PhD in Urban and Regional Planning

PhD in Urban and Regional Planning
Development of Participatory Approach for Increased Community Resilience and Climate Change Adaptation

The main goal of this project is to create strategies for resilience and climate adaptation of the built environment through participatory research methods in communities of the northern coastal area of West Java Province, specifically in Indramayu Regency. This project employs a holistic approach that spans multiple sectors and engages both intra- and inter-community stakeholders.

The doctoral candidate’s goal is to develop a participatory methodology for the identification, adaptation, and implementation of current climate change adaptation measures in the unique local context of the community that will serve as a case study. These include, but are not limited to, the adoption of stakeholder involvement and participatory approaches, such as group discussions, interviews, and questionnaire distribution.

The PhD is for a candidate registered at ITB under the direction of Adiwan Fahlan Aritenang and Nurrohman Wijaya at ITB, Indonesia, and Christina Demski at The University of Bath, UK.

The doctoral candidate in urban and regional planning will have four specific goals:

1. Identify and assess current climate change adaptation measures considering the geographic, socio-economical, and cultural context of the community.
2. Develop participatory research methods and public engagement to understand local stakeholder and community perceptions of climate risk and adaptation.
3. Propose potential strategies for climate adaptation to the local context of the case study.
4. Develop knowledge mobilization tools that enable effective adaptation strategies within the case study community.

Profile Sought (Required Skills):

• Experience in rural and environment planning, climate adaptation, informal economies, and Global South challenges;
• Knowledge of spatial analysis (GIS), statistical analysis, and qualitative analysis preferable;
• Degree in Geography or Regional Planning, with a strong interest in Rural Development, Environment, Geography, GIS, Public Policy, Spatial Analysis, and/or social policy and governance or another field related to the social sciences;
• Experience involving stakeholders in research projects, preferably public engagement and/or participatory and co-design methods, such as surveys, workshops, group discussions, and interviews;
• Ability to read, write, and communicate in English (required). Proficiency in Bahasa is an asset to work in the communities;
• Willingness to develop novel and innovative solutions;
• Interest in interdisciplinary work, experience in this is an asset;
• Capacity to work independently and as part of a multidisciplinary team.

Starting Date:

• For local students, it will be September 2024;
• For international students, according to immigration and administrative procedures.