This module allows for various kinds of external workshops, summer schools, study trips, etc. It is not necessarily connected to the five units of the School of Architecture and often organised by other universities, consortia or research institutions. Usually, students attend workshops of 5 to 10 days and develop projects in groups. Presentations are reviewed by the workshop tutors.

Under the title “SocioEcoHoods – Teaching for the Socio-Ecological Transformation of Neighborhoods: An Interand Transdisciplinary Approach”, and as part of the Erasmus+ project, the University of Münster (DE), in cooperation with the Liechtenstein School of Architecture at the University of Liechtenstein (LI), the Bergen School of Architecture (NO), and the University of Genoa (IT), is planning a series of diverse student workshops at each partner university.

The Erasmus+ project “SocioEcoHoods” aims to promote shared values, civic engagement, and participation by fostering inter- and transdisciplinary learning focused on sustainable neighborhood development. In alignment with the EU Leipzig Charter and the New European Bauhaus Compass, it emphasizes innovative teaching formats across diverse urban contexts to stimulate collaboration among students, researchers, and local stakeholders. The initiative seeks to strengthen participatory practices and support sustainable urban transformation in line with European policy objectives. Each project partner will lead a work package that integrates research and teaching. The project will culminate in an international conference designed to facilitate knowledge exchange and critical reflection. Expected outcomes include innovative neighborhood development concepts, tailored tools for participatory planning, and enhanced inter- and transdisciplinary teaching practices. Ultimately, the project aims to generate lasting educational and societal impact by empowering learners and strengthening local planning capacities.

Organized by the University of Genoa, in collaboration with the Universities of Liechtenstein, the University of Münster, and the Bergen School of Architecture. This hackathon runs for five days and brings together students, researchers, and local stakeholders to actively explore and reimagine the ongoing transformation of Genova Prà: a neighborhood shaped by decades of urban change and future challenges. Through fieldwork, site visits, participatory mapping, design experimentation, and direct engagement with local communities, participants will tackle real-world issues in an intensive, collaborative environment. Working in interdisciplinary teams (architects, engineers, geographers, and more), they will develop policy briefs focused on urban regeneration. Key themes include: urban circularity, energy transition, tourism, and sea–mountain landscape connections. The hackathon fosters knowledge co-production across public, private, academic, and civic sectors, encouraging open dialogue and hands-on collaboration. Students will co-design proposals that address environmental sustainability, social inclusion, and spatial quality, while critically reflecting on the role of universities in driving urban transformation. The experience will culminate in a final presentation to the hackathon’s steering committee, followed by a public exhibition and participatory evaluation process. During this closing phase, outcomes will be shared with the local community and stakeholders, creating a platform to discuss results, explore future development scenarios for the neighborhood, and gather feedback and levels of consensus on the proposed strategies. By integrating servicelearning into a fastpaced, actionoriented format, the initiative empowers participants to move beyond theory and engage directly with complex societal challenges. More than a hackathon, this is a space for experimentation, exchange, and co-design.

Design or research workshops in groups under the guidance of mentors and with the active participation of the students.

After successful completion of the course, students will be able to

Relevant reading will be made available at the beginning of the course. A list of recommended literature will be announced in the course and updated on an ongoing basis.

None

Minimum 75% compulsory attendance and continuous assessment.
The final grade is calculated according to the weighting of the following components: submission (40%), presentation/participation (60%)

Registration is only binding after confirmation from the workshop leader.

For Bachelor students: submissions can be done in German