From June 12 to 15, seize the opportunity to shape the future at the Temporary University of Hambach project week and become an active participant in transforming the Rhenish Mining Area.
"Temporary University of Hambach" is a pioneering initiative to foster structural change from the ground up. From June 12 to 15, diverse stakeholders from the Rhenish Mining Area will converge at the former riding stables in Morschenich-Alt to brainstorm and discuss innovative ideas for regional transformation.
What if structural change was driven by grassroots innovation? The "tu! Hambach" organizers are embracing this concept. Led by the transformation platform REVIERa and the Built and Lived Environment (BLE) Profile Area at RWTH, in collaboration with Neuland Hambach GmbH and hosted by the municipality of Merzenich, this event is poised to inspire great ideas.
Morschenich-Alt, soon to be known as Bürgewald, is a testament to the power of small-scale initiatives with far-reaching impacts. Once slated for demolition due to open-cast mining, the village now stands as a "hub of learning and creativity at the intersection of academia and various stakeholders from the Rhenish Mining Area." As Professor Agnes Förster, head of the Institute for Planning Theory and Urban Development at RWTH Aachen University, points out, the event’s inclusive and diverse nature is a key feature: "At tu! Hambach, participants engage in various formats and events - with open doors, welcoming all, because everyone’s voice and perspective are important to us."
Last year’s premiere was already a great success, with many people finding their way to the edge of the open-cast mine. This year, the four-day event will delve into the following specific themes: On June 12, the focus will be on "Planning Cultures of Transformation," followed by "Small Towns and Villages as Places of Transformation" on June 13. The topic on June 14 will be "In Dialogue with Young People from the Region," and the event will conclude on June 15 with "Made by People - A Hub of Community and Inclusive Participation." The event will feature over 40 activities, including a symposium, exhibitions, discussions, excursions, lectures, workshops, and collaborative sessions. Everyone interested in actively contributing to structural change is invited to participate. The event will be held in German, however. See the link below for details.
Engage in discussions that extend beyond the local level. Explore innovative fields like green hydrogen or help develop a master plan for Morschenich-Alt. The event welcomes a wide array of participants, from local residents and association members to initiative leaders and experts, including political decision-makers. Participants will also gain perspectives from colleagues in the Lusatian Mining Area, broadening their understanding of mining-related issues and solutions across different regions.
Learn more about Temporary University of Hambach here (de)
