Territorial metabolism: contemporary perspectives on urban sustainability
From 2 Mar to 6 Mar 2026
General presentation
This thematic school introduces undergraduate students to urban sustainability using the metabolic approach, whereby cities are considered as systems of resource flows, consumption and waste. Students will explore how environmental transitions necessitate systemic territorial changes and novel approaches to organising urban spaces.
Key issues addressed by the programme include the transition from linear to circular urban metabolism, sustainable food systems, controlling urban sprawl, land management and preserving biodiversity through urban renaturation projects. By combining theoretical and practical perspectives, the course demonstrates the importance of integrated solutions in building more sustainable and resilient cities.
- Dates for physical mobility: 2 – 6 March 2026
- Period for virtual component: January - March 2026
- Location for physical mobility: Marseille
- Target audience: Students in their third year of a Bachelor's degree in Geography and Planning, students completing their first cycle of university studies
- Certificate/Diploma issued: 2.5 ECTS
- Language of instruction: French
- Deadline for application: 12 December 2025
- Organizing board:
- Bruno Charlier – Université de Pau et des Pays de l’Adour, France
- Jean-Baptiste Maudet - Université de Pau et des Pays de l’Adour, France