TEACHING RESEARCH PROJECT, SS 2013
Dr. Astrid Ley, Anke Hagemann

Spatial Patterns of Globalization: Berlin as a Node of International Fashion Industries

Current urbanization processes are shaped and influenced by a globalizing economy. Although transnationally operating, networks of production and distribution of goods are still grounded in a locality and therefore take effect on urban space. This research project will study these localities as nodes in the international division of labor. Berlin’s fashion and clothing industry will be used as a case in point to investigate the stations of transnational commodity chains and the corresponding built environment – case studies will include local businesses and their international network/relations, from small-scale design firms and migrant sewing shops to suburban fashion outlets and distant garment factories.

Participants will work in sub-theme groups and run through the different levels of a research process from formulating a particular research problem, to reviewing literature, developing a methodology, data collection and analysis and interpreting the evidence. An important aspect will be the graphical presentation of results in terms of mappings, plans and other visualizing tools. Lectures by experts and excursions to particular sites will complete the program.