Topic
Promoting dialogue between the planning faculties in Germany and the Federal Ministry for Building (BMUB) is a key priority of the National Urban Development Policy. Its relevance has evolved as a result of the ever more complex and interdisciplinary issues related to planning.
The cooperative project “Young Professionals Shape the Future” is intended to pursue current research questions in the field of urban development. This project is primarily aimed at up-and-coming planners and designers. For one thing, their visions, strategies and work methods should provide novel and unconventional input on urban development and urban planning in Germany. At the same time, students are acquainted with the research and fieldwork of the National Urban Development Policy, thus receiving insight into the fields of activity regarding the departmental research and policies of the Ministry. Innovative potential is guaranteed by selecting issues that are particularly relevant for the future. The objective is to explore a multifaceted and sweeping set of global issues by incorporating a wide range of institutes involved in urban planning and to introduce those issues to a broad expert audience – especially in the realm of politics and administration.
- The variety of universities allows for a broad and deep subject matter when working on global issues.
- The summer and winter schools focus on interaction and discussion.
- Preparing and presenting the results as a team encourages the universities to become involved in the national urban development debate in Germany.
Various approaches are explored with regard to method and content. Working together with other institutions prompts the students to reflect on their own learning and work behavior. Fieldwork, research and teaching are brought together from the very start by incorporating projects currently being run by the National Urban Development Policy and other practical examples.
As a whole, the project promotes dialogue between universities and experts working in the field, between young and established professionals and among the universities themselves. The intention behind this program is to spark new impetus using the students’ ideas on issues relevant for the future, to introduce young professionals to practical applications, and to encourage cooperation between students and teachers at universities, even beyond the confines of their own institutions. Ensuring continuity provides for close networking, which is worth expanding on account of the up-and-coming professionals in particular.