Spaces of Mobility

Sabine Bauer

The transformation of public spaces is a crucial step in achieving the mobility transition. It can make a significant contribution to the decarbonization of our mobility while at the same time offering the opportunity to substantially improve the quality of life in our cities. This requires a reorganization, functional change, a fair share of space and attractive design for public spaces. As designers, we are challenged to develop viable solutions to these tasks and bring them into implementation. 

But the journey from the initial design or competition submission to implementation is often a long one – and along the way many designs are significantly changed. In this process, some designs lose much of their innovation and coherence, while others emerge even stronger. 
What is the reason for this? Why can some elements of the design survive the process while others are lost? And how can we, as designers, help to ensure that our innovative ideas survive from concept to built reality?

These are the questions we will address in the elective course Spaces of Mobility this semester. We will examine design proposals for various public space transformation projects in Graz and compare them to what was ultimately implemented. Building on this analysis, we will discuss - together with guests from planning and administration practice – the processes behind the changes and the role of designers within them.

Final presentation: 
16.12.25