New CAS 'Transformative Spatial Development FHNW' Qualifies Professionals in Spatial Planning for the World of Tomorrow

Spatial development is considered a central discipline for designing future-proof living spaces. Population growth, climate change, biodiversity loss, and new forms of mobility create a demand for action within administrations, posing significant challenges for planning offices and area developers.

Climate Crisis, Inner Development, and Societal Transformation

The new CAS Transformative Spatial Development at FHNW combines current expertise with concrete case studies from Swiss municipalities and cities. Participants develop solutions that enhance local qualities while keeping national and global objectives in view.

'Our unique CAS Transformative Spatial Development provides planners throughout Switzerland with a structured framework to sharpen future visions and develop sustainable strategies for cities and municipalities,' says Gerhard Fellnhofer, Director of the School of Architecture, Civil Engineering and Geomatics FHNW.

Cooperation between FHNW and Metron AG

In the CAS 'Transformative Spatial Development', lecturers from all institutes of the School of Architecture, Civil Engineering and Geomatics FHNW teach together with external professionals. The CAS is realised with Metron AG as a partner. This combines the continuing education programme with research, teaching, and long-standing experience in planning administration and private sector planning.

Interdisciplinary Perspective and Added Value for Employers

The continuing education programme with 12 ECTS credits spans ten months with 18 classroom days at the modern FHNW Campus in Muttenz. Nine modules introduce central topics of transformative spatial development: from spatially shaping megatrends and future visions to qualitative inner development and building culture, to municipal climate strategies, sponge city concepts, transformation of energy networks, sustainable mobility, and the role of digitalisation and interdisciplinary cooperation. Within a systems-oriented perspective on transformation and practical knowledge, planning roles are discussed. A study tour, practical exercises, and case studies promote the transfer to professional practice. An independent certificate project deepens questions from individual practice and strengthens the direct added value for employers.

Skills Shortage, Spatial Development, and 'Zero Emission'

With the new continuing education programme, the School of Architecture, Civil Engineering and Geomatics FHNW also connects the FHNW-wide future field 'Zero Emission' with its diverse expertise in spatial development. The CAS is aimed at professionals from public administrations, planning offices, land development, engineering, environmental and energy technologies, landscape architecture, and other spatial and planning- related disciplines. With the CAS, FHNW contributes to the long-term development of skilled professionals in Swiss spatial development.

Starting in April 2026, Registration Open Now

Participants can also be admitted 'sur dossier'. 'With the CAS, we focus on current tensions between social development and spatial design, promoting new networks for professionals,' explains Programme Director Axel Schubert. 'Spatial development faces great challenges and exciting opportunities. Together with the participants, we focus on building culture as well as quality inner development and discuss ways for successful cooperation in planning', says Barbara Gloor from Metron AG, the implementation partner of the CAS.

Details about the Continuing Education Programme

The CAS Transformative Spatial Development starts on 23 April 2026 in Muttenz. The courses are held in German. The participation fee is 6,900 Swiss francs, plus expenses for teaching materials and excursions. The number of places is limited; registrations will be considered in the order received. Further information, detailed module descriptions, an information event on 20 January 2026, as well as online registration, can be found at: CAS Transformative Spatial Development

FHNW.

Contact

University of Applied Sciences and Arts Northwestern Switzerland FHNW
School of Architecture, Civil Engineering and Geomatics
Axel Schubert, Dipl.-Ing. Arch., City Planner FSU/SRL, Construction Assessor, Head of Sustainable Spatial Development
Institute of Sustainability and Energy in Construction
T +41 61 228 62 49
axel.schubert@fhnw.ch

School of Architecture, Civil Engineering and Geomatics FHNW

Located at the FHNW Campus in Muttenz, the School of Architecture, Civil Engineering and Geomatics FHNW offers bachelor's and master's programmes in architecture, civil engineering, digital construction, energy, and environmental technology, as well as geomatics. It enables construction and energy professionals to pursue practical, part-time continuing education.

Further information can be found at www.fhnw.ch/habg.

University of Applied Sciences and Arts Northwestern Switzerland FHNW
Dominik Lehmann
Head of Communication FHNW
Bahnhofstrasse 6
5210 Windisch
T +41 56 202 77 28
dominik.lehmann@fhnw.ch
www.fhnw.ch

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