In the Swiss context, discussions about architecture and the development of urban spaces are increasingly dominated by terms such as densification, pressure for profitability, and sustainability, particularly in light of growing urban sprawl and limited space. In the process, central aspects sometimes fade from view — such as the everyday perception of space and the built environment, as well as the actual patterns of use of built infrastructure. In courses and small-scale projects, we investigate these aspects through concrete research questions. We examine planning processes and their impact on the development of urban space, but also explore how architecture and everyday practices can be understood in their interplay.