This week, the Spatial Planning summer school students stepped outside the classroom to explore urban planning in practice across Dortmund and Münster.

From the industrial heritage and transformation of the Ruhr District to the regeneration of former industrial sites such as Lake Phoenix, students observed how cities respond to changing social, environmental, and economic needs.

The group explored multicultural neighbourhoods, urban parks, climate adaptation, flash floods, public participation, cycling and transport policies, harbour regeneration, and the reconstruction of historic city centres. Along the way, they compared different approaches to urban reconstruction and reflected on how history and local identity shape the “spirit of a place.”

Through guided walks, field exercises, discussions with practitioners, and their own observations, students had the opportunity to connect planning theory with real urban spaces and challenges.

The week concluded with discussions on participatory planning for heat stress and post-flooding reconstruction. A week of learning by observing, questioning, comparing, and experiencing cities firsthand.