The future is challenging the way we build our cities. In this module you will work in interdisciplinary teams on an integral design research for a city district in 2075. You research and design future solutions that enhance the quality of life, cut cities’ carbon emissions and build resilience to extreme weather. You research critical infrastructure services like mobility, energy, food, water and waste and its impact on the urban structure and public space.

​​​​​​​Guest speakers from the industry of smart mobility, alternative energy, waste flows, water management, smart cities, etcetera will share their knowledge and experience to support you in your project work. You will visit and investigate interesting projects on field trips in the Netherlands and abroad.

In this module you will work in an inspiring and challenging international environment. You will develop your skills in cross-cultural communication and teamwork through the course Intercultural Awareness.

Remark: this period 1 module ‘Future Cities’ (15 EC) can be combined with a period 2 module, e.g. ‘Watermanagement’, ‘Regenerative Design’ or ‘Constructies Beton en Staal’ (all 15 EC modules).  

• Able to work together in multidisciplinary international teams
• Thinking outside the box and being creative
• Acquiring an investigative attitude (context, program, reference projects, possibilities, solutions, etc.)
• Developing new spatial strategies/concepts
• Translating a spatial strategy/concept into a spatial design
• The technical development of the design in relation to vision and concept
• Reflecting on the process (about yourself and the team) 

Two years of bachelor studies in architecture, construction engineering, civil engineering, built environment, spatial development or infrastructural planning and indicative English B2 level, since the whole minor will be held in English due to the international students participating.

Relevant literature will be distributed online, next to searching for literature by yourself.

Weekly guest lectures to inspire, project guidance twice a week, research in different topics (same as guest lectures) and self tuition.

This module is based on 40 hrs availability/week, of which16 hours will be scheduled.  

Assignments and presentations (see also ‘onderdelen’)

Part of the minor is a field trip abroad, for which the described costs are intended.

Onderdelen

This module is divided into 4 different courses:

Kick off Future Cities
Getting to know each other and kick off for the projects and courses in the module. Lectures, excursions, workshops and a welcome party. Assignments have to be made to complete this first week.

Project Future Cities
You will work in an interdisciplinary team with also international students on an integral design research for a city district in 2075. You research and design future solutions that enhance the quality of life, cut cities’ carbon emissions and build resilience to extreme weather. An assignment including a final presentation has to be made to complete this course.

Lectures & Field Trip
In this course you will gain knowledge for your project by attending presentations of keynote speakers of different expertise. You will stay in a European city outside the Netherlands for a few days to understand, feel and experience such a particular city. We will visit interesting projects, exhibitions, etc. You will participate in organizing and preparing this field trip. You will also go on a 1-day Field trip with your project group, which you will organize by yourself. An assignment has te be made to complete this course.

Personal Leadership
In this course you will be working on your soft skills, which will be crucial for your success in the workplace. You will learn to take the lead in your own development and you will receive tools for fruitful cooperation and communication with others. This will take place via (mandatory) interactive workshops which will encourage you to get out of your comfort zone now and then. You will round off this course by means of an assessment in which you will reflect on your own development.