positive cities

In the Positive Cities project, we are collaborating with the Chair of Urban Development Processes at TU Dortmund University and Dutch architect Vincent van der Meulen to explore how a consistently positive and honest urban vision can emerge. Building on Vincent’s concept of “Building with a positive footprint,” we are examining how hope for a bright future arises and what role construction and architecture play in this process. The project kicked off with a joint program at the 2024 International Architecture Biennale Rotterdam, “Nature of Hope.” In the winter semester of 2024/2025, we will work with students to develop hopeful urban design concepts for a neighborhood in Bochum – including in the virtual XR world. In May 2025, Sebastian Schlecht also presented the concept at the “Hope – Reclaiming the Future” conference at the Free University of Bolzano. Join us in shaping a positive future!