The Laboratory of Urban and Architectural Design has been set up to work out spatial development plans and to conduct analyses of changes in the urban and architectural structures of the settlement units examined. It is integrated with the other Institute laboratories, viz. that of Regional Systems of Geographical Information and that of Spatial Econometric Modelling.
The goal of the laboratory is to support the research carried out by the Institute staff. The AUTOCAD and ArcGIS programs allow preparing diagnostic, prognostic and planning studies as well as architectural and physical planning works, while graphic programs enable an impressive and effective visualisation of socio-economic and spatial features.
The laboratory is also used as an auxiliary tool in the implementation of selected works conducted here and the preparation of master’s theses. It also allows preparing didactic material for classes in Urban design, Planning workshop, Physical planning, Urbanised spaces, and Public space, given to Spatial Management and Geography students.
The laboratory also allows research and development work in which use is made of tools for the processing and analysis of a huge mass of data, especially spatial ones. Its professional equipment and software serve to solve space management problems, especially those connected with the cadastre, spatial order, investment processes, real-estate management, municipal utility management, or environmental protection. As is well known, it is impossible to make coordinated decisions in various overlapping areas of space management without analysing relations between them. The laboratory allows preparing multi-variant spatial analyses, studies and projects.
The laboratory is equipped with computers and large tables, which enhances the comfort of project work. The size of the room, its furniture (and its mobility) and software (word processors, graphics) make it possible to conduct workshops, seminars and meetings.