and discussions. The didactic atmosphere is intended as working group.

Prerequisites for attending this course are skills and knowledge equivalent to those taught in the following ETH courses:
- Pflanzen- und Vegetationsökologie
- Systematische Botanik
- Raum- und Regionalentwicklung
- Naturschutz und Naturschutzbiologie
052-0801-00LGlobal History of Urban Design I Information W2 credits2GT. Avermaete
AbstractThis course focuses on the history of the city, as well as on the ideas, processes and actors that engender and lead their developments and transformations. The history of urban design will be approached as a cross-cultural field of knowledge that integrates scientific, economic and technical innovation as well as social and cultural advance.
Learning objectiveThe lectures deal mainly with the definition of urban design as an independent discipline, which maintains connections with other disciplines (politics, sociology, geography) that are concerned with the transformation of the city. The aim is to make students conversant with the multiple theories, concepts and approaches of urban design as they were articulated throughout time in a variety of cultural contexts, thus offering a theoretical framework for students' future design work.
ContentIn the first semester the genesis of the objects of study, the city, urban culture and urban design, are introduced and situated within their intellectual, cultural and political contexts:

01. The History and Theory of the City as Project
02. Of Rituals, Water and Mud: The Urban Revolution in Mesopotamia and the Indus
03: The Idea of the Polis: Rome, Greece and Beyond
04: The Long Middle Ages and their Counterparts: From the Towns of Tuscany to Delhi
05: Between Ideal and Laboratory: Of Middle Eastern Grids and European Renaissance Principles
06: Of Absolutism and Enlightenment: Baroque, Defense and Colonization
07: The City of Labor: Company Towns as Cross-Cultural Phenomenon
09: Garden Cities of Tomorrow: From the Global North to the Global South and Back Again
010: Civilized Wilderness and City Beautiful: The Park Movement of Olmsted and The Urban Plans of Burnham
011: The Extension of the European City: From the Viennese Ringstrasse to Amsterdam Zuid
Lecture notesPrior to each lecture a chapter of the reader (Skript) will be made available through the webpage of the Chair. These chapters will provide an introduction to the lecture, the basic visual references of each lecture, key dates and events, as well as references to the compulsory and additional reading.
LiteratureThere are three books that will function as main reference literature throughout the course:

-Ching, Francis D. K, Mark Jarzombek, and Vikramditya Prakash. A Global History of Architecture. Hoboken: Wiley, 2017.
-Ingersoll, Richard. World Architecture: A Cross-Cultural History. New York: Oxford University Press, 2018.
-James-Chakraborty, Kathleen. Architecture Since 1400. Minneapolis: University of Minnesota Press, 2014.

These books will be reserved for consultation in the ETH Baubibliothek, and will not be available for individual loans.

A list of further recommended literature will be found within each chapter of the reader (Skript).
Prerequisites / NoticeStudents are required to familiarize themselves with the conventions of architectural drawing (reading and analyzing plans at various scales).
052-0705-00LLandscape Architecture I Information W2 credits2VC. Girot
AbstractIntroduction to the history and theory of garden design and landscape architecture. Analysis of the design of historical gardens and landscapes within the cultural background.
Learning objectiveThe course covers the basic history and theory of garden design and landscape architecture from its beginnings to the 21th century. The course aims to raise awareness of a changing perception of nature and landscape.
ContentThe lecture series on “History and Theory of Garden Design and Landscape Architecture” deals with the historical development of designed nature, from the beginnings of cultural landscapes and gardens to 21th century landscape architecture. In the analysis of each era, the focus is on the spatial and cultural relationship between the garden, the city and the landscape, as well as the changing perceptions of nature and its representation.
Lecture notesHandouts and a reading list will be provided.
LiteratureA reading list will be provided for the exams.
Prerequisites / NoticeGeneral Information for the final exam:
Bachelor students: The content of the lectures as well as texts and exam-relevant literature provided by the Chair make up the basis for preparing for the exam. The lecture series is conceived as a yearlong course. Since the written session examination will test knowledge from both semesters, it is necessary to fully attend the lectures of both courses "Landscape Architecture I" and "Landscape Architecture II".
The themes of the examination will be announced at the end of the semester. The Chair will provide literature and texts available for download as pdfs. These allow a more in-depth understanding of the lecture material.

Exchange students or students from other departments: Students, who are attending only one semester, may pass the oral end-of-semester examination. Test-relevant literature will also be made available for download for this purpose.
The students are requested to get in touch by email with the Chair.
Major in Transport Systems and Behaviour
NumberTitleTypeECTSHoursLecturers
101-0427-01LPublic Transport Design and OperationsW6 credits4GF. Corman, V. De Martinis
AbstractThis course aims at analyzing, designing, improving public transport systems, as part of the overall transport system.
Learning objectivePublic transport is a key driver for making our cities more livable, clean and accessible, providing safe, and sustainable travel options for millions of people around the globe. Proper planning of public transport system also ensures that the system is competitive in terms of speed and cost. Public transport is a crucial asset, whose social, economic and environmental benefits extend beyond those who use it regularly; it reduces the amount of cars and road infrastructure in cities; reduces injuries and fatalities associated to car accidents, and gives transport accessibility to very large demographic groups.

Goal of the class is to understand the main characteristics and differences of public transport networks.
Their various performance criteria based on various perspective and stakeholders.
The most relevant decision making problems in a planning tactical and operational point of view
At the end of this course, students can critically analyze existing networks of public transport, their design and use; consider and substantiate possible improvements to existing networks of public transport and the management of those networks; optimize the use of resources in public transport.

General structure:
general introduction of transport, modes, technologies,
system design and line planning for different situations,
mathematical models for design and line planning
timetabling and tactical planning, and related mathematical approaches
operations, and quantitative support to operational problems,
evaluation of public transport systems.
ContentBasics for line transport systems and networks
Passenger/Supply requirements for line operations
Objectives of system and network planning, from different perspectives and users, design dilemmas
Conceptual concepts for passenger transport: long-distance, urban transport, regional, local transport

Planning process, from demand evaluation to line planning to timetables to operations
Matching demand and modes
Line planning techniques
Timetabling principles

Allocation of resources
Management of operations
Measures of realized operations
Improvements of existing services
Lecture notesLecture slides are provided.
LiteratureCeder, Avi: Public Transit Planning and Operation, CRC Press, 2015, ISBN 978-1466563919 (English)

Holzapfel, Helmut: Urbanismus und Verkehr – Bausteine für Architekten, Stadt- und Verkehrsplaner, Vieweg+Teubner, Wiesbaden 2012, ISBN 978-3-8348-1950-5 (Deutsch)

Hull, Angela: Transport Matters – Integrated approaches to planning city-regions, Routledge / Taylor & Francis Group, London / New York 2011, ISBN 978-0-415-48818-4 (English)

Vuchic, Vukan R.: Urban Transit – Operations, Planning, and Economics, John Wiley & Sons, Hoboken / New Jersey 2005, ISBN 0-471-63265-1 (English)

Walker, Jarrett: Human Transit – How clearer thinking about public transit can enrich our communities and our lives, ISLAND PRESS, Washington / Covelo / London 2012, ISBN 978-1-59726-971-1 (English)

White, Peter: Public Transport - Its Planning, Management and Operation, 5th edition, Routledge, London / New York 2009, ISBN 978-0415445306 (English)
151-0227-00LBasics of Air Transport (Aviation I)W4 credits3GP. Wild
AbstractIn general the course explains the main principles of air transport and elaborates on simple interdisciplinary topics.
Working on broad 14 different topics like aerodynamics, manufacturers, airport operations, business aviation, business models etc. the students get a good overview in air transportation.
The program is taught in English and we provide 11 different experts/lecturers.
Learning objectiveThe goal is to understand and explain basics, principles and contexts of the broader air transport industry.
Further, we provide the tools for starting a career in the air transport industry. The knowledge may also be used for other modes of transport.
Ideal foundation for Aviation II - Management of Air Transport.
ContentWeekly: 1h independent preparation; 2h lectures and 1 h training with an expert in the respective field

Concept: This course will be tought as Aviation I. A subsequent course - Aviation II - covers the "Management of Air Transport".

Content: Transport as part of the overall transportation scheme; Aerodynamics; Aircraft (A/C) Designs & Structures; A/C Operations; Law Enforcement; Maintenance & Manufacturers; Airport Operations & Planning; Customs & Security; ATC & Airspace; Air Freight; General Aviation; Business Jet Operations; Business models within Airline Industry; Military Operations.

Technical visit: This course includes a guided tour at Zurich Airport and Dubendorf Airfield (baggage sorting system, apron, tower & radar Simulator at Skyguide Dubendorf).
Lecture notesPreparation materials & slides are provided prior to each class
LiteratureLiterature will be provided by the lecturers, respectively there will be additional Information upon registration
Prerequisites / NoticeNone
401-0647-00LIntroduction to Mathematical Optimization Information W5 credits2V + 1UD. Adjiashvili
AbstractIntroduction to basic techniques and problems in mathematical optimization, and their applications to a variety of problems in engineering.
Learning objectiveThe goal of the course is to obtain a good understanding of some of the most fundamental mathematical optimization techniques used to solve linear programs and basic combinatorial optimization problems. The students will also practice applying the learned models to problems in engineering.
ContentTopics covered in this course include:
- Linear programming (simplex method, duality theory, shadow prices, ...).
- Basic combinatorial optimization problems (spanning trees, shortest paths, network flows, ...).
- Modelling with mathematical optimization: applications of mathematical programming in engineering.
LiteratureInformation about relevant literature will be given in the lecture.
Prerequisites / NoticeThis course is meant for students who did not already attend the course "Mathematical Optimization", which is a more advance lecture covering similar topics. Compared to "Mathematical Optimization", this course has a stronger focus on modeling and applications.
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