Research institutes

The Centre for Strategic Urban Research consists of four partners: Forest & Landscape, LIFE, University of Copenhagen; Department of Geography & Geology, University of Copenhagen; Department of Architecture, Design & Media Technology, Aalborg University and Aarhus School of Architecture. One representative from each of the four institutions oversees the daily management of the Centre.

 

Forest & Landscape, LIFE, University of Copenhagen 

Forest & Landscape is a national centre for research, education and consultancy services within forest and forest products, landscape architecture, landscape management and urban planning and design. We work with research and development, education and training, monitoring, consultancy and extension, official contingency planning and development and environmental assistance within our scientific fields: forestry; forest products and greenery; park and landscape; nature and landscape management; planning and outdoor recreation and tourism. We also work in relevant areas of applied ecology, genetics, economics, policy, sociology and education associated with these fields. Two of the divisions are relevant for the Centre for Strategic Urban Research: Urban and Landscape Studies and Parks and Urban Landscapes.

 

Department of Geography & Geology, University of Copenhagen

The Department of Geography and Geology teaches and conducts research pertaining to natural geography (soil, landscape forms and climatic conditions) and cultural geography (agriculture, ecology, urban and regional geography etc.). Traditionally, the main themes of research have been economic geography/regional geography, social geography and physical planning. In recent years, this has been supplemented by an increased focus on globalisation and the transformation of economic and social conditions, as well as detailed studies of urban policy in the context of planning studies. The department is a result of a merging of the former institutes of Geography and Geology. The Department of Geography & Geology carries out research and offers courses at Bachelor’s, Master’s and Ph.D. levels. 

 

Platform Urban Landscapes, Aarhus School of Architecture

Platform Urban Landscapes is concerned with urban landscapes as an independent field of research and teaching, where landscape includes urban aspects. The work of the platform is characterised by a particular approach to the built environment (in the widest sense) which emphasizes open and free spaces. Based on this, urbanity is problematized theoretically, empirically and with regard to design and planning. Through an experimental and design-oriented approach to urban landscapes, the platform seeks out pressing and complex challenges. The platform aims at developing knowledge through research projects, research-based teaching and development projects related to the architectural practice. This involves the discovery, integration and application of ideas and knowledge generated through experimental cooperation with practice. At the same time, the platform seeks to develop the theoretical foundation of the approach and to utilize this for formulating and developing concrete experiments in landscape research.

 

Department of Architecture, Design & Media Technology, Aalborg University

From January 2010, the Departments of Architecture & Design and Media Technology have merged into the new Department of Architecture, Design & Media Technology (ADMT). The department have a vision for the development of an innovative cluster of engineering-based environments for education and research which integrate creativity, engineering and technology within the disciplines of architecture, urban design, industrial design, digital design, and interactive media. The new department’s mission is to become the leading research and educational environment in Denmark for addressing the challenge of the interplay between creativity and technology, and to develop new growth areas in research and education directed towards the human end-user. The department is unique for Denmark, as it brings together disciplines within architecture, design, media and technology under one roof. It will utilize the strength of Aalborg University in having broad experience in cross-disciplinary research and educational environments. In extension of these goals, the fusion have created the foundation for a powerful new field of knowledge and development of competence within the field of design with a human focus. These areas include architecture, urban design, industrial and service design, interaction design, film and media science, computer graphics, sound design, computer science and human machine interaction.