This study investigates, if, and how urban sprawl exacer-
bates climate change challenges and how a more sustain-
able development in terms of land take and mobility can
be achieved by looking at Ravensburg, the city of interest
in Germany. More precisely, the underlying reasons and
drivers of urban sprawl and its tremendous environmen-
tal consequences are analysed.
A secondary intervening aim is to assess the public trans-
port system and mobility behaviour, respectively prefer-
ences. A relationship between urban structure and mo-
bility was established. Whereas urban areas are often char-
acterised by great public transport systems, rural areas are
often disadvantaged.
Surveys and Interviews were used as a means to get
more in-detail information. A total of 61 surveys and 6
interviews were conducted. The main findings related
to relocation preferences are on the one hand in line
with previous literature, including motives such as nature,
family formation, memories and individual preferences
and on the other hand, indicate problems related to
availability and affordability.
Generally speaking, the public transport system is per-
ceived as bad in terms of high ticket costs and poor fre-
quencies and timing.
Based on the primary and secondary data including plans,
concepts and literature, recommendations are made in or-
der to align with the no net land take by 2050 initiative and
to contribute towards the achievement of the sustainable
development goals.
This research shall highlight urban sprawls’ adverse influ-
ence on climate change as well as demonstrate the urgent
need for new planning strategies.