Urban research − understanding urban change in its diversity

Thomas Weith and Julian Gatawis from the research group ‘Spatial Planning and Urban Design’, together with their former colleagues Jette Ostheller and Barbara Schröter, have published an article in the journal “Discover Cities”, published by Springer Nature. This article focuses on the unique role of urban gardens, particularly urban allotments. With their high variety, they represent a key component of green infrastructure, fulfilling ecological, social and productive functions. Despite this multifunctionality, they are often only marginally included into local planning and development, meaning that their ecological and social potential remains underused and their long-term development is in danger. The article also explains how urban allotments can contribute to transformative and sustainable urban development as part of integrated concepts, rather than merely as isolated pilot projects. https://doi.org/10.1007/s44327-026-00331-y. Further current selected papers can be found here.

ILS researcher Thomas Weith, together with colleagues, has published an article in the journal “communications sustainability”. Research-driven innovations in agricultural and food systems can advance global sustainability goals, but their complexity requires them to be linked to clear transformation goals. Using a German research programme in the agriculture and food sector as an example, we demonstrate how such integration into transformation pathways can be achieved whilst simultaneously supporting mission-oriented research. https://doi.org/10.1038/s44458-026-00114-x. Further current selected papers can be found here.

ILS researchers Hannah Brill, Nils Hans and Isabel Ramos Lobato published an article, in collaboration with Norma Schemschat, Heike Hanhörster and Lara Hartig, in the journal Urban Planning. Building on growing research on changing geographies of migration and “new” arrival destinations, the article examines neighbourhoods across Germany through the lens of “left-behindness.” Drawing on 90 interviews from eight arrival neighbourhoods, the article analyses how “left-behindness” and the arrival of migrants interact in everyday life and local governance. It shows how structural constraints, symbolic representations, and social dynamics reinforce one another, shaping both the challenges and possibilities of migration. The article argues that left-behindness is best understood not as a spatial category but as a relational and processual condition that highlights uneven development and reveals how the challenges of migration-related diversity are locally negotiated and contested. https://doi.org/10.17645/up.11159. Further current publications can be found here.

Dr. Lea Fischer und Dr. Michael Kolocek haben einen Fachaufsatz veröffentlicht, in dem sie Ergebnisse aus dem Forschungsprojekt MaBIs (Marginalisierte Bevölkerungsgruppen und die solidarische Innenstadt) präsentieren. Aus einer raumwissenschaftlichen Perspektive diskutieren sie verschiedene Dimensionen informeller Arbeitstätigkeiten, etwa den Verkauf von Straßenmagazinen, das Betteln oder das Pfandsammeln. Der Aufsatz ist einer von über 40 Beiträgen in dem mehr als 800 Seiten umfassenden Sammelband von Frank Sowa und seinem Herausgeber*innenteam. Aus unterschiedlichen Perspektiven widmen sich die Autorinnen und Autoren den Lebenswirklichkeiten von Menschen, die in fragilen Behausungen leben. Der Band ist Open Access erhältlich. Mehr…

ILS researcher Bastian Heider, together with Stefan Siedentop from TU Dortmund University, has published an article in the journal Planning, Practice and Research. This paper examines the displacement of craft businesses from inner-city areas in five cities in North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany. Drawing on expert interviews with representatives from urban planning, economic development, and chambers of crafts, it identifies a complex interplay of highly context-related factors driving this process – ranging from land-use conversion and rising property values to emission conflicts and limited expansion opportunities. Urban policies have often tolerated or indirectly facilitated the marginalization of the craft sector. Recent planning initiatives show growing awareness of the issue, offering prospects for safeguarding productive uses and preserving mixed-use urban structures that are central to sustainable and resilient city economies. https://doi.org/10.1080/02697459.2026.2668492.  Further current publications can be found here.