The specialization in urban research aims to convey the theories, methods and scientific principles of the “participatory turn” within the planning and design disciplines. This knowledge is applied and deepened in the exercise at a specific location. In addition to imparting factual knowledge, the aim of the course is to strengthen students' understanding of the relationship between participatory processes and urban transformations; i.e. to raise their awareness of the fact that urban justice (specifically in relation to the distribution of space and the resulting possibilities of use for different social groups) and a qualitative urban space depend not only on the typology of the place, but also on the relationships and participation of actors within an area.