The Doctoral Programme in Planning and Development

The Doctoral Programme in Planning and Development combines research activities in the the Department of Development and Planning and the Department of Architecture, Design & Media Technology PhD research activities are further strengthened by links with the Danish Building Research Institute.

Research within the programme is wide ranging and inter-disciplinary, and deals with the organisation, management and design of technology, environmental governance and management at societal and at company level, urban and mobility planning, societal infrastructural systems, architecture, urban design, and industrial design. In 2008 the Aalborg University Research Centre for Innovative Fisheries Management was integrated with the Department of Development and Planning, bringing a new research focus on questions of governance within an ecosystem-based approach to marine management.

A strong focus on Planning and Management dimensions

Emphasis is put on the planning and management dimensions, focusing on the policies and other regulatory instruments that are used in relation to technological, infrastructural and urban development projects, and environmental policy and planning. Furthermore, the physical dimension and form giving of buildings, artefacts and urban spaces are of central concern.

Interdisciplinary and Problem-Oriented research

Research draws on perspectives from the engineering sciences, as well as from relevant social sciences. It is often interdisciplinary and problem-oriented, seeking to identify practical alternatives for solving particular management and planning problems. The research environment consists of academics with different professional backgrounds, representing a wide range of academic disciplines. PhD research is carried out in partnership with a wide range of external public and private sector bodies.