Dortmund Conference – DOKORP 2027

Generative AI, machine learning, virtual worlds – opportunities, risks, and implications of the ongoing digitalisation for planning for the future

Generative AI and machine learning have become an integral part of decision-making processes, including in the context of spatial planning and development. However, AI is merely the latest (though very profound) component in the long-standing process of societies' digitalisation. Spatial planning cannot be exempted from this trend and is increasingly influenced by new technologies. In this context, fundamental questions arise for planning research: What are the implications of AI use for planning theory? Which new actors are becoming directly or indirectly involved in the planning process? How are ongoing digitisation and virtualisation changing participatory processes? What legal implications arise from the use of data science methods in spatial planning? These and other aspects will be a key focus of the 2027 Dortmund Conference on Spatial and Planning Research (DOKORP).

Keynotes

• Cordula Kropp (University of Stuttgart, Germany)
• Rob Kitchin (Maynooth University, Ireland)

Tracks

DOKORP 2027 features different thematic tracks, addressing a wide range of key challenges in planning. Abstracts for the tracks can be submitted by September 15, 2026 via the DOKORP website, in German or English (depending on the track). The limit is 500 words (ca. 1 page). You can find a complete list of tracks, including brief descriptions, online via the link below. You can also submit proposals for a spatial and/or planning science Roundtable (including contributors/participants, if already possible).

Registration Fees

• Full payers: €220 (regular) or €180 (Early-Bird until 30 November 2026)
• PhD candidates: €180 (regular) or €140 (Early-Bird until 30 November 2026)
• Students*: €130 (regular) or €100 (Early-Bird until 30 November 2026)

PhD-Day**: (additional on top of the conference fee): €60

Conference Dinner: €60

* Please note that the number of places for student participants (B.Sc. and M.Sc.) is limited to 40.
** Please note that the number of places for the PhD Day is limited to 30.

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Accepted abstracts require the timely registration and payment of fees by at least one presenter.

Organizers

The Dortmund Conference on Spatial and Planning Research is hosted by the Department of Spatial Planning at the TU Dortmund University. In 2027, it will be organized primarily by the research groups of Spatial Modelling and Resource and Energy Systems. The conference is held in cooperation with the ARL – Academy for Spatial Development in the Leibniz Association, the ILS – Research Institute for Regional and Urban Development, the RVR – Ruhr Regional Planning Association, and the Central Institute for Spatial Planning at the University of Münster.

*** Recognition as a training event. We are seeking recognition as a continuing education pro­gram in the fields of architecture, landscape architecture, and urban planning***