Course content

This course provides a comprehensive exploration of Urban Facility Management (Urban FM), a specialized field that goes beyond managing individual buildings or complexes by considering the broader scope of entire communities or urban environments. Urban FM focuses on the effective management, operation, and maintenance of urban infrastructure and facilities, ensuring that public spaces and services serve the diverse needs of residents while fostering sustainable, resilient, and inclusive cities.

In addition to the key aspects of Urban FM—such as strategic planning, governance and collaboration, resource optimization, community engagement, sustainability and resilience, and digitalization—this course emphasizes students' personal transformation. Students will be equipped to become the change-makers, facilitators, leaders, and decision-makers that modern society urgently needs. Through lectures, case studies, and assignments, students will not only gain the technical knowledge required for urban facility management but also develop the practical skills and leadership qualities essential for shaping the future of urban spaces.

The course focuses on preparing students for professional roles in the evolving field of Urban FM, where they will be challenged to step into leadership positions, innovate solutions, and drive positive change within their communities. By combining both theoretical and hands-on learning, students will gain a deep understanding of how to manage urban facilities while simultaneously developing the critical thinking, problem-solving, and collaboration skills necessary to navigate complex urban challenges.

Main topics covered include: Urban Facility Management, Governance, Value Models, Health and Well-being, Sustainable Development Goals, Urban Ecosystems, Public-Private-People Partnerships, Circular Economy, Social Aspects (community engagement, cultural identity, motivational factors), and Transformative leadership.

Learning outcome

KNOWLEGDE

The candidate should have knowledge of selected topics concerning Urban Facility Management. This includes:

• Understanding and application of relevant models, analytical tools and methods
• Methods for urban area condition assessments and sustainability analysis, refurbishment, reconstruction, adaptation and development of existing buildings
• Methods for co-creation of an urban value ecosystem, which has people and environment as the main driving forces and urban facility manager as the main enabler, change agent and implementer
• Roles, responsibilities and organization
• Legislation, regulations and standards

SKILLS

• The candidate is able to implement and lead processes for development and management of Urban Facility Management and to choose and apply analysis methods and tools related to management, economy, social and environmental sustainability in urban or rural communities.
• The candidate get familiar with motivational theory and develop skills to facilitate alteration processes within management of communities, facilities and existing buildings.

GENERAL KNOWLEGDE:

The candidate can:

• Understand the importance, values and challenges of the built environment to the people and society
• Know the basic principles for sustainable preserving and development of existing buildings
• Recognize the Urban Facility Managers role, responsibilities, and opportunities towards the owners and users of the society as well as public authorities
• Apply procedures, tools and methods in a way that promotes smart and sustainable solutions, urban facility management and health, well-being, safety and security of citizens

Learning methods and activities

Lectures and exercises will be given in English. The learning model consists of lectures, dialogues and discussions, seminars, exercises, excursions or supervised self-study. A project assignment will also be carried out, individually and in groups of 3-5 persons.

Compulsory assignments

• Attendance at classes

Required previous knowledge

Bachelors degree or at least three years of study within one of the fields real estate, civil engineering or economics.

Course materials

Scientific articles and text books will be given at the beginning of the semester. Some of the literature might be in Norwegian.