Urban Planning and Design
The Urban Planning and Design profile equips students to tackle sustainability challenges through a combination of design skills and an in-depth understanding of urban form. The focus lies in integrating design’s imaginative and communicative strengths with skills to analyse and shape urban environments, enabling students to develop and implement innovative urban strategies.
Urban environments are diverse and dynamic, shaped by morphological conditions, socio-economic, and ecological factors. Issues like environmental crises, demographic shifts, and economic change demand planning and design practices capable of guiding systemic and spatial transformation. This specialisation supports a shift toward sustainable and resilient urbanism, moving beyond purely market-driven or mechanistic approaches to urban governance.
The learning approach combines design studios with courses in urban theory, urban economics, research methods, and contemporary urban design practice. Studios focus on complex urban morphologies, environmental justice, social equity, stakeholder participation, and urban resilience. Practice-based research bridges theory and application through case studies and experimental projects. KTH and the Stockholm region serve as living labs for real-world analysis, experimentation, and network-building relevant in both Nordic and global contexts.
Designed for architects, urban designers, spatial planners, and landscape architects, the programme prepares graduates for diverse roles in urban design, policy-making, community development, urban renewal, and research. Graduates act as critical links between disciplines, sectors, and stakeholders, translating research, strategic planning, and tangible proposals into practical implementation. Career paths span public authorities, governmental agencies, NGOs, and design consultancies across Sweden, Europe, and internationally.