Researching urban development and socio-environmental transformation in Europe.
The Institute for European Urban Studies (IFEU) at Bauhaus-Universität Weimar is a research and teaching center dedicated to exploring the complexities of urban and spatial development in Europe. Founded in 2004, the institute focuses on socio-environmental transformation, social participation, and heritage, guided by the principle of spatial justice. IFEU combines expertise in urban planning, spatial development, and urban and rural life, examining these issues within the context of global processes and power relations. The institute's work is interdisciplinary, drawing on various scientific perspectives and methodological approaches to understand material, social, and discursive spaces. The institute is composed of nine professorships, each contributing to research from different angles, including urban planning, spatial planning, urban studies, landscape architecture, and conservation. This diverse expertise allows IFEU to interweave research and design approaches, fostering a comprehensive understanding of urban and rural spaces and their interrelationships. IFEU's mission is to address critical challenges such as the climate crisis, social and spatial polarization, and democratic decision-making processes. By conducting research and education in these areas, the institute aims to contribute to the development of sociologically and ecologically just methods and strategies for urban development. Through its work, IFEU seeks to provide insights and solutions that are relevant not only to European cities but also to global urban issues.