Literature can bring spaces to life—and that is precisely where the course “Spatial Stories—Now and Then” comes in. The focus is on how spaces are narrated, described, and perceived in literature, and what insights can be gained from this for spatial planning. Together, students analyze literary descriptions of space from various media—ranging from novels and comics to blogs—and develop their own spatial stories. In doing so, they learn to observe spaces consciously, compose vivid descriptions, and apply stylistic methods to their own planning practice.

A special component of the course was the spatial writing workshop in Melk (Lower Austria) in May 2026. There, students created their own texts and future narratives about places and their potential, inspired by the picturesque small town on the Danube.

The course is part of the Master’s elective modules 2 (Spatial Planning in Rural and Alpine Areas) and 8 (Digital Analysis and Digitization) and was held in collaboration with landuni.