Urban networks and transport systems are closely linked. Structures and processes affect each other dynamically. On one hand, the spatial structures in unison with the existing transport options influence daily mobility choices and patterns such as the activity, the destination, and the transport mode. On the other hand, long-term mobility decisions (choice of residential location, car ownership, public transport utilization etc.) are significantly influenced by the accessibility levels within a metropolitan region.

Nowadays, the interactions between urban structures and transport planning can be found on different spatial scales from the neighborhood district to the metropolitan city, and further beyond to the regional, national, and international levels. . Today the metropolitan regions are ever more important as an action space for living, working, shopping, and socializing as well as accessing services and leisure activities.

It is necessary to improve the alignment of planning processes, in order to maximize decisions, and active opportunities given the background of changing demographic and economic situations coupled with the requirements to protect the climate and preserve energy resources. For a coordinated land-use and transport development, appropriate measures, instruments, and processes have to be developed.

The Department of Urban Structure and Transport Planning here at the Technical University of Munich sets the following priorities in teaching, research and consultancy:

• Concepts, measures and effects of a integrated urban and transport network
• Models and tools to estimate the dynamic interactions between spatial patterns and transport systems
• Planning and implementation processes at city-regional level